Her visit unsettled me. She risked her life to come here—and for what?

“You crossed enemy lines just to deliver this?” My voice was flat, suspicious. “I don’t believe you’d endanger yourself for a message that isn’t even yours.”

Marina didn’t answer. She only watched me, her crimson eyes glowing in the dim light, unblinking, unwavering.

“Come closer,” she whispered, her tone smooth, dangerous.

I hesitated, weighing the trap behind her words.

“I won’t bite,” she ...