Aelarion's patience had worn thin as he faced her in the darkened corridor. He didn't lose his patience so easily. He was the crown prince of Ebonvale. A fae warrior. Yet, her defiance was relentless, and he was done tolerating it. His eyes, cold and unforgiving, locked onto hers as he advanced, his voice a harsh whisper of controlled fury. Despite the anger surging within him, a part of him couldn't ignore the way her defiance stirred something deeper, a dangerous attraction that only fueled his frustration. She was a guest turned prisoner for heaven's sake.

"You think you can waltz into Ebonvale and disrupt everything?" he spat, his tone devoid of any gentleness. "Your arrogance is astounding, princess."

She tried to speak, but he silenced her with a sharp gesture. "Enough! You don't belong here, and your meddling only puts us all in danger. You know nothing of the sacrifices we've made, of the blood we've spilled."

He stepped closer, the shadows of his power growing menacingly, yet his gaze inadvertently traced the curve of her jaw, the fire in her eyes. "Keep pushing, and you'll find out just how little patience I have for insubordination. Your stubbornness will get you killed. Do you understand?" His voice remained cold, but his desire for her simmered just beneath the surface, a battle he fought to keep hidden.