Samuel grabbed a fistful of my hair and forced my face toward them.
Then he leaned close, his voice dropping to a whisper only I could hear.
"Juliana, you're clever. You almost got there. Almost touched the truth."
"Too bad you're just a little short on luck. Be a good girl and let the beasts tear you apart, and nobody will ever find out my secret."
He laughed—manic, triumphant—and raised his hand to signal the guards to lift the gate.
I watched it rise, inch by inch.
Death was one step away.
The gate was almost open when a booming laugh cut through from the doorway.
"Mr. Walker! Congratulations on the new grandchild!"
Eric saw who it was—Oceanic Group's representative in Arden—and his whole demeanor flipped. He was on his feet instantly, ushering the man toward a seat, eager to show off the spectacle.
But when Edward's gaze found me in the arena, disheveled and cornered, his face changed completely.
He threw himself past the bars and planted himself in front of me.
"Chief... Chief Analyst Perry!"
