Chapter 147

• ALYONA
• I stood near the corner, watching as the final touches were made to the arrangements. My eyes followed the movement of the staff until I noticed Esrael walking toward me. His usual confident stride was slower, more measured. “I’m sorry, Alyona,” he said quietly when he stopped in front of me. I frowned. “For what?”
• “I should have told you the truth about how you were brought in under Alexander,” he admitted. “I never thought he’d treat you like this… but if you want, I can talk to him.”