The door shut behind us with a quiet thud, sealing the room in a heavy stillness thick as velvet.

Kai's gaze slid to the blood streaking Scar's cheek, then shifted to me. His voice came low—measured and smooth, yet carrying the weight of a drawn blade.

"Come here."

I braced against the polished floor. Every motion was agony, but I forced myself upright.

Kindness wasn't a trait people ever associated with Kai Hunter.

But just ...