na Beau

king past the window in a blur. The silence inside was absolute, broken only by the low hum

ange, burning sensation still prickled on my skin. Why did I have such

of the Sterling estate. I pushed the door open, and the co

I faced a

ain door, gave me a crisp, formal salute

h and pushed open t

s, Arthur and Eleanor Sterling, were seated on the sofa,

rough the air. "Seraphina! Look at what you've done

blood, sloshed onto the polished wood. "You dared to call the Dragon G

ng over me, leaving me cold. "What I've done? Should

"We already know! It was I

isheard. "What? S

ch family pressure, his Dragon Soul became unstable, he nearly lost control. It was our kind Isabelle who, heedless of her own safet

laughed. "Unstable Dragon Soul? In a hotel room? With his

l! What would a Dragonless person like you, who doesn't even have a Dragon's Scent, k

hat twisted betrayal into an act of heroic salvation. And

rthur, Eleanor, and Isabelle, smiling together in perfect harmony.

been in touch. They are deeply displeased with your reckless behav

was flat, dev

h the Carlisles. To mend this 'misunderstanding' and to solidify the bond between our f

e that. And I wasn't just cast aside; I was the o

ging into my palms. The pain was

gree," I s

ble. "A marriage contract is a matter between families! As the nomina

,"Whose bigger picture? The Ste

eraphina, you should be happy for your sister'

nt of sisterly affection from her, onl

s matter is settled. Go to your room now and reflect on your mistakes. You are not to

a decision. It

e first time, I saw them not

ds the stairs. My back was ramrod straight, eac

me. "What is that attitu

't loo

he word 'home'

the most remote co

e was once nothing more than a headline to me, and I

Montg

his brief, decisive judgment tonig

hap

creen, and a wild, desperate idea beg