Gavriel’s words still lingered in the air. “Tell me, how should I deal with you?”

Althea’s heart hammered against her ribs. His voice was sharp, but his eyes—those eyes that never looked away—were heavy with something else. She swallowed hard, forcing her trembling hands to stay still.

“You deal with me,” she said softly, “by seeing me for who I am… not for what my father has done.”

His gaze darkened. He stepped closer until the space between them nearly vanished. ...