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Is that where Knox went?

What the hell does DNA have to do with someone trying to poison me?

Then I see the dead man’s face.

Red skin, dead eyes, and foam in his mouth… his body on the floor, drenched in wine that was intended for me.

I want to scream, to speak up, but the air leaves my lungs as panic takes over and I begin to shiver uncontrollably.

Knox catches it instantly.

He slides across the back seat, pulling me against his side, and holds me in his arms. “It’s okay, Cil. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”

I grip his shirt and cling to him. “I can’t… I can’t stop shaking.”

“It’s shock,” he explains while moving his palm up and down my back. “Close your eyes and breathe, little Prince. You’re safe.”

“I can’t… He’s dead,” I sob. “He’s dead because of me.”

“You didn’t do this. His death wasn’t your fault.”

“I didn’t believe you… I made fun of everyone who worried about the letters. Oh, God, I put Leo, Ellis, and Julian in danger too. They could’ve died,” I gasp, choking, unable to breathe as I shiver in horror.

“Cillian. Cillian, look at me,” Knox begs, cupping my face and stroking my cheek with his thumb. “I need you to calm down and breathe.”

“But—”

“No buts. I am here, you are safe, and your friends are also safe.”

“I don’t—”

“Hey!” Knox raises his voice, and it works because my concentration snaps back to him. “You are safe. I want you to repeat it.”

“Safe…” I whisper and start to control my breathing.

“Good job. Again.”

“I’m… safe.”

“That’s it.” Knox hugs me tighter, rubbing my back.

And here, between his arms, the tension leaves, and I feel my body falling asleep.

“Knox, if that DNA link is real, his house is out of the question,” Björn says, scratching his beard as he checks the mirrors. “What about the agency safehouses? The closest one is ten minutes out.”

“Compromised,” Knox counters, still holding me in his arms. “The butler and his uncle have those locations, and we don’t know if they’re involved in this. We need to find a place no one knows about.”

“I… I have a place,” I whisper.

Knox tilts my face up to look at him. “It has to be a place no one knows exists, Cil. Not even your uncle can know about it.”

“Only my grandfather knew about it.”

Knox nods. “Okay. Give Björn the coordinates.”

And I tell him where to go.

I tell him the address so he can take Knox and me to the most special, secret place in my life.