Page 2 of Betrayed in the Dark
I let it lead me straight into its venomous trap.
But never again will I be so naïve to the dangers of its power.
Never again will I be betrayed in the dark.
Chapter one
Madeleine
ten months later
Who the fuck invented mascara that isn’t waterproof?
Oh, I know. Probably a goddamn man who didn’t think about the consequences of what would happen if one might cry while wearing it.
Because men don’t cry.
No, no. God forbid they ever display their true feelings openly for others to see.
Not when they leave that job for us women to perform.
And when we do show our emotions, well, then we’re labeled as crazy and overly emotional.
But not me.
Nope. In our world, I’m known as a cold, heartless bitch who takes mercy on no one.
So, why would I need to worry about mascara that isn’t waterproof when I never cry?
I’m an Alarie, for God’s sake, the most feared and idolized family in the northeast, reining over those around us.
And we definitely didn’t achieve this reputation by showing weakness with tears.
But as I stare at my reflection in the gold antique-framed mirror, watching black tears crawl down my cheeks, I can’t help but feel like a complete failure.
Unworthy of the Alarie last name.
What have I done?
I hold my left hand before my eyes, noting the glint and sparkle of the extravagant diamond ring. It’s gaudy. Not at all something I would have picked out for myself.
But it seems that recently, I haven’t had much say in anything that goes on in my life.
Knock. Knock.
Shit.
I hastily wipe the mascara smears off my skin as best as possible to hide all evidence of my mini-breakdown. “Be right there.” Just as I finish swiping a tissue beneath my bottom lashes, the door swings open, slamming against the wall and leaving a noticeable dent.
What the fuck?
“I said I’d be right—”
My words die on my lips as I glance into the mirror and catch sight of a pair of familiar dark irises resembling storm clouds, ready to unleash terror.
It’s him.
Eli Lyon.
