CHAPTER NINE

The last candle had gone out, plunging the room into darkness. My pulse pounded in my ears, and the mark on my wrist glowed faintly in the gloom.

Kael stood before me, his chest rising and falling with short, ragged breaths. His eyes flickered as if struggling to regain control.

"Alpha Kael…" I whispered, taking a step forward. "What's wrong?"

"Stay away," he growled, his voice cracking with restraint.

The brand burned more intensely. I gasped, clutching it, but the pain didn't fee