But something still didn't make sense.
"Why me?"
Adrian stared at her.
"Because you're the last thing standing between the Council and absolute control."
He walked closer.
"Your father refused to kneel."
"Your mother refused to surrender the Ricci bloodline."
"Kael failed."
"Robert failed."
"And now the Council has only one problem left."
Aria's voice was steady.
"Me."
Adrian nodded.
"You."
She glanced at Rafael's father.
"And him?"
"A key."
Aria frowned.
"Why kidnap Rafael's father?"
"Because I knew you would come."
Adrian smiled.
"But more importantly…"
He pointed toward the crown.
"…I needed you to bring that."
Aria looked at the crown lying on the floor.
Adrian's expression changed.
"Do you know what that crown really is?"
Aria remained silent.
"It isn't merely a symbol."
He walked toward it.
"It's a key."
Aria's eyes widened.
"To what?"
Adrian smiled.
"The original Moretti vault."
Silence.
