Liandren's POV

“We’ll be leaving together,” I said bluntly, leaning closer to Lady Annabeth. I whispered, “You can fool my father, but you cannot fool me.”

Lady Annabeth stared down at my grip and smirked. “You should have been my daughter.”

I blinked, unsure why she would say something like that. In her gaze, something warm beneath those piercing eyes twirled. “Don’t worry. I’ll spare you for now—”

She took my hand and gently pushed it down.

“Liandren…” my father ...