Chapter 31

The Shadows of Betrayal

 The dimly lit corridors smelled of Noelle's new home was aged wood and burning candles, a stark contrast to the cold, sterile dungeons she had been trapped in days ago.

Elias walked beside her, tension radiating off him in waves. Cassandra her host led them into a sitting room, where a fire flickered in the hearth. The warmth should have been comforting, but Noelle felt anything but safe.

She didn't trust Cassandra.

Elias might, but Noelle had learned the hard way that trusting the wrong person could cost you everything.

Cassandra turned, arms crossed. "You shouldn't have come here, Elias. Do you have any idea the bounty on her head?"

Elias ran a hand through his wet hair. "I didn't have a choice. Mikey nearly had her."

Cassandra's sharp blue eyes flicked to Noelle. "And now you're expecting me to put my life on the line?"

"You owe me," Elias said with her voice so low.