The room was too quiet after Zareth left.
Veronica sat on the edge of the massive bed, staring at the dark silk sheets bunched up under her fists. Her heart was still racing, her mind tangled between Cyrus's warning and Zareth's command.
Cages always break.
She shivered. That smirk of his, the way he whispered in her ear—it wasn't just a warning. It had felt like a promise.
Yumike stretched lazily near the fireplace, tails flicking in contentment. "Milord cares for you. Isn't it obvious? He's protecting you from that sly brother of his."
Veronica flopped backward onto the bed, covering her face with her hands. "Protecting me? Yumike, I'm not a fragile kitten! I don't need two overpowered men glaring at each other like I'm some piece of meat at an auction."
The fox tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "But it means you're important. Important enough to cause fights."
