*Briella*

I was still staring up at Malphas with horror. Even though his large hand was cold, it felt like it was burning my skin. But I couldn’t step away. It felt like I had full control of my body this time, but I was too paralyzed with shock.

Malphas stared down at me with amusement. “Nothing to say to me, my dear?” he asked in a deep, gravelly voice. He tsked, shaking his head as if disappointed. “What a shame since we are essentially family.”

My ...