#Chapter 102 – Unmasked

Lila Three days. That’s how long it had been since Ronan knocked at the door and Damon walked away with my hand still warm in his. He hadn’t spoken much since. Oh, he was present—attentive in his way. He sat with me at meals, slept near enough for our bond to pulse faintly between us, and touched my shoulder sometimes like he meant to say something but couldn’t find the words. But he hadn’t mentioned Isabella. Not once. Not after she slipped back into the palace like a serpent dressed in wolf’s clothing. I sat curled in the corner of the low velvet chaise near the window, watching a pair of courtiers pace the edge of the garden. They looked like they were discussing weather or wine, but I caught the flick of glances toward the tower balcony—toward my balcony. It made my skin prickle. Ruby stirred behind my ribs, uneasy. Not angry—watchful. Her ears were perked, pacing in tight circles. Waiting for a threat to make itself known. It had taken days for me to reall