Auren POV

“Auren! You have to believe me! Lucen is lying he’s behind all of this!” Lysandra’s voice cracked as she lurched forward, the chain around her throat jerking her to a stop. She rubbed at the reddened skin where the metal dug into her flesh, eyes wide and glistening with false innocence.

“She’s been blackmailing me,” Lucen said flatly.

Lysandra’s composure shattered. She swung her leg, kicking futilely against the floor before grabbing the chain with both hands and ...