bChapter /bb70 /b

Hook around, expecting sneaky Ank to reappear–but she doesn’t. I climb the spiral stairs in haste and retrace my steps to my rooms. I still can’t believe what has happened, that I let Cassian do these things to me–and worse, that fenjoyed them so much.

Find Ss pacing down a corridor that isn’t mine, and without thinking I grab a scrap of his shirt to pull him to face me.

“What are you doing here?”

“Exploring.”

“Stop that,” I scold. “Cassian won’t like it.”

“Ah, so you care about what the vampire likes or dislikes…”

I narrow my eyes, fixing him with my gaze. He may be taller and stronger than me, but I’m the older sister. I’m the one who distanced him from a miserable fate, so he should speak to me with respect.

“Are you insinuating something?”

“Is it possible that someone who’s lived here for over a month doesn’t know what the servants whisper–and I, in just a dayi, /iknow more than you?” His tone turns sneering. “ra, why does everyone say you’re in love with him?”

“What?”

I take a step back, as if struck by a p. I nearly feel it—but what hurts more is his stare. He looks at me like I betrayed him, like I’m not the same sister who slept beside him growing up or the one who pulled his hair when he told me I couldn’t do something because I was a girt.

“Are you having something with him, ra?” He steps toward me. “My sister wouldn’t fall in love with one of them–not after what he’s done to you, what he’s forced you into.”

This can’t be real. Not now. I wonder when his hard line will curve into a teasing smile and he’ll tell me it’s all a joke. Of all days, today? When

I’m emotionally shredded and my thoughts a mess?

“Who said that?”

“What does it matter?” he replies. “Is it true?”

He yanks me roughly, twisting my wrist.

“No, no! Of course it’s not true!” I struggle against him. “You’re hurting me, Ss. What the hell is wrong with you? Let go.”

“You’re not ra. Not the ra I know.”

“Stop with the nonsense,” I snarl through clenched teeth. “Let go of me, Ss. I don’t know what the hell’s wrong with you today, but you’re not here to judge me–you’re here to see me, maybe for thest time. Cassian’s generosity isn’t on my side. I don’t know what the castle thinks or what lies they’ve fed you–but I’m not special. You won’t ever see me again, and you’ll regret this moment, Ss. Do yourself a favor -let go. Now. I never expected gratitude for my sacrifices–but at least I expected you to be happy I’m alive, that I’m managing to survive each day.” My eyes sting. “If I have to be with him to stay alive, would you mind? Would you prefer I be dead?”

He loosens his grip and 1 slip free.

“I didn’t say that.”

“iYou /ididn’t need to. Your eyes said much more than your mouth.” I jab a finger into his chest. “You’ve judged me–just like they’ve judged bme /b

Tue, Aug

??. ???

307480

from the start, from that night at the Red Auction. But what you said… it’s worse. You’re my brother. My family. I don’t care about them–but care about you.”

He pales at my words. Tries to grab my arm again but fails. I put distance between us, backing away several steps.

“ra, your eyes…”

I’m already turning away, unable to listen further.

“I wish you’d never bothered toe–for this,” I whisper.

I don’t hear him running after me, and thatforts me. I have no strength left to face this, to look into the stranger’s eyes.

“What have they done to you, ra?!” he exims behind me.

I nce over my shoulder, confused by his question. His face is still pale–and I almost want to hug himb, /bbut I can’t. I’m the one trapped here forever. I’m the one who’s given up freedom and family. He still has everything.

Turning the corner, I enter my hallway and head to my room. I m the door shut so hard ites off one hinge. My hand flies to my chest- surprised I did that myself. I must be angrier than I thought–and the door must be older than it looked.

I sit on the edge of the bed, waiting for the guards to send someone to fix what I broke. In the silence, I feel something brushing my mind- like reverent fingertips, as a pianist does on keys. It’s not a new sensation; I’ve felt it when Cassian entered my head–but now he seems unable to do it no matter how much he tempts me with gentle caresses.

I imagine a double–door set in gold. ck arcane symbols form letters I don’t understand. A polished handle gleams, awaiting my touch. I picture myself reaching for it, wrapping my hand around it–and pulling it open…

The sensation inside my head stops.

“He’s an idiot. Don’t listen to him.”

Cassian’s voice echoes in my mind, and I imagine him here with me, whispering those words into my ear while his fingers caress my neck.

“He’ll never be able to understand your sacrifices.”

You don’t understand them either, I think.

“I reward them.”

And then, I hear ithe /iclick of the lock on my balcony, the double doors swing open immediately, and fresh air rushes in. Clean, crisp air.

I run toward it, forgetting I had been carrying on a conversation inside my head, and for the first time, I step out onto the balcony of my room

and discover that I have the most beautiful view in the entire castle.

AD

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