Gwen bolted out of Damien’s room, her breath ragged, her heart hammering so loudly she could barely hear herself think. His words were still carved into her chest like a blade.
Marcus had killed Damien’s brother.
That was why Damien had taken her. Why she was trapped in this house, bound by his rings and his anger.
It all made sense now, and yet it shattered her. Because if Damien ever found Marcus… he’d kill him. Not just kill, he’d destroy him. And she knew he could.
She stumbled into one of the guest rooms, shutting the door and sinking onto the bed. Her body felt stiff, her heart like lead. The tears came, hot and unstoppable, and she buried her face in her hands, sobbing until exhaustion pulled her into restless sleep.
When she woke, the sky outside was black. Night had fallen, t
