SIENNA’S POV

“I’m sorry… I’m not in the mood,” I said, forcing my tone to stay even, even though my nerves were a mess under my skin.

The air in the room felt heavier. The candles burned low, their flames barely breathing. The faint scent of iron and incense mixed in the air — sharp, strange, and suffocating.

Across the table, Cosette tilted her head slowly, like a cat watching a mouse it wasn’t sure whether to play with or devour. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Not in ...