I pressed my forehead to hers, our breaths mingling in the dark.
"Mira," I whispered, so softly even the walls couldn't hear. "I think I... like it here."
She recoiled like I'd struck her. "What?"
"Not…..not all of it!" I caught her hands before she could pull away. "But the way they touch me, the way they want me... Mira, I've never felt like this before."
Her lower lip trembled. "You're brainwashed"
"I'm alive," I breathed.
A beat of silence. Then, barely audible:
"And... I think I have feelings for one of them."
Mira's nails dug into my palms. "Who?"
I leaned in, letting my lips brush her ear as I whispered a name—
The door slammed open.
Kael filled the doorway, his golden eyes blazing. "There you are."
Mira shoved me behind her, baring her teeth like a cornered fox. "Stay the hell away from her—"
"Mira, no"
Too late.
Jax appeared behind Kael, his grin feral as he lunged.
