He smiled at the camera, this time his eyes boring into mine as he cupped Gabriella’s chin. “Would you like to see the true beast that rests under Dianna’s pretty skin, Samkiel? Do you think you will care for her still? Let’s find out.” He did it so quickly that it even startled me. But we all heard it—the crack. I felt it resonate through the ties that made me a protector of this realm. No one moved. No one breathed. It was as if time had slowed down. I watched the light leave her eyes. Kaden dropped her and turned away with a satisfied smirk.
