"You are free to choose your path, Abigail. You are stronger than his lies."
The voice of Serafine sounded in my head-a small beacon of light tearing through the darkness that had consumed my mind for far too long.
I felt the magic of Lucian clutching at my throat, seeking to snuff out the light, but something buried deep within me had started to stir-a truth hidden even from myself.
The visions that had wracked my mind finally dissipated, and I saw Lucian's face, twisted in anticipation. He thought he had me, that he'd won, but he had no idea yet.
I drew a deep breath and let the tumult of what was happening around us fade to a silent hush. Now or never. "You're right, Lucian," I said, willing my tone to stay even. "I do know what I must do."
His face twisted in a triumphing leer. "T
