“Leaving so soon, Jennie? Didn’t anyone tell you—running away only makes the chase more exciting?”

~$~

My heels barely whisper on the hotel marble, but inside, I feel like I’m stomping through a battlefield. The music behind me is still soft, distant. The champagne laughter of the Remington gala is muffled now, echoing like something from a dream I’m already waking up from.

I pass a gold-plated mirror and I barely recognize myself.

Shiny black dress, pinned just right. Hair in waves. Makeup flawless. But the panic in my eyes doesn’t lie.

I grip my phone tighter. Ava’s message is still open on the screen:

I’m here. Blue Orchid. Don’t...