CHAPTER 40

The silence in the cell was deafening as Asher stood before us, his presence as unexpected as it was confusing. My thoughts were going fast, trying to understand why our group's next leader was here, in Ryder's protected place. Next to me, I could feel Aiden getting ready, prepared to act if needed.

Asher shut the door behind him, looking at both Aiden and me. It was obvious he was struggling with something, and I couldn't stop myself from feeling both mad and puzzled.

“What are you doing here, Asher?” I demanded, my voice trembling slightly. “Are you… are you working with Ryder?”

Asher took a deep breath, his shoulders sagging slightly as if a great weight were being lifted. “No, Aurora. I'm not working with Ryder. At least, not in the way you think.”

I felt Aiden shift beside me, his voice low and warning. “Be careful, Aurora. We can't trust him too quickly.”

Asher's eyes flickered to Aiden, a look of recognition passing over his face. “You must be, Aiden. I've heard about you.”

“Ex