The elevator doors slide open just as Aleksei releases me. My lips are still tingling, and he takes my hand, guiding me into a long, softly lit hallway. Warm, elegant sconces line the walls, casting gold pools of light against the marble. There’s only one door at the far end, and Niko stands beside it, hands clasped loosely in front of him, at ease.
I blink twice before noticing someone kneeling beside him.
Aleksei leads me closer until I’m staring down at Austin’s bloody face. My eyes go wide. “Austin,” I move to step forward, but Aleksei pulls me back firmly.
Austin screams, “Claire! Why are you doing this to me?” His face is swollen, his nose crooked, blood dripping in slow, thick trails that smear across his cheek. It makes my stomach twist. “How could you send people to hurt me lik
