I couldn't settle my restless thoughts. If I had to face Hadrian right now, I knew I would lose control emotionally. But there was another side to me, one that was burning with questions, questions I was desperate to ask him—especially why he hadn't told me about the bond, why he had played me. I had always known Hadrian had the capacity for cruelty, but never had I imagined it would be aimed at me.

It was just a thought, but I think I finally understood why Hadrian never wanted to ...