Ryker’s POVIt was four in the morning when I got home.The house was empty, silent as a tomb.I walked to the fireplace and knelt in the ashes, picking up the broken pieces of the Blood Amber, one by one.Eight years ago, I had placed this stone on her wrist myself."Freya, this is my promise," I’d said, down on one knee, watching the joy in her eyes. "No matter what happens, I will always protect you."She had cried, happy tears streaming down her face."I believe you, Ryker. I'll wait for you to achieve all your dreams, and then we'll build our future together."Promise.Protect.When did those words become empty lies?Was it when I became Isla's "mentor"?I held the sharp fragments in my palm.They were like our bond, shattered beyond repair.I needed proof. Proof that I had once loved her right.I walked into Freya's dressing room. Her faint scent still lingered in the air.Her jewelry box was there, but it was half-empty.I opened the remaining boxes, looking for the gifts I’d gi
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