I blinked, pulse racing. "I..I already said. From..."

"Don't lie." His tone cut like glass.

Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, studying me in a way that felt too careful, too exact.

He wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off the detailed tattoos on his arm. He was strong and commanding, but there was something almost gentle in the way he looked at me.

"No maid reacts like you did earlier. Not unless they've had training."

"I didn't..." My voice cracked. I ...