An Empire of Ash, A Heart of Steel

od in the wings, my heart hammering against my ribs, watching the finale of the

e, brilliant spotlight hit

h the historic venue. "The crown jewel of our collectio

about to call me, the secret designe

aring my gown. She looked ethereal, a goddess in silk, the

nto the stage. He took the microphone from the stand, hi

his voice ringing with triumph. "It was a q

ght years of love, hope, and devotion as a p

hing cameras blinded me. A reporte

! Who is the genius des

gs. He could see me. He could see my

alented girl from our workshop. But tonight

low. My vision tunneled. The roaring of the crowd

er had vaulted over the velvet ropes and shoved past security to get t

ctly in front of the stage, locking e

orthless life," Kaleb snarled, his voice a low, venomous

o the polished floor. I saw Rhys Chandler, Kurt's supposed friend, calmly

clined the call and powered the phone o