A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, and Lila stepped inside, her face a mask of concern. “Kaden... what’s wrong? I heard shouting...”

He turned to her, his eyes hardening. “She’s alive.”

Lila’s eyes widened in feigned shock, her heart racing as she realized her plan was crumbling. “E-Ella? But... how? Where?”

Kaden’s eyes burned with fury. “She’s with Damian... and he’s protecting her. He’s turned against me for her.”

Lila’s nails dug into her palms, ...