A sharp scream tore through the corridor outside the ancestral hall.
It was not a normal shout.
It was shrill, furious, filled with humiliation and rage that had not yet found a place to land.
The sound cut through the thick air like a blade.
Cain and Cornelia snapped back to reality at the same time.
The world rushed in again.
The torches flickered.
The murmurs of the nobles returned.
The warmth between them vanished as though someone had poured cold water over their heads.
Cornelia's face flushed deep red, the color spreading from her cheeks to the tips of her ears.
Cain felt heat rise up his own neck.
He pulled his head back abruptly, eyes widening slightly.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!
His thoughts spiraled wildly.
I almost kissed her! I almost did! Damn it!
His heart pounded against his ribs, heavy and loud.
The blood pact would have gotten stronger if I did. Damn it! Damn this shit! Damn it all!
