Page 29

My stomach twists.

Three days.

That’s all it took for my life to become unrecognizable.

Three days ago, I was just another student at Ashford. I went to class, studied in the library, drank cheap coffee, and made promises I thought I could keep.

And now? I’m sitting in Rhett’s car wondering if it’s bugged. Wondering if there’s someone listening—if Damian is listening.

Insanity.

Rhett’s hands are still tight on the wheel, and he won’t look at me. But I know his reaction to my joining Thornecroft will be nothing compared to Sienna’s.

I promised her—swore—that I wouldn’t join. And I’d meant it…back when I’d still believed I had a choice.

What will she say when I tell her I have an interview at sundown tomorrow? Like I’m about to walk into a duel in the Old West

And maybe, in a way, I am.

The blindfold is tight against my eyes as I’m guided through what must be the grove outside the castle based on the scent of cypress trees and evening mist. The sound of distant waves crashing against the cliffs is barely audible over the thump of footsteps coming from the four men behind me.

“Watch your step,” someone murmurs behind me.

Kane, probably, and I hear a smile in his voice. He always seems like he’s amused by unfunny things. Like a blindfolded girl being taken to the middle of nowhere by four towering men.

This is my life now. This is where I am.

Somehow, I’m not afraid. Not in this moment, at least. Is this how quickly people adjust to trauma?

No. I’m probably in shock.

I don’t know what happened in that conservatory last night, but somehow, I left it believing in hell and the Devil. As an evangelical Christian, I had thought I already believed in both.

But not like this. Not like both were just around the corner. Lurking. Ready to peek with hollow eyes from behind an open doorway.

I was in a daze when I told Sienna I was rushing Thornecroft. I saw her reaction—her shock and disappointment—but I didn’t feel it. It was as if it was happening to someone else. That I was only an observer of my own life.

I’m still an observer. This isn’tmewalking blindly into the woods at night. It’s another girl.

Finally, we stop. Before I can process what’s happening, someone pushes me into what feels like a metal chair. My heart leaps as something rough and scratchy coils around my wrists.

“What are you doing?” I ask, though I know I’m being tied up.

“Shh.” The sound is low, close. A scent washes over me. Masculine and clean. It’s Damian’s. “I’m not going to hurt you.”

I turn my head, but I can’t see him, just feel his presence looming over me, the heat of his breath brushing against my skin.

“I’ve heard that one before,” I say.

A soft laugh. Then a brush against my cheek with a warm hand. “You can trust me.” He pauses. “Unless you make it difficult.”

His words are teasing, but they make me flinch. A tingling awareness spreads throughout my body, waking me up. My breathing is shallow and fast.

I am scared.

Terrified.

I swallow hard, forcing myself to focus on the cool breeze brushing against my face, the faint rustle of the trees above me.