— CASSIAN
I made it to the woods before I stopped running.
Collapsed against a tree. Gasping. Bleeding from wounds I didn't remember getting.
She was gone.
I'd left her.
Given her to the enemy because she'd asked me to choose her survival over mine.
And now she was in their hands.
My phone buzzed. Miraculously still working.
Nic.
"Where are you?" he demanded.
"Woods. North side of the estate."
"Jesus Christ, Cass. What happened?"
"They breached the house. Found us in the tunnels. Mara's captured."
"By who?"
"Vincenzo's crew. Working with my mother."
Silence.
"Your mother betrayed you?"
"She's been planning this. Used the police as distraction. Let Vincenzo's men in. All to get to Mara."
"Why?"
"Because Mara's father killed mine. And my mother wants revenge. And leverage
