Criminal

Chapter 30

The next morning, I awoke tangled in silk sheets, my body sore yet strangely sated. Kael lay beside me, his features softened in sleep, a stark contrast to the dominating presence he exuded when awake.

I slipped out of bed, careful not to wake him, and made my way to the window. The sun was just beginning to rise, casting a golden hue over the landscape below.

As I watched the world awaken, a sense of determination settled over me. I may be trapped in this gilded cage for now, but I refused to let Kael's darkness consume me completely.

With that resolve burning bright in my heart, I turned away from the window and began to plan my escape. It wouldn't be easy, but I refused to let him win.

For I was Ava, and I was destined for so much more than this.

But as I began to gather my belong