Cassian’s POV
The phone buzzed on my nightstand, its glow the only light in the dark. I almost ignored it, just another late-night problem I didn’t want to deal with. But then I saw the name.
Ava….we haven’t seen each other for years.
I snatched it up, heart pounding.
“Ava?”
All I heard at first was breathing, shallow, and uneven.
“Ava, what is it?”
“Cassian—” Her voice cracked on my name. “You have to come. Now. Please.”
That fear—real fear—made my blood run cold.
“Where are you?” I was already yanking on my jacket.
“At home. But don’t—”
The line went dead.
…
The night air hit me like ice as I ran to my bike. The engine roared as I sped off, the road a blur beneath me.
What did he do this time? What did I let happen by staying away?
I’d kept my distance from Carlton because that man was everything I hated. But Ava, Ava never asked for help unless it was bad.
And I’d ignored the summons earlier, that cold note delivered by his messenger:
“Your presence is expected. To
