Page 94 of The Darkness is Calling

He doesn’t shout. He doesn’t ask.

Only one word, spoken in a single breath.

My heart stops, and my stomach is invaded by a million contradictory emotions.

As always, he looks impeccable. The same entirely black outfit dresses his tall body, and his eyes seem to be trying to tell me something.

But in this moment, I no longer want to know.

I no longer want to feed again on the illusion this man managed to bind me to so easily in the weeks I spent here. A beautiful lie, but toxic. Just like him.

But I can be toxic too.

With superhuman effort, I manage to keep a cold mask on my face, one that barely covers the pain still tearing my heart apart. Especially when his deep voice makes my feet stop where they are.

“Why did my father call to tell me that, starting tonight, you’ll be staying somewhere else?”

It seems the conversation I had with Vor Leonid on the way to the house has already reached Pakhan’s ears.

With iron confidence and an icy stare, I manage to form the words.

“And who did you want to do it?” I shoot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. “The King of England?”

He frowns, but I notice the muscle ticking in his clean-shaven cheek.

“I’m sorry about today…”

“It’s better this way,” I cut him off shortly, moving toward the door.

“Why?”

“Because now I clearly saw which direction I need to go from here.”

“And you think leaving is a good idea?”

I roll my eyes, slowing when I reach his side. Then I fix him with a stare cold enough to rival the demon himself.

“Oh, I’m certain changing the scenery is a good idea,” I say slowly, but firmly. “I got bored with this one.”

His face darkens, and I know this is the moment to walk away.

But he catches my wrist and stops me.

“Katya...”

I tear my hand from his grip so abruptly he does not have time to react.

“Don’t you fucking dare touch me again, Voron,” I hiss through my teeth, with a fury that makes him frown at me.

But he moves his face closer to mine, stopping only a few inches away.

“Don’t you fucking dare believe I won’t.”

I narrow my eyes, feeling caught between the longing to have him close and the anger urging me to walk away from the man who betrayed my trust.

“I don’t think your father would be pleased to find out you are touching a married woman,” I hiss back.

He clenches his teeth. “You will not marry him.”