THE CONFESSIONThe rain had started again, a soft tapping against the windowpanes that sounded like nervous fingers. I stood outside Demetrius’s door, my hand hovering over the wood. My heart was beating so hard I could feel it in my throat.

I should have been halfway to the gate by now. Kael was waiting. The horses were ready. But the crumpled note from Rhys was still tucked against my skin, and the thought of leaving Demetrius without saying the truth felt like a different kind of death.

I ...