Ace didn’t stop walking until we turned down the east hallway. It was the quietest corridor in the whole mansion. The carpet under our feet muffled our steps, but he still didn’t say a word. His hand was wrapped around mine, but the moment we reached the small alcove near the tall window, the one that looked out to the back gardens, I yanked my hand out of his grip.

“Ace, stop.”

He halted immediately. His chest was still rising and falling too fast, his jaw clenched, eyes burning with ...