McKenna stood before him — the master — a figure wrapped in shadow and firelight, his presence ancient, commanding, and unbearably magnetic. The whispers around her were louder now, pulsing through her blood like a song she could no longer silence.
Azeo’s mind brushed against hers through the fragile link they shared, his voice strained with fury and fear.
“McKenna… stop. Don’t let him near you.”
But she couldn’t answer. Couldn’t risk him hearing the master’s thoughts bleeding into hers.
The master circled her slowly, eyes gleaming like molten gold. “You still fight me,” he murmured, voice like silk over steel. “You wear defiance as armor, but I can feel your pulse betraying you.”
McKenna forced a smirk. “Maybe I just enjoy danger.”
He smiled, a predator amused. “Then enjoy this.”
H
