I’m coming for you.
-V
I read the words again. Then again. My heart fluttered with hope. So he hadn’t forgotten me. Good. Perhaps he’d negotiate for my return and we’d find my sister.
“What is your relationship with the Halfbreed?” heasked coldly.
I pushed the message aside. “He hates that word. So do I. You shouldn’t spit on someone for how they’re born.”
He sneered. “Are you in love with him?”
“Why do you care?”
Kairos leaned forward, his nostrils flaring. “When a male vows to burn my realm to the ground over a mortal girl, I take notice. Especially when the Halfbreed is sending me love notes written in blood.”
“It’s not alove note.”
“‘I’m coming for you, Aelie.’”
“He didn’t mean it like that.”
Did he?The words had felt real, like the man I’d fallen for had slipped through the cracks. Would I even take him back?
“Look at me.”
I dragged my gaze to his and wished I hadn’t. His expression was merciless, his mouth curved into a smile that promised pain.
“If Vaeris enters my realm, he dies.Slowly.”
I gripped the edge of the table. The wood bit into my palms. I forced myself to inhale, but each breath was shallow.
Kairos stood, his chair scraping back. “See that she’s fed.”
I grabbed his arm. “If I run, what then?”
He looked down at me. “Then I’ll enjoy the chase.”
18
THE BLOODBOUND COURT
I barely slept.
The food was too rich for a stomach used to hunger, and when I finally drifted off, my dreams were filled with snarling beasts. One sank its teeth into my throat just as the door creaked open.
“Good morning, Mistress Aelie.” A blonde fae with sleek hair swept inside, carrying a tray.
I wiped my eyes. “Um, morning.”
“I’m Thessia, your attendant.” She set the tray down, dimples popping in her cheeks. “The king appointed me personally. Quite an honor, I usually serve the archivist.”
I sat upright, my mind sharpening. Attendants knew things—routines, layouts, gossip.
“Where’s the king?” I asked.
Thessia’s smile flickered. “Training, I believe.”
I licked my dry lips. “Does he train every morning?”
