Page 49 of The Madness Within

I sat up slowly, sheets sliding off bare legs. I didn’t remember falling asleep. Didn’t remember giving in to the comfort he had curated like a perfect lie. The silk robe folded neatly at the foot of the bed was my size.

Of course it was.

I rose and wrapped it around me, my pulse steady even though it shouldn’t be.

The door was sealed. I already knew that. The last time I touched the handle, something beneath the metal whispered. Something I’d never felt before. Ancient. Hungry. The shadows flinched when I got too close.

He’s watching me.

Somehow.

Always.

But he wasn’t here now.

Good.

I stepped to the mirror, brushed my fingers through my hair, and caught my own eyes in the reflection. I didn’t look scared. I looked pissed. Curious. Dangerous in a different way.

He thought I was his secret. But he’s mine, too now.

When he finally entered, it was without a knock. Just the sound of the lock disengaging, like a leash being yanked.

Dorian stepped in like he owned the oxygen.

And maybe he did.

His shirt was unbuttoned at the collar. The veins in his forearms pulsed beneath his sleeves. His magic rolled off him in waves, dark, ancient, erotic.

I folded my arms. “If I’m going to be a hostage, I’d like better coffee.”

He smirked. “You’ll drink what I bring you.”

“Mm. Control issues noted.”

He raised a brow. “You’re remarkably well-adjusted for someone held captive in a sorcerer’s mansion.”

“Sorcerer. Wow. That almost makes you sound less like a psychopath.”

He moved closer. The air tightened between us. “Even though you’re stuck in this room, I’ll give you your mic. Your setup. You will still have your voice, Ember.”

“As long as I don’t say thewrongthings,” I bit back. “Which is code for, as long as I don’t say thetruethings.”

His jaw ticked.

I smiled.

Got you.

“Touchy,” I murmured. “Struck a nerve, Vale?”

He stalked toward me now, each step slow and deliberate. Shadows curled along the walls like they’re listening. “You don’t know what you’re playing with.”

“That’s the thing,” I said, stepping into him. Our chests almost touched. “I think I do.” He watched me. Eyes darkened. Unreadable. “You’ve killed monsters, Dorian,” I whispered. “But what happens when the monsterfightsback?”

His hand lifted, fingers brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. Light. Reverent. “Then I chain her to my bed,” he murmured, “and see how long it takes before she begs to stay.”

My breath caught.

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