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We settled on opposing chaises, his body stiff against the cushion.

“What’s wrong?”

He deflected my gaze. “I’m sorry, I-I—”

“I’ve told you to never apologize to me,” I said.

“I know, but. . .” He exhaled heavily. “Brother, I know what you’re planning.”

Suddenly, my skin turned to stone, and my stomach constricted. “What are you talking about?”

“I’ve always been the outsider; for schemes, meetings, even feedings. I’m overlooked since I’m the youngest and am believed to add nothing new to the table. But that’s where everyone’s been wrong.” His eyes stumbled on mine. “I know you’re conspiring against Kaleb by retrieving his notebook. I can help.”

I grew taken aback. Though his words were laced with truth, I contributed to his exclusion. Through the years, Kaleb’s threats stemmed from Raphael, as I strived to keep him in the shadows, away from descending into the retributions our brothers sought. It ruined them. I couldn’t allow the same to occur to him.

“Raphael—”

“Don’t lie to me, please,” he said, his lips quivering. “I know you’ve always protected me by concealing me. But I’ve been in the dark about everything. I can’t let you do that anymore. For once, please, let me help. I know where the notebook is.”

I settled in the silence after his words, unraveling what bloomed before me. A single question slipped through my lips, “How?”

“I’ve grown used to being in the shadows. I use them to my advantage.” His shoulders lowered as he slumped into the chaise. “The abandoned music room allows me to eavesdrop from a safe distance. But, controlling my presence also helps.”

Few vampires were able to cloak their presence. It was a skill that was not easily mastered, and while Regal families had an advantage due to our potent blood, it was rare. In those cases, it was inherited.

If Raphael had been able to be in our presence without notice, he could discover anything.

“And by doing so, you figured out that I was plotting against Kaleb?”

“Kind of. Well, I saw you with Ms. Eli often. You guys give each other. . . looks.” He flushed as he smiled softly. “There were moments I overheard you and Mr. Amelle referring to the notebook, too. I was able to connect the dots.”

“Very well then.” I sighed with defeat. There was no reason to refuse him as he solved a problem that had weighed my shoulders for months. “Welcome.”

A bright smile adorned his face. “He entrusted Sonia with it. She’s the only one who knows where it’s hidden. She doesn’t leave at all, so that means the notebook is on the grounds.”

The possibility of her dithering from her stance was slight after Katerina witnessed her attendance with Kaleb and Davina. Never did I think it would be accurate.

“I don’t know where exactly, but there are two choices: the underground tunnel or the employee building.”

Within the depths of my chamber, the puzzling plan uncovered itself, pieces falling into place with one simple pitch of luck. The minor spark of hope that I’d kept buried finally ignited.

“Thank you, Raphael,” I said with warm gratitude. “No more hiding now.”

He stepped toward me and wrapped his arms around my neck, bringing me closer to him as he nodded enthusiastically. “I can’t wait to finally see Kaleb get a taste of his own medicine.”

He stepped away. The lost child that had clung to me was no more, and neither was I. Instead, we now eyed each other like allies and true brothers.

“As do I.”

* * *

Night coated the forest with serene silence, accentuating the lake’s motions. The brilliant crescent outlined Katerina’s figure along the wooden pier’s edge. My stomach tightened as I grew close, her radiance within the darkness capturing my attention and senses whole.

Our fingers found each other, the natural routine settling, our shared moments burying what was once cold as night, now transforming into the heat of the day.

“I have news regarding the plans. . .” Katerina’s eyes settled on mine, the iciness within her gaze mellowing. “What’s the matter?”

“A lot.” She rested her head against my shoulder, the soft moonlight emphasizing her pouting full lips. “I got into a fight with my cousin.”