Lynell blinks and her throat starts tightening around a knot. “I . . .”

Eric smiles. “I see the truth in your eyes. He was the one source of light in your dingy, horrible life. You probably even memorized the words.”

She can’t stop herself from looking away or keep her mouth from opening slightly in surprise. This man seems to see right through her.

Eric gives a little holler, as if he’s just won a game of cards. “I knew you wouldn’t disappoint me, Lynell.” He leans forward again, his voice falling so the next words are almost a whisper. “Now, I need the contents of that letter. And you will give me what I need.”

Eric Elysian, a stranger, seems to know her better than anyone. Growing up scared even in her own home, that letter was the only proof that Lynell had a father who loved her once, even if he was gone and dead now. Reading the letter kept her going. The dream that she would one day find the hope and love and life her father wanted for her got her out of bed in the morning.

And now a stranger wants her to hand it over? She doesn’t care who he is or that he could have her killed without even lifting a hand. She doesn’t care if he knew her father or if what he claims is true. Lynell will not hand over the very thing that was her lifeline for years without a damn good reason.

“What makes you so sure?” she sneers at the owner of the Registration. “You had me Registered by multiple people. You dragged me from my life. Why would I give you anything?” She practically spits the last words.

Her change in demeanor doesn’t faze Eric at all. His smile stays in place. “Because you have no other choice. Just like your dad didn’t when I stood by him, holding a gun to his temple.”

And with that one comment, her newfound bravery melts away.

He didn’t just know her father.

He killed her father.

The rebels have always said that the Elysians are the reason so many people have lost their loved ones. They villainize Eric Elysian, saying that he’s behind so many unnecessary deaths.

And he freely admits that what they say is true. Eric Elysian, the leader of the Registration, the man everyone knows and some adore and others hate, murdered her father.

“I didn’t know Eli had a daughter.” Eric Elysian picks up his wine and takes a sip, continuing as if he didn’t just casually confess to killing her father. “Your father was a rebellious son.”

Eli. Her dad’s name was Eli. She never knew.

“And his rebellion landed him a child.” He tilts the cup in Lynell’s direction. “You. But I didn’t know before I pulled that trigger. Didn’t know he wrote a letter to a child he’d never know. Had I known you existed, I would not have killed him. I swear . . .” He trails off, casting his eyes downward.