Damien arrived alone.

His car rolled through the gate and stopped near the palace. He stepped out slowly, his eyes moving fast, sharp, searching. He scanned the yard, the steps, the open doors. Guards nodded at him, but he barely noticed.

He was looking for Ivy.

She wasn’t there.

Damien’s jaw tightened. He walked inside, boots heavy against the floor. The hall felt quiet, too quiet. He turned toward the meeting room and saw Cassien standing near the table, reading from a tablet.

Cassien ...