Unwitting Authority in a New World

"Actually, sir, we just found out he is bonded," Rhys said, stepping forward with a respectful but firm tone. "Silas and Hazel touched a few minutes ago. They both felt The Spark."

Mr. Vance's gaze snapped between Silas and me, his jaw tightening almost imperceptibly. I could feel the weight of his stare as he processed this new information.

"Is this true, Miss Thorne?" he asked, his voice carefully controlled.

I straightened my shoulders, refusing to be intimidated. "Yes. It happened just before all the chaos. I accidentally bumped into him, spilled my coffee, and when he steadied me..." I trailed off, not knowing how to describe the electric sensation that had coursed through my body at Silas's touch.

"I see." Mr. Vance's expression was unreadable. He turned his attention to Silas, who was still standing there in just his boxers, looking both determined and uncomfortable.

"Mr. Lawson, please put your clothes on before elaborating," Mr. Vance said dryly.