Caroline’s pulse drummed in her ears as she stepped back into the castle. The quiet corridors stretched before her, dimly lit by flickering candlelight that cast shadows over the stone walls. Everything about this place was designed to intimidate, to remind her of her position here—trapped and controlled. But as she moved, her steps echoing softly against the marble floors, she felt a new resolve anchoring her.
She had a plan now, even if it was dangerous and uncertain. The only way to escape Damon’s grasp was to play his game—and that meant becoming what he wanted, or at least, appearing to.
The thought of pretending to be loyal to him, of getting closer to the man she feared, sent chills through her, but she reminded herself that this was for her freedom. No matter how intimidating he
