Chapter 9

Elara's POV

A knock woke me the next morning. I opened my eyes to pale sunlight slipping through the small window beneath the sloped ceiling, and for one confused second I didn't know where I was. Then Will shifted beside me, one knee digging into my hip, and the events of yesterday came rushing back all at once.

The Ashwood estate. Asta. Aidan. Lucian.

I pushed myself upright. Rosie's bed was already empty, neatly made — she'd managed to leave without waking either of us.

Another knock.

"Elara?"

Felix.

I climbed carefully over Will and opened the door. He stood in the narrow hallway, already dressed for the day.

"Morning. Did you sign the contract?"

I glanc