Chapter 57

Selena

By the time Liam set me down on the couch in the sitting room, my ankle felt like it was on fire. I tried to mask the pain, no point looking weak in front of him, but the way his hands had gripped my arms told me he’d noticed every flinch.

And I knew that I was going to need to play smart. One wrong move could end up ruining everything for me. And I knew for a fact that Darius did not accept anyone who failed. I still didn't even know why he chose to keep Claire on for this long, but I did not intend to be like her.

“I will leave you to take care of things.” Liam said and Alaria nodded. I wanted to speak, I wanted to thank him, but I knew better than to do so. Even trying to engage with him could end up playing a different game or even sending a message that I could not. At least for now, I need it to earn her trust. Especially with Claire out of the way.

Alaria knelt beside me without hesitation, her fingers brushing lightly over the swell