pty corridors. She barely noticed the ornate paintings lining the walls, the crystal chandeliers hanging from above. I

on. A weapon. She had always been a weapon. That was the truth her father h

on she had made, every action she had taken, had been under the influence of a game much larger than her

edding day. She could still feel the heat of his touch when he placed it around her neck, the tenderness of h

you." Her heart skipped a beat. Who had sent that message? Was it a warning? Or a threat? Th

with a call from an unknown number. She he

the other end was low, t

breathed, he

ng his words carefully. "I know you're confus

nessman she had married, the man who had once been nothing more t

that excuse changes everything?" She could feel the fire building within her, the heat of rage flooding her veins. "You used me, Lucien.

was never supposed to hurt you. It was meant to bring everything to an end, to put things ba

han anything else he could have said. He regretted it? Regretted falling for her

uth. But there was a part of her that needed

she whispered.

how things ended up. I'm sorry, Calysta.

wasn't enough. It couldn't be. "Then why didn't

always a part of this, Calysta. You never stood a chance, not against your father, not against the Thorns.

What about my life? My choices? I was never a part of your damn plan." She felt a bitter laugh bubble up from her ch

ou," he repeated, despera

ould finish, th

at the black screen in disbelief. The call was over. Lucien ha

arp and urgent. She jumped, startled. Slowly, she wal

ears. Her father's right-hand man, and the one person

er would like to see you immediately." His eyes flickere

her mind reeling

r into a trap. Her father's game. Lucien's game. She was a piece, just like they had always told her. But the

composed for the situation at hand. There was something different about him tonight-a weariness that hadn't been there before. His eyes were da

ning around. "I didn't think y

reamed for answers. "I came because you owe me th

t, she thought he might refuse to speak. But

ly. "I'll tell you everything. Bu