Women in the small kingdom of Aeriana are disappearing.
Iris Daniels, a budding painter in the East Territory, is trying to keep her head down. In a kingdom filled with abilities, music, and Destined love, Iris is determined to build a career out of...
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"Breaking news out of Redlian this morning. Last night the kingdom watched in horror as the First Palace went up in flames, killing almost a dozen people trapped inside. Among them were the members of the Royal family—"
—Recording, Channel 13 News, STRS Network
I'm imagining things. Again.
Iris glanced once more over her shoulder, then let out a breath. That man hadn't been watching her funny. He'd just focused on the boutique display behind her.
She ducked her head further under her hood and took the back way towards her apartment. Regardless of whether she was imagining things, one thing was true. Those people last night had intended to kidnap her.
Or worse.
Although the sun was bright and warm, even for a fall day, the wind had a bite to it. One that seemed to sink through her still damp clothes and into her skin.
She shivered and hugged herself around the waist, just as her stomach rumbled. Her apartment was only two blocks away. Where she could take a warm shower and grab some food. From there, she'd figure out what she needed to do.
Glancing again behind her shoulder, she couldn't shake the feeling something was wrong. That she was exposed. Or being watched. She didn't know who those people were. Did they know everything about her? Or was she simply a target of opportunity?
Regardless, she wouldn't risk it. She'd stop home, grab what she could, then stay in a hotel for a few days.
She also needed to warn the Daniels. Mom and Dad would want her to come home immediately. Or call the police.
Maybe she would do that. After she stayed in a hotel for a few days. She knew the police—enough to know that they might not do more than file a report. There was no evidence other than her fear. And what weight did fear have in court?
They couldn't do anything for her now. She would be on her own. And she would make sure she was safe before dragging anything back to the Daniels.
At her apartment building, Iris made her way down the back alley, glancing every which way. Few were out this early, other than the birds and those that had to be for work. She glanced at the cars parked on the street in front of the building, looking for any that might be idling or have someone lying in wait.
She lingered a minute, then two. When no one appeared or ran at her, she took a breath and strolled to her building. As if it were just another day of the week.
