Chapter 11

The air between them was thick with tension. Althea stood in the middle of her small, barren room, her back pressed against the wall as Kaden loomed in front of her, his broad shoulders blocking the light from the single window. “You’re coming with me,” Kaden said, his voice low and firm. “No,” Althea whispered, shaking her head. Her heart raced as the words left her lips. “I won't.” “Yes, you will,” Kaden said, stepping closer, his silver eyes burning with determination. Althea pressed herself harder against the wall, her chest heaving. “You don’t understand. I can’t just leave. This is my home.” Kaden’s brow furrowed, his jaw tightening. “This isn’t a home, Althea,” he said, his voice sharp. “This is a prison. They’ve treated you like dirt your entire life, and you want to stay?” She flinched at the edge in his tone but forced herself to meet his gaze. “It’s all I’ve ever known,” she said quietly, her voice trembling. “That’s not a reason to stay,” Kaden shot back. “You deserve bette