I drowned to death. I held my breath as long as I could, but then my lungs sucked in water hoping it was air, and it was a painful and brutal ending, an internal drowning, my heart beating so hard desperate for oxygen...until it just stopped. I could never forget it...even if I wanted to.

Bastien assumes our relationship is over. That I'll run for the hills and wash my hands clean of the most dangerous man in Paris. But I'm not going anywhere. Not now. Not ever. I ran before, but not anymore. I can tell it means the world to him.

But the dangers haven't passed. The Aristocrats want blood for their leader's execution. Bastien and his brother are still sworn enemies, and the gangs are beginning to riot against the Fifth Republic. It's the most dangerous time to be a French Emperor.

Bastien tells me all this...but I still won't leave.

I believe Bastien will keep me safe from all the monsters that lurk under the streets of Paris...until he doesn't. Until I'm captured by his enemies and taken from the City of Light. I know Bastien will come for me. I know Bastien will kill every single one of them for taking me.

But will I be dead by the time he gets here...like last time?