The quiet between us cracked like glass.

Kael pulled a hand through his hair. “Then we’re running out of time.”

“What do you mean?”

“If Selene bound him to you, it wasn’t mercy. It was policy. She’s using you as a carrier. A bridge.”

I shook my head. “No. No, Elias would never”

But the voice inside interrupted, low and haunted. “Rory. Listen to him.”

“Stop,” I begged. “Just stop!”

Kael stepped closer, grabbing my shoulders. “You have ...