Kingdom of Ash and Smoke

her fist, rain soaking through her jacket. She hadn't been here since Christmas,back when her brother was still smiling, still alive, still pretending everything was fine.Back when she didn't

it.Then she got to work.Her fingers trembled slightly as she opened Matteo's desk drawers. Some held nothing but receipts and sticky notes. Others were suspiciously empty-like they'd been cl

,click.Her fingers brushed the spine of a thick legal text. A tiny latch popped.A false panel opened behind the shelf.Inside was a

hispered. "What the

ing birthdates again when h

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tared

phone buz

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ady inside t

a f

from the safe. Her bag was still by the door. Her pepper s

fi

alentini didn't

gave

back room-the fire escape old but functional. Slipped out into the rain, heart hammering in her ears. As she made it to the alley below, a black SU

Valen

d toward

etlamp. Black coat, black gloves, eyes that could command a room-or end a life-wi

ard

ect

w exactly w

lood

ollow. Just turned away and

somehow,

reached the next block, soaked an

ne buzz

wn Nu

you time. Do

in it. Something worth covering up-and killing for.Luca was there to find it.Th

t

om her face and whisp

ell did you

Her mind wouldn't shut off.Luca hadn't called. Hadn't texted. Hadn't broken down her door.But she couldn't stop thinki

ne ping

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e smart

u're n

before she coul

e

are

ee

hey va

rep

er message lit the display.But this time, it wasn't from the unkn

– Guest Entry

stomach

soft knock

Knock

h as sin, low and let

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