The Silent Burden

The heavy crackle of the speaker unit gave Malachi’s office an even sharper edge, amplifying the raw fury bleeding through the connection from miles away.

“I did not kidnap her,” Malachi stated, keeping his tone flat and level beneath the rising pressure of the line. “She is my mate.”

A brief, volatile silence stretched over the room.

Then Magnus snapped.

“You didn’t kidnap her?” Magnus roa