Chapter 34 · The Forbidden Sync

"Stop fighting it, Nova. You’re shaking," Kael’s voice was a low vibration against my ear. He had me pinned against the cold stone of the altar, his chest pressing into my shoulder blades, locking me in place.

"I’m not shaking, I’m vibrating with the urge to punch you in the throat," I spat, though my breath was coming in ragged hitches.

He didn't flinch. Instead, his hand slid from my waist up to the nape of my neck, his fingers digging in just enough to force my head back. I could feel the heat radiating off him, that suffocating 'golden boy' aura that usually smelled like ozone and self-righteousness. Right now, it just smelled like sweat and something dangerous.

"The Core is split," he whispered, his breath ghosting over my skin. "You know the rules of the Sanctuary. You can't bridge the gap alone. You need a conduit. You need me."

"I don't need anything from a glorified hall monitor," I snapped. I tried to wrench myself away, but he shifted his weight, pressing his thigh firmly between mine. The contact was sudden, electric, and completely inappropriate for a 'hero' of his standing.

"Liar," Kael murmured. "Your energy is leaking.