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A memory sparks in my mind—Lyssa’s rare openness as she spoke of the woman who’d been a mother to her. The soft, indulgent smile on Mrs. Graves’ face when she looked at Lyssa in the cafe this morning.

Their bond was undeniable.

I thought fate had served up Aurora Verderosa to me, but maybe I have the next best thing right around the corner.

Part of me recoils, screaming to turn back before it’s too late. Mrs. Graves is an innocent. I might have fooled myself into thinking killing Syndicate members was acceptable, but to harm her would be unforgivable, a line I can never uncross.

But then I think about Mom and Dad, bound and terrified, at Grandmother’s cruel mercy. If I fail this mission, they’re dead.

I can’t let that happen. I won’t.

And as I peek around the corner again, I see something that hardens my resolve. Mrs. Graves has no bodyguards with her. She’s easy pickings.

With a deep, steadying breath, I paste on my most disarming smile and approach her, praying she doesn’t glimpse the darkness flickering behind my eyes.

“Mrs. Graves!” I call in a bright, friendly tone. “Hi, there! Do you remember me from the coffee shop this morning?”

She turns, wariness flickering across her expression before softening into polite recognition. “Why yes, you’re Lyssa’s friend, aren’t you? Ruby, if I recall correctly?”

Playing the part of the sweet girl-next-door is second nature to me now—the same act that fooled so many hardened Syndicate members.

Even Lyssa.

I let my smile broaden another few molars, eyes crinkling with false innocence. “That’s right. Ruby. Fancy running into you again—wow, you look like you’ve got quite the haul there again!”

Glancing down at the shopping bags weighing her down, Mrs. Graves lets out a soft chuckle. “You could say that. These wedding plans are turning into a bit of a production. Aurora has gone back home but I wanted to take a last look around, make sure there weren’t any other options we might have missed.”

Her eyes crinkle with undisguised affection, and a pang of guilt lances through me. She truly cares for her people.

But so do I. I care for my parents. And I can’t let sentiment cloud my judgment. With a reassuring smile, I step closer.

“Here, let me give you a hand with those bags.” I reach out, gently relieving her of one overladen tote. “Wouldn’t want you tuckering yourself out before the big day.”

Relief washes over the older woman’s features as the burden eases. “You’re very kind, dear. It seems Lyssa surrounds herself with good people these days.”

I force myself to maintain my easy demeanor, and give a demure laugh. “I do my best. Now, where were you headed? I’d be happy to walk with you a ways.”

Shifting the remaining bags to a more comfortable position, Mrs. Graves gestures down the sidewalk with a grateful nod. “Just this way, if you’re sure you don’t mind. I was planning to meet the town car in ten minutes, just a street away. It’s not far.”

I follow her lead, every step carrying me closer to the point of no return. This gentle woman deserves so much better than the cruelty I’m about to unleash upon her...but what choice do I have? My parents’ lives hang in the balance.

I can’t lose them. Not after Adam.

“Why don’t we take this alley?” I say, grabbing her elbow and steering her.

She tries to pull away, puzzled. “I don’t think so, Ruby—that’s not the way I—” Her eyes go wide as she looks down between us to the knife I’m pressing into her side.

For one breathless heartbeat, our eyes meet, and I watch hers slowly rounding with a dawning sense of betrayal as she recognizes the danger in my stare.

“Don’t scream,” I murmur. “Just keep walking. We have someplace to be.” Mrs. Graves stiffens, and she takes a breath, until I press the knife harder into her. “I’ve killed any number of Syndicate members much tougher than you,” I tell her. “Don’t make me kill you, too. If you come with me…” The lie is difficult, but I get it out. “…you won’t be hurt.”

She doesn’t believe me.

But with a resigned slump of her shoulders, she nods. For a moment, I almost feel sorry for the woman…before the memory of Mom and Dad’s terrified faces rushes in. I need to see this through, no matter how much it costs me.

I know Lyssa will come for me. I know she’ll kill me. But as long as my parents are safe, I can go gladly to my grave.

CHAPTER 27