e cracked

t of Aria like a shield. Across the candlelit room, Cassian Blackwell leaned casu

l, smooth, with midnight hair falling over his f

mirk on h

ble wrapped

Winters. You do exist. I was starting to think you were just a

out from be

umor," she s

definitely real. And brave. Most gi

ian?" Cassian wandered closer, eyes flicking between t

not we

heat in the air but not the romantic kind. It was h

ing. "Were you about to kiss her? How unlike you,

poet

orward. "Say another

"Enough. If you have something

d maybe impressed. "I do, actu

her. "She's not going

nd she's yours, Lucien. A con

arning

him," Aria

ys went

ween you," she said, staring at

ned into hers-but

ctan

ibrary, the candles flickering back to l

he edge of the Blackthorn forest. The night air was crisp, a

ked, "What do yo

wer the question." He stopped walking and turned to face her.

ld you d

're in over

"No," he said, steppi

pulled out a photo. He handed

ien had shown her-the Elite

ed Xs slashed through five fac

this original group," Cassian said.

rase the others." Her stomach twisted. "You think Lucien's father killed my mom?" "I do

He grew up learning how to manipulate, ho

handle

and pretending it's a candle." She turned to

No matter what he tells you. No matter

ked her

etend to be warning me, but you hav

aised an

game?" she continued. "W

n't an

Aria saw something f

had

ecr

hat mattere

tice," he f

now if she b

ht between two devils. And one

ent. Evie was gone. Her bed made. No note. No sign sh

ked her

hin

rough the

athro

tudy

noth

roommate, Evie Moonhart?" The woman blinked. "There's

to the admin assistant. "Evie Moonhart. Blon

re in a private room." "That's not possible. I've been living with her

of the building,

e part

she

g at Blackt

leaning over a marble fountain, flipp

she'd disappear." Lucien looked up slowly. "Evie,"

y. "Assigned to observe you during yo

rage bubbling. "You

st too e

e everything!"

at's mine," L

not y

. Heavy

for just a second-and the

he said quietly. Aria stared at him

ere, staring

mas

lie

ll... n