Chapter SIXTY-EIGHT

Lusia I stood frozen, watching Dane’s retreating as he strode out of the room, his posture tense, his steps urgent. My lips still tingled from his kiss, but the warmth I had felt only moments ago had vanished, replaced by an unbearable coldness. I had just confessed my love to him. And he walked away. My throat tightened as I swallowed hard, forcing back the tears burning behind my eyes. What did you expect, Lusia? That he would pull me into his arms and return my feelings? That someone like Dane—the man who had once hurt you—would suddenly open his heart to love? You’re a fool. I inhaled sharply, steeling myself before stepping out of the room. The moment I did, I felt it. The cold press of metal against my skin. My body locked up in shock, and before I could react, a voice whispered harshly in my ear. “Stay quiet and follow me.” My breath hitched. I didn’t need to turn to know who it was. Kiara. Her voice dripped with venom, each syllable laced with the kind of hatred that had simmer