{Lena’s POV}

Today has just been one bad event after the other. The pounding in my skull, coupled with the pit in my stomach, equalled a stunning quality of anger no amount of pacing or drinking could numb.

“ARGHHHHG!” I screamed as I toppled over my dresser, just to stub my toe.

The day had been long, the meetings I attended unbearable, and every report I had received ended with the same aggravating truth. Lucien had used me. He had smiled, whispered promises, and kept me close only so I could serve as a convenient pawn in his grand game against Ronan… And worse, he had been hiding things.

His...