Chapter 6 · Apartment Interrogation

"Sit. Down."

Kael didn't ask. He shoved me into the rickety wooden chair, the force of it sending a jolt through my spine. The chair groaned under my weight, and I glared up at him, my breath coming in sharp, jagged hitches.

"You're getting awfully bossy for a guy who’s basically my bodyguard now," I spat, trying to keep my voice from shaking.

Kael didn't laugh. He didn't even smile. He stepped into my space, the heavy thud of his boots echoing in the cramped apartment. He leaned down, his face inches from mine, smelling of cold rain and old leather. He grabbed the arms of the chair, pinning me in.

"You're not a client, Sera. You're a liability with a price tag on her head," he whispered, his voice a low growl. "And right now, you're lying to me. About everything."

I tilted my chin up, refusing to blink. "I told you what happened. The Council betrayed me. They took my divinity. What more do you want?"

"I want the truth," he snapped. He reached out, his fingers gripping my jaw. Not enough to bruise, but enough to make sure I couldn't look away.