Chapter 253

DEREK’S POV I found Kael later that night, lounging by the fire pit in the guards’ quarters, sharpening his dagger with a grin that told me he was expecting me. Of course he was. “You’ve been avoiding me,” he said without looking up, the rasp of steel against stone filling the silence. “Which usually means you’re brooding. Again.” I stepped into the room, shutting the door behind me. “We need to talk.” “Ah,” he drawled, still smirking, “there it is. The voice of doom.” He set the dagger down and finally looked at me, his eyes glinting with amusement. “This about Aurelia?” Her name on his lips made my jaw clench. “Yes.” Kael leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “Well, at least you’re not pretending it’s about the weather.” I ignored the jab and went straight to the point. “Whatever game you’re playing with her, it ends now.” His brows lifted, but he didn’t look surprised. “Game? You mean the part where I was testing if you’d finally growl like a possessive wolf instead of a soul