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“Where to, miss?” the driver asks.

I fasten my seat belt. “The Alarie Estate.”

He arches a brow, meeting my gaze in the rearview mirror. “You sure?”

I stare out the window, watching as crowds of people walk by, lost in their own worlds. “I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

The driver nods and pulls away from the curb, maneuvering effortlessly through traffic as if it comes second nature to him.

I rest my head against the cool window, tugging the sleeves of my hoodie over my hands as a shiver works its way through me.

I have no idea what’s waiting for me on the other side of this ride. All I know is I’ve come too far to turn back now.

My fingers close around the familiar rectangular card tucked inside my pocket. I pull it free and stare at the name embossed across the front. Alessandro Alarie.

Closing my eyes, I make a silent wish.

Please be the answer to my freedom.

Sometime during the drive, exhaustion pulls me under, and when I wake, the city is gone. Towering pines crowd both sides of the road, their branches swallowing the last of the sunlight. Ahead, a massive stone wall stretches through the forest as though it never ends.

The taxi slows to a stop before an imposing wrought-iron gate, the tips of which appear coated in actual gold. Several guards stand on duty, many of whom choose to display their weapons like armor.

“Are you sure you want me to drop you off here?” the driver asks, concern in his tone. “I’ve heard horror stories about this place.”

I swallow hard. “I’ve heard them too.” Like what they do to their enemies… But I’m not an enemy. I reach into my bag, take out almost all the rest of my cash to cover the trip, and hand it over. Taking a steady breath, I push open the door. “I’ll be fine. Thank you for the ride.” I grab my bag, throw it over my shoulder, and shut the door before stepping away. The driver accelerates, waves from the window, and disappears down the road.

A strong gust of wind swirls around me as I hesitantly approach. A few guards eye me, their gaze narrowing in on my every move, causing my stomach to drop and my chest to tighten.

I can only imagine how I look after spending a few days on a bus with no shower. My hair is tangled, my clothes are filthy, and I’ve definitely never smelled this bad before.

But the finish line is so close I can practically see it etched before the gate.

Raising my chin, I smooth out my hair and force a smile while approaching the closest guard.

“Hi.” My fingers curl around the straps of my backpack. “I’m here to see Alessandro Alarie.”

His gaze sweeps over me, slow and assessing, lingering just long enough to make my pulse spike. “He’s off the estate at the moment.”

My smile falls, my heart racing. “W-when will he be back?”

He raises a brow. “After the memorial service.”

“Memorial service?”

“Yeah, for the governor’s wife.” He tilts his head to the side. “Do I know you?”

I shake my head too quickly, dizziness washing over me. “No. I was just—”

“Are you here from the agency?” another guard asks, stepping closer.

The agency? The question catches me off guard.

I’m not sure what the right answer is, but hesitantly, I nod. “Y-yes.”

“Thought so.” The guard reaches behind him, and every muscle in my body locks into place, preparing for the gun that is about to be pointed at me. Instead, he retrieves a walkie-talkie and brings it before his lips. “I’ve got the new one here. We’re heading to the house now.” The new one? Before I can ask what he means, he clips the radio back onto his belt and gestures toward the gates. “Come on. Francesca’s going to be happy to see you.”

The wrought-iron gates slowly part, and the man heads toward a black SUV, so I quickly follow after him. Reaching the vehicle, he opens the rear door and waits for me to climb inside.