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Chapter 23

Author: Deborah Myers
last update Last Updated: 2024-03-03 17:29:08

Ryder's POV

The ticking coming from the grandfather clock standing close to the mantle piece echoed throughout the room, occasionally breaking the silence that had settled in. I drummed my finger on the table as I took in deep breaths in a bid to calm my rising anger.

At the end of the large table where I sat, sat my step-brother, Hudson. He had his eyes on me, a smirk plastered on his face as he too drummed his fingers in the table. I didn't need anyone to tell me what was going on in his mind as his mischievous eyes already told me everything.

Where in the moon goddess' name was Aria?

"Um, Ryder?" I heard Ma Levine call and immediately, I stopped my drumming. Hudson on the other hand, kept on with his offbeat noise.

Turning to our housekeeper, I answered, "what is it, Ma Levine?"

"I want to go wait for Luna Aria at the hallway," Ma Levine said. "I'm sure she doesn't know her way here. That might be the reason why she isn't here yet."

"Didn't the stupid maid, Gina, give her directio
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