CASSIAN'S POV
Sleep eludes me just like peace.
My unblinking stare is fixed on the ceiling.
Dinner was horrible. Not the food, but the memory of Sloane's leg constantly brushing mine under the table.
I told myself this was temporary, manageable even, but lies are easier to swallow when they don't last forever.
No matter how I try to shake it, Sloane's voice haunts me.
She tricked me. They all tricked me.
It all seemed too fast when Dad made me sign the contract. The weight of his hand on my shoulder had steeled me. Convinced me it was right.
That it will bring our family together.
“Just get to know her,” he said, “do it for your family.”
So I did. How could I refuse? We were already betrothed. My signature on ink was just a formality.
Then the dates started. So many public
