Chapter 17

• Elena's breath came in shallow gasps as she stood in the dimly lit hallway. Her mind replayed Alexander’s words from earlier—Darmien wanted her. But why? What did he plan to do with her?
• Her heart pounded as she pressed her back against the cold wall. She had spent so much time trying to escape Alexander, but now, a new fear settled in her chest. If Darmien was as dangerous as Alexander made him seem, was she truly safer outside these walls?
• A soft sound broke the silence. Footsteps. Slow, deliberate.