Back in the Blackwood mansion, Soran couldn’t stop thinking about Isla.
Ever since Rowan had come out of the vault, she had been closer to him. Always. The way she looked at him, the way she smiled when he was near — it was different now. Everyone around them treated Rowan like he was special, like he was the only one who mattered. Even though they were triplets, their father despised Soran and Cauro, but treated Rowan like a king. It made Soran burn with jealousy he didn’t want to admit.
He walked slowly down the long corridor of the mansion, hands in his pockets, mind heavy with thoughts he couldn’t shake.
Then he heard voices — soft laughter, familiar and warm.
Soran stopped.
He moved quietly to the corner and peeked around it.
Rowan and Isla were standing together in the small si
