He stepped closer, his voice cutting through the silence. "Who was that boy, angel?" She retreated instinctively, her voice trembling as she struggled to speak through her fear. "He's... he's my..." The words caught in her throat. Terror rendered her speechless, tears streaming down her face as she shook uncontrollably. "Speak," he demanded, his tone brooking no argument. She forced the words out desperately. "My classmate." His eyebrow arched with dark intent. "Only that?" "And my friend," she whispered urgently, her hands trembling. "I swear, there's nothing between us. He's just a classmate and friend. Nothing more." Her plea hung in the air as his suspicious gaze bore into her. He reached out, brushing his fingers across her cheek with a touch that made her blood run cold. "Then prove it. You must punish him for daring to be your friend. And you know exactly how I expect you to do that." She stared at him, her face draining of color as the implications crashed over her. Orni was an innocent angel in a world of demons masquerading as men. She had never imagined that darkness itself was waiting for her—eager to shatter her in every conceivable way. Her naiveté was his weapon, and her vulnerability his greatest prize.