ARIA’S POV

“Tom?” I said out loud, unsure if I was seeing correctly, because Tom was Kael's right-hand man. There was no way he would be here, unless…

My thoughts stopped as Tom tiptoed over, watching every corner of the environment as he walked. I opened my mouth to say something, but he put a hand on my lips and then leaned in.

“Kael sent me here.” He whispered. I almost burst with excitement.

“Kael, how?” I asked, my voice shaky.

He stepped back a bit, scanning the surroundings again, and then sat down in the chair close to me.

“I joined in on the day you departed. Kael sent me to protect you, and also I would be the means…” he was cut short as the door of the garden suddenly opened and Liam was standing in his full glory.

I blinked and felt a hard bulge on my throat. “Erm, so what else is fun to do around here?” I asked Tom immediately, unsure of how my voice even sounded.

“I will tell you others later, Luna,” Tom said quickly as he stood. He bowed to Liam before disappearing into the gardens, and me—I was left sweating profusely.

Liam scoffed. “Now taking fancies on my men?”

I rolled my eyes. I needed to change the topic fast. “Are you done with your whores?” I asked without thinking.

Liam smiled in that annoying way of his. “Nah, I’m done.” He paused and leaned in, his voice dropping lower. “Wanna join?” His hand brushed over my face, gently removing some strands of hair that had fallen.

I breathed in sharply as his fingers skimmed my skin, but he only winked and withdrew before leaving the garden.

The moment the door closed, I wiped the place his hand had touched. My stomach twisted in disgust.

Why does my body betray me every time he comes close? His touch was cold and tingling—yet my skin burned with it. I hated myself for even reacting. I hated the way his presence sucked all the air out of my chest.

Kael’s face flashed in my mind—his smile, his warmth, and his voice. I clenched my fists, forcing the thought of Liam out. I belong to Kael, not this monster. I can’t let him get to me. I won’t.

I spat on the sand to purge the icky feeling and steadied my breathing.

After making sure I couldn’t hear footsteps anymore, I even cracked the door open to confirm the coast was clear. Then I searched around, but no sign of Tom. Darn it! I cursed silently. Still, Tom’s appearance was something. It was hope. The only glowy thing in this deadly place.

I sat back in the garden for some time, smiling at myself, stuck in my imagination, but the people loitering around wouldn’t let me be. I was tired of responding to greetings, so I left.

As I got to the door of the room, I pushed it open and my jaw fell.

Liam was standing stark naked.

I froze immediately, my eyes betraying me as they went downward. My chest thudded so hard I thought it would give me away. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and yet… I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. He walked toward me, slow, deliberate, every step heavy with dominance.

All my insides screamed: Run! Back away! But my body was rooted to the spot, like invisible chains held me in place. His muscles flexed, his raw strength impossible to ignore. My eyes—oh God, my eyes wandered even when I cursed them not to.

He finally stood in front of me, leaning down until his hot breath ghosted over my lips. My skin tingled against my will.

“Do you want to have a taste?” he asked, his voice husky, daring, and dangerous.

I swallowed hard. For a heartbeat, I felt like his entire body was consuming mine, pressing me into the wall without even touching me. My knees weakened, a shameful part of me trembling at the intensity. No! No, think of Kael.

I closed my eyes and conjured Kael’s face, his smile, his arms around me. Then I shoved Liam back with sudden strength and stepped away, forcing my gaze upward but failing, my eyes betraying me again—lingering too long where they shouldn’t.

I let out a sharp and cold laugh.

“I have seen better,” I said with a mocking tone.

I sat down deliberately, crossing my legs as I watched his face twist with fury, and his jaw tighten. Oh, how I enjoyed that look.