Chapter 12

Briar’s POV

"Briar... I am sorry. It’s just that it’s late, and it’s risky," Kai said, his voice softening but still edged with his usual impatience.

I squinted at him, feeling the frustration bubble up. "Who gave you the right?" I asked, my voice sharp. He might be a king in his world, but here, in my house, his authority meant nothing to me.

Kai’s eyes flicked over me, a strange expression passing over his face, but he didn’t say anything. For a split second, I thought he might actually consider what I was saying. But no—he only sighed and crossed his arms, like he couldn’t understand why I was even questioning him.

"Look," he said, his tone still laced with authority. "I get it—you want to help, but you don’t have our strength, Briar. And there’s still danger out there. I’m just trying to keep you safe."

I let out a bitter laugh. "Safe? You don’t even know me. And I don’t need your permission. I’m n