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“He’s taking it hard,” she said, aletically “This happened on his watch He can’t forgive himself for that”

I could understand that But still I wouldn’t be able to forgive hiuys the way he had tried to break me I trusted Cassandra—within reason—but I knew that the more Toland panicked, the worse it would be for all of us

The isolated waiting room looked like it had been furnished in the ‘60s and had never been redecorated The furniture appeared blocky and uncomfortable, and a few novels lined a small bookshelf

Jesus How long am I expected to be here? Do they think I’ll have time to read a whole book?

Picking one up, I opened it to the first page then closed it again I was too restless to even think about reading

“Is it really true that actors are more easily swayed by sirens than other people?”

I asked the question out loud just to fill the space with so nearby, and the silence wasmy skin crawl She didn’t answer, and I was about to open the book again when the door opened

Vesper cocked her head, then nodded once, the gray streaks in her hair gleaht of the wall sconces I’d always assue as Toland, but she looked better preserved The effect of less stress and responsibility, maybe

“Ah They’ve all finished” She crooked a finger at me “Come with me Toland wishes to speak with you all”

I blinked at her “Uh all four of them already?”

She offered a tired s room is enchanted You’ve been here for five hours Co”

I shook et used to this place I followed her out and around a corner to a boardroom I had never been in before All the men were all ther

e Kai looked ashahty, whichblow that took doen, and Kingston was allergic to guilt Xero was the opposite though He looked drained and miserable Jayce was the only one who didn’t look like he’d just been through the wringer He actually looked better than he had when they’d co, and he even cracked a smile at me

“Have a seat, Piper” Toland gestured to a chair with one hand while pensively scratching his eyebroith the other Once I was settled, he sat at the head of the table and looked around,our eyes one by one

“First, I owe you all an apology I should not have pushed you so hard Especially you, Piper And, Kai, you as well”