CHAPTER FIFTY SIX - Building Bridges Over Chasms

"And if I refuse?" Victor set his empty glass down with a soft clink. "Then you'll remain my guest until circumstances change. But I think you'll find cooperation more...rewarding." "I won't betray Lucas," Aria stated firmly. "Or his family." "Even though they exiled you? Cast you out based on your bloodline alone?" Aria flinched, the wound still fresh. "Sleep on it," Victor suggested, moving toward the door. "We'll talk again tomorrow." When he'd gone, Aria released a shuddering breath. The shadows in the corridor had parted for him, then re-formed like a living barrier. She was trapped, regardless of the comfortable surroundings. She spent the next hours methodically examining the room. The window overlooked a vast garden enclosed by high stone walls—too high to jump, even with werewolf strength. The fireplace chimney narrowed too quickly for climbing. She cataloged potential weapons: a letter opener on the desk, a heavy candlestick, the wooden leg of a chair if broken off. N