Anastasia stepped through the catacombs, trying to ignore the aching void spreading in her gut. Trying to ignore the small voice telling her the revelation she'd had in Declan's chamber was a fool's hope.
Declan.
Thoughts of him sliced through her like a knife. Clasping a hand in front of her stomach, Anastasia braced the other against the wall, using it to prop herself up. Closing her eyes, she fought for each breath, fought to remember why she'd dragged herself out of that bed.
Their future. A peaceful future.
Pushing off the stones, she repeated that mantra with every step down the silent halls. When she rounded the corner of her mother's chambers, Anastasia hung back. No soldiers guarded the door. Without pausing to find out why, she palmed her Glock, holding it c****d and by her h
