Charles stepped out from the car, wearing a tailored dark navy wool jacket over a white shirt, with matching trousers. His hair was brushed into a loose, bronze wave on top, clipped short on the sides. He glanced toward me and then did a slow sweep, taking in every person around us.

“Are you ready, Miss Erin?”

“Charles”, I breathed. “Have you recovered from your fever?”

“Yes. I will escort you to the office today.”

“Is that necessary?”

“I have orders from the top.”

My mouth folded together, grimacing as I knew who he referred to as the top. Rowan and Reed.

It was the day of our announcement, and...