Page 49 of Bonded Chaos

As I leaned forward, I rested my head on the cool glass and allowed my breathing to even out.

“You’re jumping at shadows now, Cadence. If you ever hope to leave this place, you’ll need to strengthen that backbone,” I chided.

I straightened and studied my reflection in the window.

Then I let out a blood-curdling scream.

A figure stood behind me, their face hidden beneath the cowl of their hood, and their black clothing blended seamlessly into the night.

I spun around, my magic thrumming wildly inside me as I prepared to defend myself.

But when I turned, the person was gone, leaving nothing but empty space and the crippling weight of unseen eyes.

My breath came fast and shallow as my heart hammered in my chest.

Had I imagined it?

I glanced down and realized I was still clutching the note in my palm.

That, at least, had been real.

Leave. This is your only warning.

The unspoken threat was apparent.

There was little I could do to heed the warning, however, when Ryker held me prisoner inside the palace.

I would leave if I could. Iwantedto do just that.

Resolve settled in the pit of my stomach, and I set my jaw. I couldn’t escape this place, but I sure as hell wouldn’t sit around waiting to be ambushed if the note’s author returned.

Next time, I would be ready for them.

Chapter Twenty

Cadence

The door to the outer chamber creaked open, and I stiffened. I’d been on edge ever since I found the note.

The sound of heavy footfalls followed, but I was now so familiar with Ryker’s gait that I instantly relaxed.

Then I remembered it was his fault that I was in this situation, and anger flooded my system like a wild maelstrom.

A moment later, the door swung wide, and Ryker stepped inside.

I bristled at the sight of him.

He had pulled the strands of his light-colored hair into a messy knot atop his head. No care or attention had gone into the updo, and yet, it made him look evenmoreattractive.

Fucking asshole.

His tight leather trousers did nothing to lessen that impression. His thick, muscular thighs and toned ass hinted at the hours he spent training, honing, and enhancing his skills. With his white tunic loose, he flaunted his muscular chest, and I fought the urge to lick my lips.

No. Absolutely not. I was not going there.

This man was my enemy, and my body needed to get on board with that notion and stop betraying me.

I snapped the book I had been reading shut and tossed it onto the bed.

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