Elena's POV

The moment the words left my mouth, I knew I had made a mistake.

I felt it before I saw it. The subtle change in the air, the way Damien’s grip tightened around my wrist, no longer restrained but firm and unyielding. When I looked up, his eyes had narrowed, sharp and focused, as if he were dissecting me piece by piece.

“Explain,” he said.

His voice was low, controlled, and far more dangerous than if he had raised it.

I instinctively tried to pull my hand back. The ...