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KAIDEN

M y father’s torture chamber is tucked away in the basement of the mansion, where he can pretend it doesn’t exist when we have visitors. The cement space is cold, and water drips from the ceiling. The droplets splattering against the floor is the only noise that exists. I’m alone. Have been for a day now. He used to chain me up, but the older I got, the less I fought, so he started allowing me to roam the room freely.

He put a magic shield around the space, as well, that restrains my magic. It exists but is weak enough that I can’t do any damage.

When I was fourteen, I started trying to claw my way through the walls. I scratched at the concrete until my fingers bled. My claw marks are still visible, along with my blood.

Usually, I handle this better, but with my heart out there and knowing some creature is attempting to kill her … I can’t st op pacing. My mind is spinning with all sorts of worst-case scenarios. Usually, when I get like this, I read and research to keep myself calm. This room is empty, though, and offers zero distractions?—

A sizzling noise appears over the dripping. I stop and, with my brows furrowed, stick my hand into my pocket. My fingers brush against a piece of paper, and I fumble to retrieve it. If Nico or Wylder sent me a message via magical mail, something is terribly wrong.

The magic used to transport these letters is mild and barely detectable, hence the reason it manages to get through my father’s shield. When I read the letter, I know Nico wrote it due to the lack of details.

“I need to get the hell out of here,” I mumble as worry pours through me.

I’m not used to this—this abundance of emotions that have awakened inside me ever since I laid eyes on my heart . It feels like I have too much blood in my veins, like my mind is overflowing with too many thoughts, like my magic will overpower me.

I need to get to her. And there’s only one way out of this—the thing my father has wanted from me since the day I was born.

To control me.

He wants me to become his prodigy and take over the family name. I’ve fought it since the day I understood what that meant.

Darkness .

Evil.

Killing.

I’ve heard the whispers about my family. It’s why the mention of my last name sends fear through anyone who hears it.

I loathe the idea of becoming my father. But the desire to protect my heart is far greater, so I call out for the guards to request a meeting with my father that may seal my fate with the stamp of darkness—an agreement that will eventually send me to my grave.