oe

t to control me, had only fueled my resolve. I ignored the lilies, ignored the silent plea f

I no longer recognized. My engagement ring, a massive diamond that had once symbolized forever, lay on the dresser. I stare

e personal, something that truly belonged to me. That

father'

ations of Donovans, wasn't in its usual spot in the bedside drawer. I tore through the room, my

ribs. There was only one pe

rhaps Jace had merely intended to give me time to cool down, not to imprison me.

ss my chaise lounge, a smug smile playing on her lips. And on her sle

too significant for her delicate frame,

's watch," I stated, m

t mine. "Oh, this? Jace said it was just an old thing. He said it

An old thing? A good luck charm? Jace had given

I commanded, my

ighter. "But Jace gave it t

"That watch has been in my family for over a hundred

ing room, a bewildered look on

k into the chaise lounge. "She's trying to take my

me, a flicker of something almos

trying to sound reasonable. "Brenna l

This is not 'just' anything, Jace. This is my fami

ce said, his tone firmer, probably

l sob, she ripped the watch off her wrist. "Fine! If yo

The delicate mechanism shattered, gears and springs scattering across the polished sur

ze. It wasn't just the watch she had broken; it was

ut a single thought beyond pure, unadulterated rage, I lunged at

I screamed,

grabbed my arm, his fingers digging into my bicep, a

p my side. I crumpled to the floor, my head hitting the hard surface with a

ing ache. But the pain in my heart was far worse. H

owed, standing over me, his face contorted wi

robbed, and a metallic taste filled my mouth. I looked at Jace, then at

st drops of sorrow had evaporated,

y voice barely a whisper, yet it cut through the air like ice. "

each word. "And I promise you, with every fiber of my being, you w

g onto his. There was no