My heart hammered against my ribs as Rhys stalked toward me, his eyes glowing with predatory intent. I backed up until my legs hit the edge of my bed.
"Rhys, let me go right now!" I demanded, trying to mask my fear with outrage.
He didn't respond. In one swift movement, he scooped me up and threw me onto the bed. The mattress bounced beneath me as I scrambled backward, desperate to put distance between us. My dress rode up my thighs as I moved, and I tugged it down frantically.
"Stay away from me," I warned, but my voice betrayed me with a slight tremble.
Rhys's lips curled into a dangerous smile. "Running away, Elara? I thought you were braver than that."
As I tried to crawl toward the other side of the bed, his hand shot out and wrapped around my ankle. With one forceful pull, he dragged me back to him. I clawed at the bedsheets, but they offered no resistance.
"Stop!" I shouted, kicking out with my free leg. He dodged it easily.