ortress of glass and steel perched on a cl

la to the main house. He

, smelling of damp

y a bush of black roses, ho

low," Rose said

heap," Ar

ld out the shears.

Snip. Snip. Her movements were precise. She

said. "Not the one Victo

ered over a stem. Her hear

ur different foster families in five years. The one

the surface layer. She did

" Arla said.

aid. She cut a rose head off with a vi

leech. If this marriage proceeds as they've planned it,

to the marr

the board. He needs the assets. He doe

e hard. "I want you to sabotage t

ld woman. "You want

se said. "You hate th

do I

pron pocket. She pulled

this house, under that title, you are untoucha

pass to the inner sanctum. A way

a said. "On

me

room next

as a terrifying e

shook

s wheelchair. He stopped. He saw his grandmother and his bos

sion vacant, but a chill that had nothing