The note, a harrowing whisper seared into Mara’s mind, bore a message that felt more agonizing than the searing cut on her palm.

He’s not who you think.

For two interminable days, Mara transformed into a vigilant observer and a keen listener, her senses sharpened like the claws of a lioness discerning the faintest stirrings of its prey. She scrutinized the way Damon’s normally composed gaze would linger on Elias—every shared glance, every subtle smirk intensifying the tumult churning ...