Thorne froze.
Levi was still smiling, mid-sentence, when the air went colder.
Adina felt it before she saw him, like her body knew he was near before her eyes did. Her heart dropped into her stomach.
She turned her head.
Thorne stood at the edge of the path. His eyes were feral, unreadable, locked onto her, then shifted to Levi. Then back to her, slowly and dangerously.
Adina's breath caught. Her hand dropped the bag Levi had given her. She quickly stepped back behind Levi and bowed low.
"Your majesty."
Levi blinked in confusion, only then realizing who had arrived. He bowed too, "my king."
Thorne didn't say a word. His eyes flicked between her and Levi. That bag in her hands mocked him. Her soft voice burned him. That flower in her hair made his vision blur red.
His jaw clenched. His fists trembled at his sides. And for a terrifying moment, he nearly yanked her away right there, almost ripped her from behind Levi like she belonged to him.
He was going to—until—
