THE DARKNESS in the room felt thick, like it was pressing against Mailah's skin.
She bolted upright, her breath hitching in a jagged sob. Her heart hammered against her ribs like a trapped bird.
"Easy there, little bird. You'll pop a vein."
Mailah screamed, the sound catching in her dry throat as she scrambled backward. Her back hit the cold headboard, and she pulled the heavy silk duvet up to her chin.
There, sitting casually in the armchair by the dead fireplace, was Mason. He looked entirely too comfortable, one leg crossed over the other, his silver eyes tracking her every move with a spark of amusement.
"What are you doing in here?" she hissed, her voice trembling. "Get out! How did you even get past the guards?"
