Chapter 56

I regarded him with an icy, withering glare, refusing to give the smug bastard the satisfaction of an immediate response. I could feel the molten fury simmering just beneath the frigid exterior, but I kept it tightly leashed for now, coiling like a serpent poised to strike.
He sneered condescendingly, seemingly using my icy, unyielding silence as permission to continue flapping his haughty lips. "Is it possible dear Aikon neglected to mention I'd be joining your little party?" His voice oozed with thinly-veiled disdain.
A growl of pure frustration rumbled up from the depths of my chest as I struggled to keep my rapidly fraying temper under control. "I don't have time for these childish games," I bit out through gritted teeth. "Who the hell are you?"