We stopped at the airport in New York only long enough to refuel. A limo was already waiting for Ryan, and I was sad to say goodbye. It was always the hardest. I knew I could see him anytime I wanted with nothing more than a video call, but seeing him in person was so much better.

We got to Paris just as the sun was starting to rise over the city. I’d slept almost the entire flight, so I wasn’t the least bit tired as we checked in to our hotel suite on the top floor. The sitting room window overlooked the Eiffel Tower, and I stood on the balcony just staring at it for a long moment until Anya called me into the dining area where our breakfast was being served.

I dropped down into the chair across from hers and tore open a pastry while Anya poured herself a cup of coffee. The two of us had always gotten along well. I loved her as much as I loved Aunt Raven, and she treated me as if I were one of her children. I wasn’t sure I could have accepted it if the two of us didn’t like each other. It would have upset Ryan, and I would do anything to keep him from being unhappy.

“Nova…” Anya paused, and I glanced over to find her brows drawn together.

“Is something wrong?” I asked, wiping my fingers on a linen napkin.

She pushed her coffee cup and saucer away. Grasping my hand across the table, she gave it a firm squeeze. “This isn’t just a shopping trip.”

I didn’t know what she was about to say, but I knew deep in my gut—maybe all the way to my soul—that whatever she was about to tell me was going to change everything. And the truth was, I didn’t care. Whatever she said, whatever she needed me to do, I would do it. Because just as I knew whatever was supposed to happen on this trip was going to change me, I also knew that if I didn’t accept it, I would lose Ryan.

And that could never happen.

I could live without a lot of things. I didn’t need expensive clothes or devices like some kids I knew. I didn’t think I was a greedy or spoiled person.

But the one thing I knew I couldn’t live without was Ryan.

“Okay,” I told Anya, turning my hand over in hers and squeezing hers in return.

Her eyes brightened. “Nova, you’re very special to my son. And my son…” She swallowed hard. “He and Samara are my everything. I would give my life for either of my children. Ensuring their happiness is my only goal in life.”

“I know that.”

“You’re beautiful and tiny. Our enemies will think you’re vulnerable. The weak link. They will use you against Ryan, and I will not allow anyone to hurt him. I have to make you stronger. I have to teach you the skills to protect not only yourself, but him as well.”