There are still several hours before dawn as I head to the lake. My rubber boots squelch through the mud and sweat beads along my hairline.

Just as I push through the brush and get to the worn path that leads to the lake, I spot two shadowy figures, one pacing, the other low to the ground.

Leo stops pacing when he hears me approach. His arms are folded tight across his chest and even in the dark, I can see the deep crease that forms between his eyes when he worries. Isabella is crouched on the ground, her arms wrapped around her knees as she looks out across the inky dark water.

"You're late." Leo says with a coldness that startles me.

I swallow hard. "I'm sorry. It was Vittoria. The Council must have stayed long after the meeting broke up. She didn't...

Please subscribe to keep reading.