NexusCore.
Even seeing the name on the screen sent a flicker of pride through me.
It was my creation. A fusion of human and magical technology that had the potential to revolutionize both worlds. Working with Camilla and Alessandro at Vincenzo’s estate had opened my eyes to the possibilities and raw potential of blending their ancient magic with the logic of human innovation.
I wasn’t sure what I’d do with it. Sell it as a program? Auction off the tech to the highest bidder? Either way, the hope was that it would set me up for a life of my own creation.
I exhaled slowly. Would The Shadow let me work on it if he knew what I was creating? Or would he see it as a threat? Would he want to control it? Destroy it?
My hands moved to the diamond choker around my neck. It hummed faintly against my skin, a constant reminder of his control. My thoughts wandered back to his library, to the private collection room sealed behind that black door. The memory of the bookshelves, the tantalizing mystery of what lay beyond, teased at the edges of my mind.
Could there be something in there that could help me finish NexusCore?
The thought sent a jolt of excitement through me. The private collection had to contain knowledge, artifacts, orsomethingthat could give me an edge. I needed no excuse to go back to the library. It was my favorite place in this godsforsaken estate. A reprieve from the coldness of this place.
The idea of sneaking back to the library, specifically the restricted section, made my heart race. It was reckless and stupid, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that it was worth the risk.
I shut my laptop and stood.
The choker hummed again as if in warning, but I ignored it. My pulse quickened with every step, the thrill of the unknown, of rebellion, taking hold.
This time, I’d be more careful. I wouldn’t get caught.
At least, that’s what I told myself as I slipped out of my room and into the shadowy halls.
The mansion was unnervingly quiet at night, the halls cloaked in shadow and the faint hum of magic an ever-present reminder that I wasn’t alone. The choker around my neck was a constant weight, a tether that linked me to him. But as I padded silently down the corridor on bare feet, I couldn’t help but wonder if he was truly watching meallthe time.
The thought had haunted me ever since he’d told me the necklace wasn’t just decorative but a surveillance device, a leash to keep me in line. But even he had to sleep, didn’t he? Or at least lower his guard?
This is reckless,I told myself, but I kept going. What did I have to lose?
I walked through the expansive library to the private section, savoring the familiar scent of aged paper and ink. Running my fingers over the spines of the books, I let myself indulge in the simple pleasure of being surrounded by stories and secrets.
Somehow, amid the chaos of my captivity, this sanctuary of knowledge offered a fleeting sense of peace. I plucked a few books from the shelves, drawn to titles that whispered of ancient magic and forgotten realms. I would take them back to my room, hoping to uncover something that could unravel the mysteries surrounding The Shadow and his hold over me.
But now, as I approached the door to the private library, its imposing presence reminded me of the barriers I faced. I’d tried it once before, only to find it locked tight. Of course, it was. The Shadow wasn’t stupid, and this room—the secrets it held—was clearly important to him.
I stopped in front of the door, my heart thudding wildly. A voice in the back of my mind whispered that this was a fool’s errand, that I was risking my life. But the truth was, I had nothing left to lose.
He’d taken everything from me.
My freedom, my job, my friends—my entire life, stripped away piece by piece until all that remained was this hollow version of myself, trapped in his gilded cage.
And yet, the bastard seemed to need me. Why else would he keep me alive, keep me close? I was his best option for whatever the hell he had in mind by marrying me. That sliver of power and leverage gave me the courage to press on. And now that Celeste and Vincenzo were aware of my situation, I was sure The Shadow would think twice about killing me. That would start another war with Vincenzo.
Pulling the bobby pin from my hair, I knelt in front of the lock. The vanity in my bathroom had yielded a few unexpected treasures, and this tiny scrap of metal felt like a lifeline now. Picking locks wasn’t a skill I used often, but I was decent at it.
Not as good as Celeste, though.
I missed her. Missed her fierce loyalty, her ability to make me laugh even when the world felt like it was crumbling. Shewould’ve been by my side now, grinning as she worked the lock with a practiced ease.
But Celeste wasn’t here.
It was just me.
The bobby pin slid into the lock, and I worked it with deliberate care, feeling for the tumblers. The click of success sent a jolt of satisfaction through me.
Still got it.
