Relief flooded over me. I could have hugged him—Hudson had just given me exactly what I needed the most: a reason to stay away from Carlo’s twin brother. And an excuse not to participate in any Court-sanctioned activities. Domenico and Carlo were identical. It would be difficult to see Kris and Domenico together and not think about Carlo.

At last, Commander Hudson said the words I had been dying to hear: “You may go.” He handed my phone and other possessions to me. “You should probably call someone to come pick you up.”

There was no way I was calling my parents to come get me, so I texted Kris instead. I only had to wait ten minutes before I spied her coming through the glass door of the Court Guard Headquarters. She signed the administrative paper and I was good to go. I thanked Hudson, reached for the front door, then broke into a run toward freedom as soon as we stepped outside.

Kris folded her arms around me. “Ave! I’m so glad you’re out!”

I squeezed her back and, smelling the sweet floral scent of her hair, I realized I must be pretty rank after my time in jail.

“That place is horrible. Never get arrested, okay?”

“That’s an easy promise to keep. Listen.” Kris’s eyes glassed over as they filled with tears. “I’m so sorry about Carlo. And about the whole mix-up with Domenico—”

“It’s okay, Kris.” I interrupted her. “Neither of us could have known. Is he—did you click with Domenico?” I already knew the answer in my heart, but I needed to hear her say it.

“Yes! And it’s as intense and wonderful as everyone said it is.” The excitement abruptly washed off her face. “But I could also feel his pain. Even though Domenico and Carlo barely saw each other after their parents split, they had a strong connection. You know, being twins and all. I felt all of his grief as soon as he found out about Carlo’s accident and—oh, Avery!” She stopped short and hugged me again as she saw the tears falling from my eyes.

I held on to her, feeling slightly light-headed as an emotional storm passed through me. Every part of me went completely still while my thoughts tried to catch up. I stood there, feeling my breath, inhaling and exhaling, as she held on to me. When I finally regained my composure, I pulled out of her embrace and said, “I’m okay.”

Domenico walked toward us. He had one black eye—proof of what I’d done to him—and I couldn’t help but cringe. With my temper getting the better of me, I had punched him without giving either of them time to explain.

“Ave.” Kris reached out and grabbed Domenico’s hand, her other holding mine. “I’d like to introduce you to Domenico properly.”