“You had time for her,” I bit out. “You always do.”
He said nothing. The silence was worse than words.
---
Two days later, I walked into the study. Shoulder bandaged. Anger sharp enough to cut through bone.
He stood at attention.
“Kneel.”
Kael hesitated, then obeyed. Slowly.
“You failed your oath as my knight,” I said quietly. “You know the law—failure is repaid in blood.”
He didn’t flinch. “I know.”
“But I won’t kill you,” I continued. “Death’s too merciful. A punishment fits better, don’t you think?”
He looked up briefly, eyes weary but resolute. “If that’s what it takes.”
A laugh tore from my throat—bitter, hollow. “You’ll endure anything for her, won’t you?”
He didn’t deny it. He didn’t have to.
My claws slid free.
And just as I raised my hand—
“Stop!”
Elowen burst into the room, tears streaming, throwing herself between us. “Punish me! He did nothing wrong!”
“Move, Elowen.”
“No!”
Kael tried to pull her aside, but she clung to him, trembling.
“I said move!” I roared, fury spilling over.
She didn’t. And my wolf snapped.
My claws cut through the air before I could stop them. The scent of blood followed.
Elowen screamed, crumpling, her arms slashed open.