Fine. If Stephany wouldn't speak, Valerian would make her.
Until she was ready to tell him the truth—
"You're staying here."
Valerian's voice was like ice as he strode to the double doors, pulling them open. He turned back, his eyes dark and full of hurt from the betrayal.
"You will stay in this room until you tell me the truth."
And with that, he stepped out and slammed the doors shut.
Stephany's breath hitched. The sound of the lock turning sent cold terror spiraling through her. She rushed to the door, hands slamming against the wood.
"Brother! Brother! You can't do this to me! You can't lock me in here!"
On the other side, Valerian's voice was calm. "I can and I will. Not until you tell me the truth."
Then—silence. His footsteps faded down the hall, leaving her alone in the suffocating darkness of her room.
Stephany's heart pounded. She pressed her forehead against the door, her hands shaking.
