Zoe POV

Vark laughs.

Not a short, dismissive sound—a real laugh, unhurried and genuine, like I've said something that delights him. He tilts his head back and lets it happen, and when it fades he looks at me with something that might almost be warmth.

"I love that," he says. "Monster." He seems to taste the word, to turn it over and find it satisfying. "That's exactly what I want. Monstrous. Terrifying. Unstoppable." His eyes hold mine without any discomfort whatsoever. ...