Lia's POV

Those words struck me like a bolt of lightning. For existence. Its weight bore down on my chest, making it difficult to breathe. His gaze was locked onto me, shadowy and inscrutable. Was he anticipating a response? A request? I possessed none. My voice was paralyzed, my thoughts racing in fear.

A sudden knock shattered the tension. I turned my head sharply to the door, and Dante's attitude altered. He spun around, his hand automatically reaching for the gun I was aware he had ...