"What was what?" she asks, her confusion appearing genuine. But there's something else in her expression—a wariness that hadn't been there before.
"Don't play innocent," I growl, stalking back to her. "There was someone…or something…here just now. Something that shouldn't exist within my court. Fae magic."
"Perhaps it's your guilty conscience," she suggests, taking a step back. "Do Shadow Lords have those, or did you sacrifice yours for extra brooding intensity?"
I grab her wrist, pulling her against me. "This isn't a joke, Seraphina . There are forces at work here that even I don't fully understand. If you've brought something dangerous into my court…"
"The only dangerous thing I've encountered in your court is you," she interrupts, trying to pull away.
I hold firm, studying her face for any sign of deception. The bond between us pulses with something complex—fear, defiance, and beneath it all, a strange protective instinct I can't quite place.
"You're hiding something," I say slowly. "And I will discover what it is."
"You're paranoid," she counters. "And delusional."
I release her wrist but remain close. "Be careful, Omega. I've destroyed people for far less than keeping secrets from me."
"Then destroy me," she challenges, her chin lifting in that defiant gesture that makes my blood run hot. "End this farce of a marriage."
I laugh, the sound echoing off the courtyard walls. "Oh no, my precious light-bearer. That would be far too simple." I lean closer, my lips nearly brushing her ear. "I'm going to unravel you slowly, thread by thread, until every secret you keep is laid bare before me. And when I discover what…or who…you're hiding, the consequences will be memorable."
She holds my gaze, unflinching. "You don't frighten me, Malakai."
"Then you're not paying attention." I step back, shadows swirling around me. "From now on, you'll remain within my sight at all times. If you need to use the bathroom, I'll watch the door. If you bathe, I'll sit at the edge of the tub. If you sleep…well, that's already arranged, isn't it?"
Her eyes flash with genuine anger. "You can't..."
"I can do whatever I want. I'm the fucking Shadow Lord. Your Alpha. And you, my dear Omega, are now my favorite project."
I offer her my arm with mocking courtesy. "Shall we begin our new arrangement immediately? I believe it's time for the midday meal."
She looks at my offered arm with undisguised revulsion. "I'd rather starve."
"That can be arranged, too. But it won't change anything. You're mine, Seraphina . My mate. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will be."
I grasp her hand and place it firmly on my arm, ignoring her attempt to pull away. "Now smile, Omega. The court is watching, and we wouldn't want them to think there's trouble in our perfect mated pair, would we?"
As I lead her back toward the palace, I remain acutely aware of two things: the stiffness in her posture that betrays her hatred, and the lingering trace of that strange fae presence I sensed.
Something is watching us—something ancient and powerful that shouldn't exist within my realm.
And somehow, I'm certain it's connected to my mysterious bride.
The hunt for her secrets has just become far more interesting than I anticipated. And I've always loved a good hunt.
Especially when the prey has nowhere left to run.
CHAPTER 14
THE ASSASSIN'S DILEMMA
SERAPHINA
The morning light filtering through the stained glass windows casts eerie patterns across the breakfast table, painting Malakai's sharp features in alternating shades of crimson and violet. I push my food around my plate, hyper-aware of his gaze. Yesterday's sparring session left my muscles aching. Two weeks have passed since the corridor incident, and Malakai maintains constant surveillance. The memory still burns beneath my skin—not just what happened, but how the entire court knows. How they heard me. How they smelled my arousal, my slick, my complete surrender to my Alpha.
"Not hungry, Omega?" Malakai asks, his voice deceptively casual as he cuts into a piece of rare meat. Blood pools on his plate.
"I find my appetite diminishes in certain company," I reply, meeting his eyes.
