Valtira.
For a long moment, Zarek just stood there.
The entire room seemed to hold its breath. His eyes were darker than I’d ever seen them—like shadows carved from obsidian—and the air around him shifted, heavy enough to make the councilmen flinch.
“Valtira,” he said at last, his voice low and tight. “You’re pushing me.”
I folded my arms, refusing to step back. “I told you,” I said evenly. “I can do whatever I want.”
The words had barely left my mouth before his hand slammed down on the table. The crack echoed like thunder, and half the council jumped in their seats.
“That’s enough of this nonsense!” His voice filled the hall, sharp and unrelenting.
I flinched—just slightly—but held my ground. His fury pressed against my skin like heat, but I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of s
