Chapter 111

Ethan's knuckles turned white, his palms marked with crescent-shaped indentations from his nails.

He gazed at Evelyn Laurent, his Adam's apple bobbing. "Did it hurt badly back then?"

Her fingertips trembled slightly.

The emotion in Ethan's eyes felt achingly familiar—the same look her family gave her after every nightmare.

Not pity. Just heartache.

She turned away. "It doesn't matter now."

"Vincent Lowell will pay in blood."

An invisible fist clenched around Ethan's heart.

Never had he felt this out of control, this close to shattering reason and pulling the stubborn girl into his arms.

"I'll help you," he rasped.

Evelyn whirled back. "Stay away from Sophia."

Ethan stepped forward urgently. "There's nothing between us!"

"If I'm lying, may every wish I ever make turn to dust."

The intensity of his stare burned the tips of Evelyn's ears.

"Who asked for your oath?" she muttered, rising to leave.

Watching her flustered retreat, Ethan's lips curved unbidden.

So that's what bothered her.

"Evelyn!" His voice halted her mid-turn.

Backlit by sunlight, her hair glowed like spun gold. "When are we ending this engagement?"

Ethan's smile froze.