l I was left alone with my thoughts. The soft, rhythmic sound of the clock ticking in the corner of t

. But the truth was-everything felt out of my control. Lucien had a power over this place, over me, that I couldn't

ldn't come. My mind kept racing, playing out scenarios where I escaped, where I fought back, wh

fted into sleep, but the soft kn

:00 AM. I hadn't realized it had gotten so late. I rubbed my face, trying to

through the door, deep and c

fter a few moments of hesitation, I swung my legs off the bed and stood up. M

stance in place. His sharp features were softer than usual, but there

ing me briefly before locking on my

"You just left me here last night to stew in my

ng for an invitation. "We don't have time for questions," he said, his voice calm but firm. "You'l

ped a beat. "

s phone, and a large screen on the wall flickered to life, showing a live feed of what appeared to be a secu

voice soft but carrying an undercurrent of tension. "

ighing my fear. "Watched?" I repeated

ous. "I'm not sure yet. But whoever

noticeable among the other vehicles. But it didn't belong. It was too far from the curb, parked in a way t

o?" I asked, my voice q

readable. "We're going to find out who they

the words sounding foreign, like they belonged to someone

"Yes. This is the world I'm a part of, Aria. A world where danger is a c

ow-this wasn't just about money or power. Lucien's world was darker than I

ught in the

oat. There was no point in arguing. Lucien wasn't asking for my pe

turning back to the sc

ut I couldn't. I was already in too deep,

rt, and boots that made me feel a little more grounded, a little more in control. I glanc

e words coming out before I could stop them. "

he said, his voice low but fierce. "You're not in control anymore. You h

rue. I wasn't in control. And even though I hated it, even th

but I didn't have a choice. Lucien had already mad