The cold stone digs into my back. It hurts, but that pain is nothing compared to the anger burning inside me. Lacie's voice cuts at me, testing how much I can take before I break.

She's here. Antalya is here, hiding in the shadows. I can smell her fear in the damp air—a smell only I can sense. I have to keep her safe. I can't let Lacie know.

Every word from Lacie's mouth is a lie meant to break me, but all I can think about is the soft heartbeat coming from the dark corner. I let my head ...