Turn on the news.
Celeste looked at Damien. They were still in the hallway. Guards were after them.
“What? Now?” she asked.
“Just do it,” he stated.
She grabbed her smartphone and opened an information app. The headline hit her like a punch.
"DAMIEN CROSS DECLARED TRAITOR BY HIS OWN RELATIVES."
There has been an image of Damien and his father. A public statement below it.
“What is this?” she whispered.
Damien’s face went tight. “Rylan. He beat me to it.”
They ran until they found a room and shut the door.
Celeste read the story out loud. “The Cross family has disowned Damien Cross after evidence showed he worked against allied families. He is no longer protected.”
“They cut you off?” she asked.
“Completely.” Damien sank down and hid his face in his hands. “I’m nobody now.”
“Yo
