The cold metal pressed against her skin. Not cutting, but there. A reminder of how easily he could end her life.
"Like I said, you're either very brave," he whispered, "or very stupid."
Though her heartbeat trembled like a startled drum, Soyeon steadied herself, lifting her chin to meet his eyes.
"I don't care."
His expression flickered. Confusion. Surprise.
"What?"
"I don't care if you kill me for speaking the truth." Her voice shook but held steady. "You're not just a bastard or a second choice. Nobody should be reduced to that. You're—" She swallowed against the knife. "You're worth something."
For a long moment, he just stared at her.
Then, slowly, he lowered the knife.
"You're even crazier than I thought," he said quietly.
He stepped back, sheathing the knife. The cold mask slipped back into place, perfectly still, though in his eyes a quiet change rippled through the darkness.
"Prepare yourself," he said. "You'll be accompanying me today."
"Accompanying you where?"
