Chapter 140

Briar’s POV

The crown pulsed on my head, sensing my desperation and offering solutions I didn’t want to consider. I could feel its power yearning to be unleashed fully, to transform me into something that could destroy Malachar with a thought.

But at what cost?

"Interesting," Malachar said, watching my internal struggle with fascination. "You’re actually hesitating. Even with your mate dying in front of you, you’re worried about maintaining your humanity. How very... weak."

"Let him go," I demanded, power building around me in visible waves.

"Or what? You’ll kill me? We both know you don’t have that in you." He tightened his magical grip, and Kylan’s struggles became more frantic. "Not yet, anyway. But give it time. Give it one more dead mate, one more failure to protect what you love. Then you’ll understand what I’ve known for centuries—mercy is just another word for weakness."

"You’re