Chase's POV
"Me?" I looked up at her, a faint smile playing on my lips as I laughed and shook my head. "I only agreed." Liam shot me a look filled with frustration that had my words stuck in my throat.
"Agreed to what?" he demanded. "You don't even know what she's asking for!"
She reached out and ran her hand down to my chin, lifting it gently so our eyes met. Her touch was warm, almost electrifying, and I felt my usual defences crumbling under her gaze.
"You agreed to whatever price I deem fit," she proclaimed, her voice soothing yet carrying an ominous undertone that sent a slight chill through me.
"I don't know what it is," I admitted honestly, holding her gaze. "But I will pay it, whatever it is."
"I believe you," she nodded, her eyes gleaming with a mix of pride and something else—something darker. "She is a lucky girl," she mused. "Your sister, to have a brother who would literally sacrifice himself for her. Unlike some." She laughed.
Her gaze shifted to Liam, and I sensed the tension rising in him. His jaw tightened, and I could tell through the brother's bond that a knot seemed to form in his stomach. I knew he was proud, and the implication that he wouldn't do the same for our sister probably stung.
"But you will," she continued, her eyes never leaving Liam's. "I can see it."
"See what?" Liam laughed as if he doubted her powers.
"You have already suffered at the hands of darkness," she explained as she looked back at me, and my heart raced. "The same darkness that I have just removed from your friend. And yet you do not know who I am, whether I am worse than the evil you have fought, and still, you would willingly lay your life at my feet for her."
"Why?" She turned back to look at Knox, her eyes probing.
"Because she would do it for any one of us," I replied without hesitation.
"Yes, I believe she would," the woman smiled, releasing my face. There was a hint of satisfaction in her expression as if my answer had confirmed something she already knew about us.
"What is the cost?" I asked nervously, feeling my shoulders tense as the reality of my agreement began to sink in. She waved a hand dismissively.
"All in good time. For now, rest. You will need your strength for what lies ahead."
"Who are you?" Liam asked, shaking his head in disbelief. None of this made sense. We were in a place that defied explanation, dealing with a woman who wielded powers beyond comprehension. She paused, her eyes flickering with an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. Before she could respond, a weak voice broke the silence.
"Selene?" Knox stuttered, his eyes half-open as he looked at her.
A faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Hello, Knox Maddox. And you are welcome." Without another word, she turned and exited the room, the grand doors closing silently behind her.
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