I square my shoulders, heart still racing. I’m not in the mood for this. After Raiden dragged me away from Nolan and Mira, only to bite me and then leave me, I really don’t want to see or talk to anyone.
He pushes off the wall in one fluid motion, the shadows clinging to him. He steps into the faint glow of a wardlight overhead. His coat catches the little light there is, dark and sleek. His pale skin makes him look ethereal and mystical rather than any man I’ve ever seen.
“Lost?” he asks. Amusement colors his question, and I bristle.
I lift my chin. “No.”
A slow smile curves his mouth, small and knowing.
“No?” His gaze drifts lower, pausing for half a beat, right where my fingers are still pressed against my collarbone.
I drop my hand fast. Heat flares in my face. His smile deepens, just a breath as if he can see the spot where Raiden’s teeth pressed into my skin.
“Rough night?” he murmurs, tilting his head, studying me like I'm an interesting puzzle piece.
The tether with Raiden still burns low beneath my skin—taut, restless, and nothing I can even make out. The bite-mark throbs faintly. And now this one’s smirking at me like he knows everything.
I plant my feet. “What do you want?”
“I was out walking,” he says lazily. “You were...difficult to miss.”
I bite back a curse. Of course. I’m practically broadcasting rage through every pore.
“Do you always stalk girls in dark hallways?” I snap.
His laugh is soft. Low.
“Only the interesting ones.”
He steps closer. Not fast or threatening. But deliberate.
The shadows seem to fold around him as he moves. Like he belongs to them. I keep my stance firm, even as my pulse stutters.
He stops a few feet away. Close enough to remind me how alone I am in this hall. Close enough that I can see the faint glint in his pale eyes.
“Careful,” I say. “I bite back.”
Kael’s smile widens—not mocking this time. Almost… pleased.
“I imagine you do.” He rubs his jaw and glances away before bringing his gaze back to me.
The bond with Raiden throbs hotter beneath my skin at the memory, matching the throb at my collarbone. I force a breath through my teeth.
Kael watches me a beat longer, then shifts his weight back a fraction, one hand sliding casually into his coat pocket.
“Your tether is loud tonight,” he says, tone almost idle. “Anyone within a hundred paces could feel it.”
My stomach twists.That’s a thing?I lift my chin. “Not your business.”
He arches a brow. “Perhaps. But wandering down here alone?” He gestures faintly to the shadowed corridor. “Not wise. A monster could stumble upon you.”
I grit my teeth, swallowing another curse. I’m betting he’s the monster he’s referring to.
His gaze flicks toward the deeper end of the hall. “There are wards here even most Bloods avoid. If you keep going...” He lets the sentence trail off, a subtle warning. He shifts his gaze back to mine. “I could show you the way back.”
A pause. Intent hanging between us.
“Unless, of course…” His mouth curves again, lazy. “You’d rather wander with your temper.”
