Chapter 112

Something felt wrong the moment I woke up.

The castle was too quiet. Usually, Cindy or one of the rogues would have escorted me to Declan’s room by now. He liked having me beside him while he ate, like we were some twisted version of a real couple.

But today, nobody came.

Maybe it was punishment for the escape attempt.

Then, memories from last night came rushing back.

Declan throwing me over his shoulder while I fought him the entire way back to the tower. My fists pounding uselessly against his back while he carried me through the castle like I belonged to him.

The flames.

Goddess… the flames.

I pushed myself upright in bed and immediately looked toward the massive tower window. Smoke still drifted through the dark morning sky. All along the castle walls, blackened remains of the giant vines curled like dead snakes while rogue guards walked the perimeter carrying torches, making sure every last escape route