Chapter 21

KALLIRA

I held the pen in my hand longer than I expected. The contract sat in front of me. My name was not written yet, but it felt like the decision had already begun to shape everything around me.

I did not look up immediately.

“What happens if I sign?” I asked.

Valerius did not hesitate. “You become mine.”

His voice was calm, but there was no softness in the words. It was not a suggestion. It w