POV: ALESSIA DE LUCA VOLKOV
The necklace stayed around my neck.
I told myself I wore it because it was beautiful, because removing it felt unnecessary, because it matched almost everything I owned.
All lies, every single one. The truth sat against my skin in the form of a sapphire that once belonged to Ariana Volkov.
Cassian’s mother.
Even three days later, I still hadn’t fully processed what he had done. The gift felt too personal, too intimate, too important and the worst part, he acted as though it meant nothing. Typical Cassian.
I stood before the mirror fastening the final button of a fitted black coat when a knock sounded against my bedroom door.
“Come in.”
The door opened and Cassian entered.
My pulse immediately betrayed me. Annoying, very annoying. He looked rested for o
