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“I’m sorry. That must have been devastating.”

Her expression clouds over. “I don’t really remember. I was only two. But it was really hard for my dad. Even now, I can tellhe feels guilty. I think most people do when someone commits suicide. You start going through all the what-ifs.”

“If you can see his guilt even now, it must have been hard growing up,” I say. “I bet you had to take care of your dad and your little sister.”

“Maybe a little. My dad’s very…distractible. It’s not just his grief. It’s mostly his job. He travels a lot. He’s on the board of our small denomination.” A small, lopsided smile appears on her face. “That’s a big deal in the pastor world.”

Poor little Ava. She doesn’t know that her dad is most likely keeping a dark secret. One that would probably shatter her heart if she knew.

Once Hunter finds out what it is, I’ll reveal it at the perfect moment. And she’ll cling to me for comfort.

My blood grows hot at the thought of it. I’ve seen enough of Ava’s devotion to Rhett to know how sweet it will be when it’s finally mine.

That weakling doesn’t even deserve it. He’s thrown her to the wolves, but I’ll be good to her. While she’s mine, I’ll give her everything she wants.

“Damian?” My heart jumps at the sound of my name on her lips.

Oh God, to hear it when my head is between her thighs. To hear it said so sweetly, like a plea.

I clear my throat. “Yes?”

Her eyes narrow slightly, her fingers hovering over the keys. “I’d feel much better about everything if I could learn about the fraternity. Do you have anything I can read?”

I lift a brow. “I noticed you called it a fraternity and not a cult. You must be trying to please me.”

She shrugs. “I don’t think Thornecroft is a cult.”

“When did you decide that? After I cut my hand and made you lick my blood?”

She stares at me for a long moment with a strained expression, as if she’s thinking hard about what to say next.

She’s trying to manipulate me. But for what?

“I just want to read something that tells me about the history and rules of the fraternity.”

She shoots me a smile that makes my stomach flip even though I know it’s bullshit. Just like that little look she gave me when she told me she missed me. Her attempts at subterfuge are like a little kid hiding behind a curtain with her feet sticking out.

“I’m a nerd,” she says. “I want to learn everything. All the rituals. Like why you made me get on my knees and say that Latin phrase.”

My God, she’s adorable. She wants to investigate Thornecroft by…reading. As if we’d leave a book lying around with all our secrets.

I cross my arms over my chest. “OurBook of Shadowsis in the library. It explains the true purpose of Thornecroft. Why we select certain people. What makes someone worthy of joining our inner circle.” I pause for effect. “And of course, it contains the names of those who betrayed us, and what became of them when they tried to steal our secrets. But you aren’t allowed to read it unless you’re part of the inner circle.”

Her eyes widen, and I can almost see the wheels turning in her head. “Then I’m assuming the library is locked up.”

“Why? You’d never break the rules and go looking for the book.”

Her cheeks grow a pretty shade of pink. “No, of course not.”

I take a step in her direction. “Good, because you wouldn’t like the punishment. It would be…unforgettable.”

14

Ava

The castle is endless.

Three days at Thornecroft, and I’ve still barely scratched the surface. Every day when class ends, I begin my ritual of exploring.