Chapter 74

• If Vikram's intention was to provoke Hadrian, he had succeeded spectacularly. The future king looked like he was seconds away from losing control.
• “Hadrian... please... calm down,” I whispered softly, hoping my voice would reach him before his fury boiled over. I could already picture his claws slicing Vikram’s throat in a fit of rage. My only hope was that he’d focus on me instead of unleashing disaster.
• His blazing eyes locked onto mine, and my silent plea seemed to reach him. Gradually, the fiery hue of his irises dimmed, turning a familiar shade of gray. Relief washed over me as I let out the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Hadrian’s hand covered mine where it rested on his shoulder, a gentle reassurance, followed by a small smile meant only for me. But in an instant, his expression hardened as his gaze shifted back to Vikram.