Page 87 of Gilded Lies

I think about Emma, how she walked into our world with her head high despite the danger. How she chose to save Alessandro even after he betrayed her. How she claimed her place at our table through courage, not birthright.

Maybe it's time I stopped being the princess in the tower.

The bracelet sits on my desk, its broken heart a reminder of something I've lost and can't quite recall. Somewhere in Chicago, Alexei Volkov is planning his next move.

"Your debt comes due soon."

I close my eyes and make a decision that would horrify my brothers if they knew. When Alexei comes for me—and he will come—I won't run. I won't hide behind my family's protection.

I'll go with him. Voluntarily. Walk straight into the monster's den with my eyes open and my head high.

Because the only way to pay a debt is to face it.

And the only way to remember what I've forgotten is to return to where it all began.

The nightmare might be the same every night, but I'm done being its victim.