When Mara returned to Lucians chambers, her knees were weak. Her heart beat so loudly in her chest that she thought it might give her away. The two guards who had escorted her back said nothing, just left her at the grand doors and walked off.

Lucian was seated by the fireplace, reading a scroll. Seraphina stood near the window, arms folded. The Beta, Selenes father, paced the room slowly, as if waiting for bad news.

Mara stepped in and shut the door quietly behind her.

Lucian looked up. “Well?”

She lowered her head, just like they had taught her. “He believed me.”

The Betas eyes narrowed. “Completely?”

Mara nodded....