You're hiding something," he said, gaze sharpening. "I can see it. I know you."
My breath caught in my throat. For a split second, I said nothing.
And that silence more than anything was my answer.
He didn't look away. His eyes were locked onto mine with the same intensity, sharp and cutting through every wall I tried to keep up.
I opened my mouth. Closed it again.
He exhaled slowly, as if the weight of the moment was pressing on his ribs. "You think I won't notice when something's off?"
I said nothing. Couldn't.
He stepped closer, his voice softer now but no less fierce. "You've been preparing for something. Something you're not telling me about. Is it a trap? A cost? A spell that only works if you—"
"No," I said too quickly.
His jaw tightened. "Then what, Riona?"
I looked away, suddenly finding the debris of the destroyed gate far more interesting than his gaze. My throat felt tight. My heartbeat was louder than it should've been.
