Because in this court… power didn’t just manipulate politics.
It weaponized people.
And someone had just used me to draw blood.
Zander exhaled hard, dragging a hand through his hair as though the motion could clear the shadows behind his eyes. He didn’t look at me as he said, “I don’t know who gave the order.”
But then his gaze slid, sharp and deliberate to Remy.
“But it was inappropriate forhimto use the situation to his advantage.”
The words dropped like a blade between us, clean and cruel.
Remy stiffened. His expression cooled instantly, shoulders squaring as he turned to face Zander fully. “You think I planned this? That I sat back while she screamed just so I couldholdher after?”
“You didn’tstopit,” Zander growled.
“Iendedit,” Remy shot back, his voice like a whip. “Don’t twist what I did just because you weren’t allowed to move.”
“You didn’t have to touch her like that?—”
“Someone had to,” Remy cut in. “She was shaking. Burning. And you were across the ring doingnothing.”
“I would’ve burned Perin alive!”
“And you’d be locked in a dungeon for treason,” Remy hissed. “So don’t act likeyou’rethe only one who cares about her.”
Zander stepped forward, fists clenched at his sides. The tension in the room turned molten, the air thick with the scent of ozone and flickering fire. For a second, I thought one of them might actually draw steel.
“She’snota prize,” Zander ground out. “She’s not some pawn in whatever guilt you’re carrying from leaving her. You don’t get to pretend she’s yours just because she’s hurting.”
Remy’s jaw tightened. “And you don’t get to push her away every time you’re scared of what loving her mightcostyou.”
Zander’s breath caught.
That hit too close.
They stared each other down like twin storms, wind clashing with fire, restraint wearing thin.
And in the middle, I stood, aching, exhausted, and furious that I was still the battleground.
Chapter
Twenty
“That’s enough.”
My voice cracked through the tension like lightning across the dry sky. Both men froze mid-glare, their shoulders taut, chests rising and falling like beasts ready to charge.
“I am not some scrap of meat for you two to tear at,” I snapped, stepping between them. My body still ached from the trial, but I didn’t care. “I’m not yours to fight over. I’m not a possession. And gods, I sure as hell am not some prize for whoever wins this argument.”
Zander’s jaw clenched. “It’s not like that?—”
“Isn’t it?” Remy cut in, voice rough with restrained fury. “You knew I was involved with her.”
Zander’s eyes narrowed. “Yes. I read the report. I know youlefther.”
That one cut deep. I saw it land in Remy’s chest like a dagger, and the sharp twist that followed was mine.
