The next morning arrived with the kind of soft, golden sunlight Emerald had always liked: gentle, warm, and deceivingly peaceful.
Too bad her nerves didn't match the weather.
She stood in front of her wardrobe, a suitcase already half-filled next to her. She had packed neutral clothes and simple boots, with some weapons hidden in the folds of her garments. Nothing about her packing suggested she was packing for a getaway with one of her mates.
Nothing… until Nessa showed up.
"I brought coffee!" Nessa sang as she burst in, only to freeze at the sight of Emerald's half-packed bag. "You can't be serious. You're not packing like that."
"Like what?" Emerald asked, arching a brow.
Nessa tossed the drink onto the desk and strode to the bed, flinging open a smaller drawer in the wardrobe. She started pulling out soft silks and lace, as if conducting a lingerie parade. "Like a mercenary. You're going to Lucien's. Not a rogue hideout."
"I'm going for clarity, not seduction."
