CHAPTER TWO

ELIAS

“Brother Elias.”

The elder’s voice still echoed in my head as I carried the wooden tray down the stone steps. Do not falter. Do not speak to her more than you must. Bring her food. Leave at once.

But my body wouldn’t listen. My mind had been ruined since last night. Since the moment her lips brushed mine.

“You’re late,” she purred the second I appeared in the dim chamber.

“I… was busy with study,” I muttered, setting the tray near the ...