Jolie POV

Seraphina doesn't leave.

I find this out two days later when I see her sitting in the common area, talking quietly with Phoenix as my stomach drops.

"I thought she was leaving." I pull Ryder aside.

"She was supposed to." His jaw tightens. "But Phoenix asked her to stay. Said she's family, and we don't turn away family."

"Even family that was hired to destroy us?" My voice is sharper than intended.

"He doesn't believe that." Ryder runs a hand through his hair. "He thinks we ...