“It’s over now,” he said gently. “I investigated everything. It was a medical misunderstanding—they mistook you for Lilith. I’ve already had them arrested. You’re safe.”
His tenderness made my stomach twist.
“Does your head still hurt?” he asked softly. “Try moving a bit. Tell me if anything feels wrong.”
His phone rang. I recognized the ringtone immediately—it was her. For once, he ignored it and instead clasped my hand tightly, as if I were precious.
I tried to pull away. He wouldn’t let go.
“Thorne,” I whispered, “if I told you I heard that man say he was acting on Lilith’s orders… would you believe me?”
He stiffened. His brow furrowed. Slowly, he released my hand. His tone turned cold again.
“Enough, Aria. You’re imagining things. Lilith is a victim too. If not for you, she would be the one lying here right now. How could she possibly be behind something like this?”
A bitter laugh escaped me. My lashes trembled as I turned my face away. I didn’t even have the strength to argue anymore. What was the point? He never believed me.
I closed my eyes, utterly exhausted.
“I know you’re upset with her,” Thorne murmured. His hand brushed through my hair in a soothing motion. “Once things calm down, I’ll reduce contact with her. Just trust me.”
He stayed by my side all night, whispering gentle words like he used to, as if that could erase everything. I stared back at him with hollow eyes.
My heart felt numb.
Because I knew he was lying. He would never let Lilith go.
And outside the door, unknown to me, she was already on her way to find him.
---
Hours later…
I was ripped from sleep when the door slammed open. Hands dragged me violently out of bed. My body was weak, my head spinning.
“Where is Lilith?” Thorne roared, fury burning in his voice.
“What did you do to her?!”
I blinked hard, my head still foggy, my thoughts lagging behind the moment. “W‑What are you even saying?”
Something flew straight at my face. Pain snapped against my cheek. I gasped and looked down.
A necklace.
My necklace.
The one I thought I’d lost the night the man in black attacked me.
“Aria!” Thorne snarled, jaw locked so tight I could hear his teeth grind. “Start talking. Now.”
My hands trembled as I picked it up, the chain cold against my fingers. “This… this belongs to me. But I don’t know how—”