Dr. Ian paused for a split second, his voice gentle.
“Not to sound insensitive, but... I was under the impression the Academy was entirely comprised of orphans.”
I let out a soft, sarcastic laugh that lacked any real humor.
“Yeah. The Director was like my aunt. She was best friends with my mom and dad before they died, so she took me in. Raised me at the Academy... made me a badass.”
I closed my eyes, a bitter edge slipping into my slurred voice.
“She didn’t have the right to sell me off like I was nobody.”
Dr. Ian didn’t stop working, his hands moving with steady, rhythmic precision as he pulled the thread through.
“Ah,” he murmured softly, a subtle, knowing smile touching his lips. “So your heart is broken.”
I opened my mouth to shoot back a defensive bite, but before I could fra
