Malrik’s POV

Confusion flickered across the others’ faces, but Zebulon’s expression hardened, the smug veneer stripped away. The laughter was gone. When he leaned forward this time, there was only gravity in his eyes deadly, deliberate.

“The woman with you,” he said slowly, “she’s not just anyone. She’s a direct descendant of the first Moonchild line. Orielle Moonchild’s own daughter. The compulsion gene runs in her blood.”

His gaze locked with mine, sharp enough to ...