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She tilted her head slightly.

“So, it’s up to you.”

“Do you want to stay on your feet… or on your knees?”

Something cracked behind me.

I turned—

A sharp sting struck the side of my neck.

A dart.

Warmth flooded through my body and my legs buckled. The ring of flames around me flickered and died.

“Easy now, little sister,” she murmured. “It will all make sense soon, I promise you.”

I felt her kiss my forehead.

“You’re going to change the world.”

The last thing I remembered was Sable’s face.

Smiling at me.

Chapter 45

Dev

I was trapped in my worst nightmare.

Armed guards stood outside my bedroom door. The locks had been magnetically sealed by the house system, trapping me inside.

I had access to nothing but my bedroom and bathroom. The space itself was enormous — bigger than most houses — but it felt suffocating.

I wanted out.

The moment dinner ended, I had been ordered upstairs. No explanation. No discussion.

Just guards.

I slammed my fist against the door.

“You can’t keep me in here!”

The door suddenly swung open.

Dominic stood in the doorway.

I stepped back instinctively.

“What the hell is going on?”

The door closed behind him with a quiet click.

“This is merely a formality,” Dominic said calmly. “Your father and I agreed it would be best if you didn’t run back to your… apartment too quickly. You are still needed here.”

“What do you want, Dominic?”