Kiera was in her small corner of the servant quarters, her body sore from the day’s work. Every muscle ached, and her hands were rough from the tools she’d been forced to use. She tried to relax, but her mind kept replaying Darius’ actions in the field, and worse—Ryker’s cold, piercing eyes.

As the sun began to set, a knock came at her door. Kiera froze. She didn’t know who to expect, but her heart raced as she got up and opened it. One of the older maids stood there, her face ...