DEREK POV

I left the car and walked straight to the questioning room. I’d called ahead. I’d told them to bring Ariana in. Gerrick explained her sudden appearance at the palace yesterday, making her a suspect—that someone closed the door on Nora. I let out a smirk, hoping it was a lie.

As I passed the hall, guards and a few warriors bowed their heads. One of them led me inside. Ariana was already sitting, looking so pissed off, and was just in pajamas; her hair looked so messy.

I didn’t ...