- SERAPHINE
The Aetherius Grand was a palace of light, but to me, after being trapped inside my prison, it was like a giant, glittering diamond. It was beautiful, sure, but it was the kind of beauty that makes me want to itch my skin off.
I stayed two steps behind Marielle at all times. That was the rule. I was the "unfortunate cousin," the silent shadow meant to make her shine brighter.
She moved through the room with a grace that made my stomach churn. She knew exactly how to tilt her head, how to laugh at a joke that wasn't funny, and how to touch a donor’s arm to make them feel like the only person in the world.
She was playing me better than I ever played myself.
Aiden had vanished into the crowds almost immediately. I could feel the eyes of his security team on me from every co
