Aliya’s POV

“Don’t be scared, I’ve got you.” Bran offered with a warm smile as the car pulled up before a mansion that could’ve easily belonged in a royal fantasy.

Don’t be scared, he said. But every man who’s ever told me that line turned out to be an absolute bastard. And here I was, clearly doing the opposite of don’t be scared as my pulse raced, and my stomach twisted in knots.

What if I get killed? Or worse, the body is never found?

Would anyone even mourn me?

My thoughts spiraled out of control, a carousel of dread and doubt spinning faster with every passing second. Then the...