Catherine's POV

After I finished speaking, Bud fell into a troubling silence that unsettled me. The underground cell in the Black Tower was excessively spacious, and the candle flames burned steadily and slowly. The flickering light danced in Bud's eyes, as if something was slowly melting within him.

Suddenly, his warm embrace loosened, and the frigid air of the dungeon rushed in, bringing a sharp chill.

"Say that again," Bud said, each word echoing in the dimly lit confrontation. His gaze ...