Chapter 79

The Prey

“Where were you, Little Bird?”

Clouds rumbled in the skies, dark and heavy. A loud gust of wind whooshed through the open window, and I staggered back. I didn’t know if it was the force of the wind or the weight of his gaze that knocked the breath out of me.

I tried to move. Run, my mind screamed, but my legs refused to obey. Every muscle locked in place, as if bound by invisible chains. His eyes—those pale blue, soulless eyes—pinned me to the spot. He wasn’t just dangerous; he was death wrapped in human skin.

My heart hammered in my chest. The walls seemed to close in, the air thick with his presence. His hair was tousled, his clothes wrinkled and damp from the storm outside. He didn’t wear a coat or jacket, despite the biting cold. He didn’t even seem to care.

I swallowed hard, trying to find words, but my mouth was dry. Say something. “I-I was… I was just… outside.”

His expression darkened, and my stomach twisted into