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“I don’t thinkyoudid anything.” I watched him shift in his seat. “But you’re not always the problem. Kiania lost Damen’s trust a long time ago. That’s why he wasn’t happy you contracted with her. Didshedo something?”

“You might not blame me, but Julian and Damen are different. Can we talk about this later, please?” Finn glared between the two of us. “Like when Bianca isn’t stuck in a hospital?”

“Damen takes your side with everything.” My pulse picked up. Why would he be afraid of his brother? “You’re one of his least regulated Er Bashous. He might react badly at first—he does have a temper. But almost nothing you could do he wouldn’t defend once he calmed down.”

Finn glanced to the side. “You think that, huh?”

Something wasn’t adding up, but Finn was right. In the grand scheme of things, we had other priorities. We had to get Bianca home.

“All right, but this conversation isn’t over,” I said finally, turning my attention back to Bryce. “As for the plan, you’re agreeable?”

Bryce sighed, looking defeated as he rested his forearms back on the desk. “I’ve no other choice. Are you going to tell her who I am before you ask?”

Like I would make it that easy for him.

“I’m not doing your job for you. We’ll get you in there, but you’re the one who needs to tell her who you are, and ask her about the plan,” I replied, watching him evenly. “I’ll start on the paperwork. If she agrees, you can act on it right away.”

“She’ll never agree. She’ll hate me even more.” Bryce covered his face. “It’s our fault she wasn’t home.”

I paused, recalling past conversations. When we spoke of our families, Bianca had looked so sad.

“I don’t think so,” I mused. “Bianca wants a family, and youareher family. She’s a logical person. Be honest and see what happens.”

Chapter Seven

Bianca

Choices

Damen held me for what felt like hours, only letting go when it was time for my therapy.

Once again, it was only Julian, Dr. Reed, and myself.

After I’d entered the room, Julian ignored his mother’s orders and rushed to my side, begging me to explain what was bothering me.

But there was nothing I could say. How could I tell him what happened with Damen?

I’d had anxiety attacks often, but those were different. I hadn’t felt that way in a long time—not being able to breathe, helplessness surrounding me, the desire to rip off my own skin.

It was far worse than any anxiety or ghostly attack.

I wouldneverbe able to fulfill any of the boys’ physical needs.

“Bianca.” Julian traced over the edge of my jaw before he nudged my face upward. His gaze pulled me out of my thoughts, but even his presence couldn’t soothe the raw edges of my emotions.

His blue eyes shimmered in worry. He had noticed his usual processes weren’t working.

“Darling, what’s wrong? Isn’t Damen in your room? We thought seeing him might make you happy, but—”

I shook my head. “T-t-that’s not i-i-it.” I struggled to speak. I couldn’t control it.

“We need to get her out of here.” Julian shifted to see his mother. “She’s getting worse.”

“I’m doing my best, Julian.” Dr. Reed sighed. “But her parents believe that this hospital is the safest place for her. The council knows her name now, and they are panicking. They know she is not mentally ready to face scrutiny.”

“Shewasgetting better when she was with us,” Julian accused. His arm tightened around me, and anger leaked into his voice. “You can’t keep her locked inside a room forever!”

“Abigail is worried—”