Chapter 186
Annalise
“What is your name?”
Sylus’s voice rang through the vast, hollow hall—sharp, cold, stripped of anything familiar. It wasn’t a question. It was a demand.
I didn’t hesitate. I couldn’t. My voice was a whisper, but it was steady.
“Annalise.”
Still, I didn’t look up. I couldn’t bear to. My eyes stayed fixed on the floor, on the slight curve of my belly that my arms subconsciously wrapped around. I didn’t need to look to know what they were thinking. I could feel it seeping off them—rage, betrayal, heartbreak.
“Look up,” Cassian ordered, his voice a low growl, barely holding back the storm behind it.
I did.
I forced myself to.
But the moment my eyes met his, he looked away—jaw clenched so tight I thought he’d snap a tooth. His body trembled as though just standing
