CHAPTER TWO
ELIAS
“Brother Elias.”
The elder’s voice still echoed in my head as I carried the wooden tray down the stone steps. Do not falter. Do not speak to her more than you must. Bring her food. Leave at once.
But my body wouldn’t listen. My mind had been ruined since last night. Since the moment her lips brushed mine.
“You’re late,” she purred the second I appeared in the dim chamber.
“I… was busy with study,” I muttered, setting the tray near the bars.
“Study?” she tilted her head, a smile curving. “Were you studying… or thinking about me?”
“I wasn’t—” My words broke. My ears burned. “I am here only to bring food.”
She leaned forward, chains rattling. “Your lips look dry, Elias. Did you think about how mine tasted?”
My chest squeezed. I gripped the tray tighter. “Enough.”
