Mira:I’m worried about you. Tonight especially. Something happened.
My fingers freeze over the keyboard. She knows me too well.
Me:I’m fine.
Mira:You’re lying.
Me:We signed the contract. Legally binding. You read all twelve pages.
Mira:I know, but?—
Me:No buts. We’re doing this. I NEED this.
Mira:Why? Really why?
I stare at the question, my reflection catching in the darkened phone screen. Red cheek. Swollen eyes. The perfect daughter breaking apart at the seams.
Me:Because I’m suffocating here. Because every breath in this house feels like a lie. Because maybe out there, running from something real, I’ll finally feel alive.
Mira:Or you’ll get yourself hurt.
Me:Better than suffering in my father’s shadow.
Mira:Don’t say that.
Me:It’s true, though.
The dots pulse.
Mira:Then we do this together. All the way through. No matter what.
Me:Promise?
Mira:Unfortunately, yes. But Cora? Be careful. Trust your instincts.
Me:My instincts are what got me into this.
Mira:See you tomorrow.
I set the phone down and pull my knees to my chest. Tomorrow. The Hunt. Freedom, even if it’s temporary. Even if it’s dangerous.
Even if it destroys me.
3
LIAM
The crystal chandeliers catch on every diamond in the room. Old money dripping from every conversation, every carefully practiced laugh. I adjust my cufflinks—Cartier, because appearances matter in places like this—and accept a flute of champagne from a passing server.
Mayor Pike works the crowd near the podium, all teeth and handshakes. My jaw tightens watching him, this bastard who went on local news calling me a “parasite on justice” for defending Tony Marcello. Never mind that everyone deserves legal representation. Never mind constitutional rights. Pike needed a scapegoat for his tough-on-crime platform, and I fit the bill perfectly.
Cost me the Ashford Industries retainer. The Wellington Foundation account. Three board positions I’d spent years cultivating.
All because this sanctimonious prick needed a headline.
I sip the champagne, scanning the room. Xavier mentioned Cora Pike, the mayor’s precious daughter, is a participant in the Hunt. My chance to finally?—
There.
