“I am a monster.” That was one thing we could agree on.

She stared at me for a long time, her eyes still a little wet because the tears hadn’t dried. “I told her that you’re more than what you seem. I told her that you’ll let her go. I told her that you would release all those girls.” Her hand moved to mine, and she squeezed it. “And I believe that so deeply…”

We hadn’t revisited this topic since our last fight, and I didn’t want to have this conversation again, let alone right now. My instinct was to pull away and leave her there by herself, to grow angry at her choice of words, but my need for her was greater than my anger. It would always be greater than my anger. Never again would I let my temper separate us. Never again would I let anything divide us. “Let’s get back to the party.” I rose to my feet, pulling on her hand to get her to join me.

She stayed seated, looking up at me. “I believe it with all my heart.”

At the end of the night, everyone left. The staff was left to clean up while we went upstairs to bed. She’d composed herself and chatted with my guests like nothing was wrong. It seemed to be forgotten—until we went to bed.

She let the gown slide off her body, but with a melancholy gaze. Her shoes were kicked off, and then she went to the bed, sitting on the edge and looking out the window.

I stared at her back as I got my clothes off, annoyed that Raven was still in her head.

The only person who should be in her head was me.

Stripped down to my boxers, I sat beside her. “Forget about it.”

She slowly turned her head to look at me, and the surprised look on her face suggested her mind was somewhere else. “Raven left abruptly, and I’m not sure why. I hope she’s okay. Hope it wasn’t because of me.”

It was probably because of Stasia, but I didn’t tell her that. “Don’t worry about her.”

“Hard not to. She’s my sister.”

The annoyance sank in my skin like a sharp knife puncturing my flesh. That woman would always be the bane of my existence. She would always be in the room with us. Her words would always haunt Melanie with their endless echoes. “Magnus will give her what she needs. Just as I give you what you need.”

That seemed to provide her comfort because she gave a slight nod. “Yeah…you’re probably right.”

Magnus and I met with Napoleon to begin the distribution process.

Then Magnus voiced all his concerns—for the millionth time.

I ignored him.