beyond the foyer, Ronan Blackthorn wheeled ar

hile Talia Montgomery, standing behind him, sc

r made my stomach twist; I couldn't bear it. I

porch steps fe

wung open the heavy oak door befo

rossing the threshold of

t admitting anyone outside the immediate

na Serena, and Ronan's best friend to boot

right," my father sai

's office. Go in-sit. Don't

ask about what he meant by "

explanation. He didn't gi

alked back downstairs, leav

I swallowed and glan

derfoot as though pr

n ragged bursts. I was terrified

nding, I ginger

he words "ALPHA DONOVAN", and just beneath it emblazoned with the Duskwind

rapped on the door twice

onovan was supposedly away on urgent

everal torturous seconds I grasp

s I'd imagined: b

d the center, with a black leather

led by four black club cha

ver to the walls, where photos chro

them one

aming side by side at a chubby-cheeked infant-Ronan, with chocolate-

ugged gentl

ife lay frozen in glossy prints-first

ch photo until I reach

's shoulders, their smiles identi

Serena stood beside the

ear's Duskwind Unity Gala, an elite event wher

eir, could bring someone s

ent-her squeals about dr

offed inwardly, de

y by his side. But now I unders

constrict as the hinges squeak

ai

ere he was-Ronan-sta

s his emerald gaze

d. In that moment I realized I had to stand uprig

as more unrave

ed to

decree. I nodded, voice l

d and rolled. I swallowed hard,

first Talia, pale and burdened, clutching his hand; then my

with guilt. She wouldn't meet my

eat pounded louder

l, but inside,