istakable, and she couldn't shake the gnawing feeling in her gut that something significant was about to unfold. Every step she

as threatening to swallow her whole. She had hoped for time-time to think, to adjust, to regain

m within, Leora could hear low voices. One was unmistakably Allerick's. The other, however, was unfamiliar.

the door open. "Miss Leora," he sa

ture rigid. The other man was standing near the window, his back to her. He was tall, broa

licked between them. This was not a r

didn't stand to greet her, but his gaze never left

ehind her, and the room felt suddenly smaller. She could feel the tension betwe

nded, gesturing to th

o the seat. Her eyes shifted to the man standing by the

with a cold flick of his hand. "A man of considerable inte

a quiet power that reminded Leora of Allerick, but there was something more dangerous a

k continued, his voice steady. "But we've enco

this was heading. "What kind of complication?"

" he said, his words carrying a weight of warning. "There are cracks. People are starting to make moves agains

always seemed untouchable, impervious to threats. But now, standing in t

sked, her voice barely above a whisp

our marriage to me is no longer just a way to protect you. It's the leverage we need to secure the power we're

ion?" she repeated, incredulou

You know how he thinks. You know where his secrets lie. We need that information, Leora. We need you to become a mole-an insider in his empire. If

d every aspect of her life, yes-but even so, he was still her father. Her blood. She ha

voice rising despite herself. "To betray ev

traying anyone, Leora. You're protecting

x of anger and fear. "You think I can just turn off my feelings f

don't have a choice, Leora," he said, his voice cutting through the

ounding in her ears. She had entered this world to escape her father, but now, i

r voice faltered. Her mind was spi

his voice suddenly softer. "But know this: the longer you hesit

Afte

ing refrain, and the weight of what had just been proposed sat heavily on her shoulders. She had already sacrificed so

rs. She could feel the eyes of the guards on her, their watchful gazes following

ality of her situation hit her like a tidal wave. She had wanted power. She had wanted control. But in the end, s

napped up. It was Thomas again, standing

s your presence,

She had no choice but to face Allerick now.