Chloe's pulse hammered in her ears, the cold press of fear crawling over her skin. Her wrists still ached from the restraints, her body trembling from everything Valerius had done and everything he hadn't.

The blade hovered near his throat, the woman's face carved from ice. But then, without warning, her lips curled and a sharp laugh sliced through the tension. It was mocking, rich with amusement.

"Valerius," she drawled, lowering the dagger just slightly, "you were right. This girl is so ...