His cold, gray eyes swept over the broken glass, Vance trembling in the booth, and finally, me.

He stared at my hand, which was still resting on his dog’s head.

“Get up,” Lucian said, his voice flat and quiet.

I stood up slowly, and Bishop remained glued to my side.

Lucian looked at Vance, his expression hard as slate.

“Leave,” Lucian said.

Vance didn’t hesitate. He grabbed his coat and hurried out the front entrance.

Lucian turned his gaze back to me, his eyes searching my face.

For a second, his cold mask slipped, replaced by an intense curiosity.

“Follow me,” he said.

He turned and walked toward the private courtyard door at the back.

Bishop immediately followed him, but stopped at the threshold.

The dog turned his heavy head and looked back at me, waiting.

I looked down at my hands, which were still trembling slightly.

Alina caught my eye from across the room, her face pale, giving me a silent nod to go.

I took a deep breath and stepped toward the heavy oak door.

Beyond it, the rain was falling harder, splashing against the stone tiles of the courtyard.