TER

a's

ttered sketches and fabric swatches on Zara's desk. She was supposed to be working on her

called. Not s

on the half-finished design pinned to her boar

e hem-too safe. Y

rned, s

a faint smirk playing on his lips. He looked tired, like

to criticize my stitching?"

e softer now. "No.

man who left the gala in a storm now stood inches away, sea

an, but faltered. "I t

said. "But

retched be

gers across a fabric she had chosen days ago-d

igned it with you in m

, eyes me

at like it's a bad

" she said quietly, "eventually

was thick.

his coat pocket and pulled out something small-a

mother," he said. "I

es widene

's a warning. You're walking into

hat scared her more-the pend

-

ift – Za

small bedroom, pendant in hand.

as hold

hiding

had called her earl

e window, eyes sca

ng to break,"

to make sure

-