Chapter 6 · Shadows in the Sanctuary

"Stay behind me and keep your mouth shut, Nova. One wrong word and you're back in the holding cells."

Kael’s hand clamped onto my upper arm, his grip tight enough to leave a mark. He didn't look at me—he was too busy flashing that blinding, saint-like smile at the group of acolytes blocking the hallway.

I tried to wrench my arm away, but he just tightened his hold, pulling me flush against his side. I could feel the heat radiating off him, the smell of ozone and expensive soap. It was sickening.

"You're hurting me," I hissed, my voice a low scrape.

Kael leaned in, his lips almost brushing my ear. The smile never left his face, but his voice dropped to a lethal whisper. "Good. Maybe it'll remind you who owns your leash right now."

He stepped forward, practically dragging me into the light of the main atrium. A dozen pairs of eyes snapped toward us. These were the 'pure' ones—the golden boys and girls of the Sanctuary who spent their days meditating on justice and their nights judging everyone else.

"Kael!" a girl with a shimmering silver cloak called out, her brow furrowed. "Is that...