— CASSIAN
I watched her discover the camera.
Saw the exact moment she realized I'd been lying.
Not about the freedom. I'd meant that.
But about the privacy.
There was no privacy in Ashgrave. Not anymore.
Not when rivals were circling. Not when my own mother wanted her dead. Not when every second she was out of my sight felt like drowning.
So I watched.
From my office. Monitors lined the wall, showing every room. Every hallway. Every corner of the estate.
And in the library, Mara stared up at the camera with betrayal written across her face.
She stood. Moved closer to the lens.
Then she raised her middle finger.
I laughed.
Couldn't help it.
Even furious, even trapped, she fought back.
God, she was magnificent.
"Enjoying the show?"
I didn't turn. Knew the voice.
Nic entered
