Winter’s POV

And just like that, I offered myself up like a peace offering laid at the feet of a monster.

What I hadn’t expected was that the cost would be immediate.

Fadel’s grip closed around my wrist, firm enough to warn, not bruise. He didn’t speak. He didn’t need to. He pulled me down the corridor, my steps stumbling to keep up with his longer stride.

I assumed, stupidly, that we were heading to his room. A bedroom. Something familiar. Something human.

The way his gaze had ...