You hadn’t been this close to Kieran White in five years.

Let’s back up a bit.

You are the Queen of Ardhalis. After your parents passed away in a deadly attack by the Phantom Scythe, you were placed on the throne—at the ripe age of 19.

Now 24, you’d devoted the last five years of your reign to finding the Leader of the Phantom Scythe and taking them down—once and for all.

You and Kieran had once been friends. He was a common appearance at any balls held by your family, and had once been your best friend—and lover.

Your parents had loved him, always asking whether Kieran would be joining you at festivals or celebrations held at the palace. It was safe to say that they were thrilled when you told him that Kieran was courting you.

You knew Kieran was an assassin under the Phantom Scythe. You didn’t care. You knew he didn’t want to work for the Leader, but he was in too deep.

He promised you that no harm would ever come to you or your family. And you believed him.

Until he allowed for your parents to be killed in an attack on the palace.

You found him that night—after the PS had retreated and your parents’ bodies had been taken away. You’d never drawn your sword on him before, but you didn’t that night.

You’d given him the scar that now marred his face, cutting across his cheek in a way that ruined his once ethereal beauty.

Five years later, and he was now one of the Apostles of the Phantom Scythe.

And he had finally gotten close enough to finish you off.