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“If you try to interfere,” I murmur, “you’ll regret it.”

His breath shudders out of him. “I see how it is.”

I smirk. “Do you?”

“I do.” He takes a step toward the staircase. “I have some things here I need to grab. I’ll leave after that.”

Rhett climbs the stairs with a fake, easy swagger he probably thinks hides his urgency.

It doesn’t.

He’s heading straight for Ava.

And I’ll be right behind him.

37

Ava

The December air is icy and thick with fog. As I lean against the stone railing, wind rushes over the cliffs, rattling the iron lanterns that flicker dimly along the balcony’s edge.

I wish I didn’t have my last final this morning. I’m in desperate need of a distraction. I tried exploring the library—one of my favorite things to do in the castle—but I couldn’t concentrate. Too many thoughts and too many emotions humming beneath my skin.

What if whatever Damian is planning to do got him killed? What if I never get to see his precious face again, never get to tell him that I love him?

The wooden door behind me creaks open. When I turn around, Rhett steps outside of the library. His face is pale and drawn, his movements hurried as he shuts the door behind him with a quiet click.

“Ava.” His voice is low and urgent. “We need to talk.”

Uh-oh. This isn’t good. He’s probably planning something. Again. I glance around the balcony and find no one. Damianmust have rescinded his order to have a staff member guarding the balconies.

I turn to Rhett. “What’s wrong?”

He walks toward me, his energy frantic, almost wild. “We need to leave. Now.”

I take a step back. “Why?”

He drags a hand through his hair, pacing in front of me. “I haven’t been brave enough for you, and I hate myself for it. Instead of getting you out of here myself, I schemed. It didn’t work.”

I shut my eyes. “Rhett, please don’t?—”

“I told Kane to pretend your dad was dying to get you to leave with him. Told him specific things about your life to make it more believable. All he wanted was for Damian to think you left with him without force.” He grimaces. “It was disgusting of me. Can you ever forgive me?”

I clench my teeth, my pulse fluttering in my neck. “Rhett, don’t?—”

“I’m braver than that now,” he says, his speech rapid. “I’m willing to die if it means getting you out of here, but we have to leave fast.”

“You haven’t thought this through.” I try to keep my voice calm, measured. “If Kane couldn’t even make it off the property, do you really think you and I can?”

“We have to try!” Rhett bursts out. “I’m not letting you stay here. I’ll drag you out if I have to.”

A sharp wind rushes over the balcony, rustling the ivy creeping up the stone pillars. It grounds me.

“Rhett, listen to me. I’m safe. Damian isn’t going to hurt me, but what you’re trying to do… It’s dangerous. It could get you killed. Even just telling me about it could get you killed. So we’re going to pretend it never happened. I won’t say a word to Damian.”

I can’t mention that it might be too late—that there are likely cameras or listening devices out here. It would only make Rhett more reckless and resolved.

I’ll deal with that later. I’ll bargain with Damian. Use my newly realized power for good.