Meanwhile, in Floor 100 of the Blood Tower.
Gabriel stared at her, his mind still trying to catch up with the absurdity of it all.
"…Why?" he finally asked. His voice came out flat, but inside he was rattled. Very rattled.
The Queen tilted her head slightly, her expression soft and annoyingly calm. "Why what?"
"You—" Gabriel pointed at himself, disbelief leaking through, "—you willingly bonded with me. Do you… even realize what that means? Aren't you afraid I could… turn you into a slave?"
He expected her to react with indignation.
Or arrogance.
Or maybe anger.
Instead, she smiled.
Not seductive.
Not mocking.
Just… genuine.
"My instincts told me you wouldn't," she said simply. "And I always trust my instincts."
Gabriel blinked. "…Instincts."
