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This whole arranged wedding is to protect the Rostovas. They are selling their souls to Vadim because they believe it will make them powerful.

Lena is giving herself up for a family that’s already been marked for death.

Rage twists in my gut. I shove the papers back, slam the safe shut, and lock it with shaking hands. I want to scream.

I quickly exit the office.

My mind is spinning with everything I’ve learned.

Vadim is much smarter than I knew.

He knows I’m his son. What is his game?

I casually slip into place at the end of the hall with the other guards.

I have to talk to Lena. Warn her.

After a long night, I walk Lena to her room as always.

She says nothing.

Doesn’t look at me.

Nothing.

I go to my room and wait. Pacing until it’s been long enough for the rest of the house to fall asleep.

Then I go to her using the passage.

I cross the room silently and slip into her bed.

“Don’t,” she says the second my arms go around her.

I freeze. “Lena?—”

“No.” She pulls away like I’ve burned her. “You can’t be here. You have to go.”

Something cold settles in my stomach. “What happened?”

She doesn’t answer.

I reach for her, but she recoils. “Don’t touch me.”

“Tell me what’s wrong.”

“Leave, Anton. Do not come back to my bed.”

I sit up. “Lena?—”

“No. You have to go. I will not die for you. You will not die for me. Leave, Anton. Leave and never come back.”

“The fuck I will,” I growl.

I reach for her, jerking her against me.

For a brief second, she sags into me. And then my little sunshine is gone.

She climbs out of bed like she can’t physically be near me.