Chapter 7

Before I could even get the words out, a fierce slap sliced through the air, landing squarely on my left cheek with a rush of wind.

The sharp crack echoed through the air.

I stood frozen, my mind wiped completely blank.

It took a few seconds before the delayed sting kicked in, crawling across my cheek like a swarm of ants suddenly awakened, spreading fast and relentlessly.

Slowly, I looked at Hadden with an almost calm gaze. For a moment, I saw a clear flash of panic in his eyes, but it disappeared just as quickly.

Hadden almost never lost…