Chapter 34 · You decided it when you made me your prisoner

"You decided it when you made me your prisoner."

"You're alive because you're my prisoner."

"And if I refuse your chains?"

"They tighten."

"If I fight?"

"They drag you back."

"If I beg?"

His thumb brushed once over her jaw.

"I might listen."

The answer left a dangerous pause between them.

Selena's breath caught again. Her hands loosened against his chest, but she did not step away.

"You really are a monster now," she said.

"You made one."

"No. The Void made you."

"You opened the door."

"And you came back for me."

Cane's eyes narrowed.

"Don't mistake ownership for forgiveness."

"I don't."

"Then stop looking at me like you want both."

Her lips parted. "Maybe I do."

The words were barely audible.

Cane leaned down until his forehead touched hers. Their breath mixed in the thin space between them. Selena's eyes closed, but her fingers caught the front of his coat again.

"Tell me to stop," he said.

"You don't want me to."

"Tell me anyway."

She opened her eyes.

For one second, the fierce Saintess disappeared.