Lakan had just left after checking on Althea and making sure she was not hurt. Then Ash had been sent outside with Melva.

Althea swallowed hard under Gavriel’s intense stare. They were alone in the bedchamber now and the air felt heavy and still. She sat on the edge of the bed, her hands resting on her lap, while Gavriel stood a few feet away.

Without breaking eye contact, Gavriel pulled a chair closer and sat right in front of her. His posture was firm, his arms crossed, and his ...