ASTRID'S POV

Opening my eyes, the first thing that assaulted me was a wave of pain, regret, and seething hatred that seemed to pulse through my very veins.

My body ached from the cold, hard floor I had slumbered on, and my mind was foggy from exhaustion and the emotional strain of the past day.

The memories of the previous night came rushing back. I had spent hours crying and pleading at Dane’s study door, my voice raw and hoarse from the constant begging.

Each ...