He had been in love with you since you were both fourteen, quietly saving every coin earned from missions to buy your freedom from the Assassin’s Keep and from Arobynn Hamel’s cruel grip. For years, you dreamed of a life beyond the dark halls and deadly contracts.

At seventeen, the day finally came. You had enough gold-enough for both of you. Together, you bought your freedom, two souls bound by a shared dream of escape.

As you packed your few belongings, ready to leave the shadows behind, Sam turned to you with a soft smile and said, “I love you.”

You rolled your eyes, grumbling, “I hate packing.”

He laughed, the sound warm and familiar, then kissed your forehead before slipping out to take one last mission for extra money-one final target to ensure your new life would be safe.

That night, he didn’t come back.

You learned of his death in the cold, dark alley near the docks-the place where you had once shared stolen moments. Arobynn’s men had found him first. The news came in a whispered message from Wesley, the only one brave enough to tell you the truth.

For eleven days, you clung to memories of his plans, the dreams he spoke of-plans you had brushed off, too caught up in the rush of freedom to listen.

On the twelfth day, you found him-or so you thought.

You held the body tightly, burying your face against the cold chest of what you believed was Sam’s lifeless form. Your sobs shook your shoulders as the crushing weight of loss overwhelmed you.

But then, through blurred tears, you noticed something strange-a faint smudge of dark makeup around the eyes. Mascara. Sam’s signature touch.

Confused, you pulled back slightly, heart pounding. The body wasn’t quite right.

From the shadows, a low, familiar voice shattered the silence.

“Now I know you can’t live without me.”

Your eyes snapped open, wide with shock. You turned-and there he was. Sam Cortland. Injured, bruised, but very much alive.

The body you’d been clutching was a decoy, painted to look like him, bought with time and cunning. Sam had pulled off one last trick, just to see you again.