(Kiara)
I stayed on the floor until someone knocked on my door. I wiped my face and waited, hoping whoever it was would leave. Another knock came a few seconds later. I knew from the silence outside that it wasn't Maris.
"Kiara, it's me." Aurelia remained outside. "Can I come in?" She didn't try the handle.
I got up and opened the door. Aurelia's eyes were red, and Lysander stood behind her. I looked past them for Cassian before I could stop myself. He wasn't there.
"Where is he?" I asked. I hated how much I needed to know. "Is he all right?"
Lysander looked back toward the hall. "Father has two warriors with him." His anger was clear. "He said Cassian is not to leave the family section without permission tonight."
I closed my eyes. Lucan had gotten what he wanted and still wasn't sa
