Inside a house in Southon, Audrey let out a long sigh and kicked aside the shattered pottery scattered across the floor from the earlier struggle.
The assassination attempt had been a close call. If she hadn't hired a swordsman ahead of time, she might not have survived it.
Damian helped her into a chair and carefully replaced the bandage on her fingernail. He spoke softly, "A few more days and it'll heal completely. Try to keep it dry until then. I'll handle everything for you."
Audrey studied his face. He bore a faint resemblance to Cassian, though his features were gentler, more refined. She thought of how attentive he had been these past weeks, and a tangled knot of emotions stirred in her chest.
Damian asked carefully, "Do you miss him?"
Audrey smiled and shook her head.
'I don'
