Chapter 34

Ronan’s POV

[Flashback]

“You do not deserve her!” Kaien’s voice cut through the corridor like a blade. I paused and turned toward him, fists clenched at my sides. The urge to strike him in that moment pulsed through my veins; I could almost taste the violence.

“What did you just say?” I asked, stepping forward, my glare sharp enough to draw blood. “Repeat that and see what happens.” My tone was low, dangerous.

He lifted his chin defiantly. “I said you do not deserve her, Your Highness.” His smirk only fueled my fury. In an instant, I lunged, grabbed him by the collar, and threw him to the stone floor. Bones cracked beneath my grip, but he groaned and staggered upright before I could press my advantage. “She deserves better!” he spat, trying to steady himself.

“And who would that be?” I demanded, voice cold as steel.

“Me.” His single word echoed around us.

I fought the dark whisper of Noctyr rising within me—an impulse to kill him here