A gasp tore from Vincent's throat, and his hands flew to Damien's wrist, trying to pry himself free, but it was no use. Damien was far stronger.
"You just came out of the portal room, and the only place that portal leads is to the human world. It's far too late for you to be there. But that aside, I gave you a direct order. You were supposed to be here when I returned. So tell me, Vincent—what were you doing over there?"
The pressure on Vincent's throat increased, his vision starting to blur at the edges. He clawed at Damien's hand, struggling to pull in enough air to form words. "My liege—"
"Answer me!" Damien yelled. "And don't you dare lie to me. Or so help me, I'll strangle you right here."
Vincent stared into Damien's scrutinizing gaze. He could feel it—Damien was studying every inch of his face, searching for even the faintest flicker of deception. He knew that if he lied, Damien would see right through it.
