I leaned back against the sofa, feeling my strength ebbing with each passing second. Until now, I’d believed the only real danger I faced was from those who lost their jobs because of me. I had never imagined someone would target me just to spite Hadrian.

“I… I don’t understand,” I mumbled. “Why would someone attack me just to get to the Lord Protector?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” Lucian chuckled, a note of exasperation in his voice. “Hadrian was once in love with a human. ...