Chapter 33 · You heard that

He had tasted nightmares before. He had devoured rage, panic, and the sick terror of creatures that hunted him through the dark. This was different. Selena's despair had no edges. It spread through the Void like ink in water, cold and heavy, carrying every thought she had never dared to speak.

I should have stopped him.

I should have taken the blade.

I should have died with him.

Cane's jaw clenched.

"You heard that," Selena said.

"Yes."

"Then leave me alone."

"You want to die?"

Her laugh shook. "You dragged me here to punish me. Why pretend you care?"

"I didn't say I cared."

"You don't have to. Your face gives you away."

His grip on her wrist shifted.

Selena looked down at his hand, then back up. Her voice came out quieter.

"There. That pause. You still know how to hesitate."

"Careful."

"What are you going to do? Make the chain tighter? Break my mind? Turn me into another nightmare you can swallow?"

"I could."

"But you won't."

Cane's shadow rose behind him, spreading across the slab. It formed a crown of black flame over his head.

"You don't know what I will do."

"I know what you want."