"Lady Seraphina," he acknowledges, his voice dropping into that Alpha register. "I was just showing Lady Isla the architectural highlights of our home."
Our home. The possessive pronoun sends a thrill through me despite my anger.
"How thoughtful," I reply, my smile sharp. I position myself between them, forcing Lady Isla to step back. "Though I believe you and I have unfinished business, my lord. A matter of some... urgency."
Lady Isla's smile doesn't waver, but something in her posture stiffens. "I'm sure whatever it is can wait until our tour is complete," she suggests, her tone honey-sweet but her eyes sharp as daggers. "After all, I'm certain your... instincts... must be quite overwhelming right now."
The subtle condescension toward my Omega designation makes my light magic flicker dangerously. I take another step closer, letting just a hint of golden energy dance around my fingertips.
"I'm afraid not," I counter smoothly. "Matters between bonded mates take precedence over...sightseeing."
Malakai watches this exchange with barely concealed amusement, his shadows writhing with what I suspect is anticipation. There's something almost feral in his expression.
"Perhaps we could continue tomorrow, Lady Isla," he suggests, though his dark eyes never leave mine. His voice drops into that Alpha register that makes my knees weak. "I do have other obligations that require my immediate attention."
The dismissal is polite but firm, and Lady Isla's composure cracks slightly. She looks as if she's swallowed something sour, but recovers quickly.
"Of course, Lord Malakai," she says with forced brightness. "The Neutral Territories understand the...demands of your position." She casts a dismissive glance in my direction. "Until tomorrow, then."
She departs with measured steps, her back straight with wounded dignity. I wait until her footsteps fade before fixing Malakai with a steady glare.
"You owe me a truth," I state without preamble, crossing my arms.
His eyebrows rise fractionally, shadows coiling more densely around his feet. "Do I?"
"Three truths from me, one from you. That was our bargain before you..." I pause, heat rising in my cheeks as I remember exactly how our encounter ended. "Before we were interrupted."
A shadow of something—discomfort, perhaps regret—crosses his face. "And you've chosen to collect now?"
"Unless you're too busy giving private tours to eager diplomats," I reply with false sweetness.
He studies me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. His nostrils flare, scenting me. Then his mouth curves in that dangerous smile I've learned to both fear and anticipate.
"Come," he says, gesturing down the corridor. "My chambers will provide the privacy this conversation requires."
Without waiting for my answer, he strides toward the familiar wing that houses his rooms, shadows flowing in his wake like eager pets.
I follow, my heart racing with an emotion I'm finally ready to name.
Whatever happens next, I'm done pretending I don't want my Alpha.
Even if he screamed another Omega's name while inside me.
Even if his heart belongs to a ghost.
He's mine now. And I'm going to make him remember it.
This time, I won't let him walk away until I'm satisfied.
This time, I'm claiming what's mine.
CHAPTER 20
SHATTERED WALLS
Seraphina
His personal library is smaller than I expected—intimate, with a fire crackling in the ornate hearth and towering bookshelves lining the dark wood-paneled walls. Ancient tomes bound in leather and metal crowd the shelves, their spines glinting with arcane symbols that shift in the firelight. He moves to stand before the flames, their dancing light casting his chiseled features in stark relief, highlighting the hunting grace that never fully leaves him.
