40| Gone.

STARLETTE

I patiently waited for Maximus in the room. No, impatiently. Because I wouldn’t stop pacing, terrified that he might harm Amelia. I was the one who brought her here, and I would never forgive myself if anything happened to her. I just hoped he would keep his promise not to hurt her.

It had only been minutes, but it felt like hours, each second intensifying my anxiety. I couldn’t wait any longer. I needed to know if she was okay.

I hurried toward the door, my hand just touching the doorknob, when Bella’s voice sounded from behind.

"Seems you don’t value my life."

Blowing out a frustrated breath, I turned around. Anxiety clouded my mind so much that I had forgotten Maximus threatened to take Bella’s head if she let me leave. I didn’t believe he would actually do it, but it was safer not to dare him.

“I’m scared,” I admitted, my voice trembling.

“I warned you about the risks,” Bella muttered.

I so much hated the ‘I told you’ moment.

Pacing again, I hoped it might help ease my