“Playing hide and seek?” I answer hesitantly.

“With who?” Elijah leans closer to me. “Me?”

He tugs on my arm, and I stumble out of the closet. When I lift my head, I see Vincent staring at me in shock, his face as pale as the moon.

“Get out, Vincent,” Elijah commands.

“But, my king...”

“GET OUT, NOW!”

I’m definitely finished. If I don’t die, I will surely suffer Elijah’s wrath. My mistake is too big to even think about defending myself. I’ll just have to accept whatever punishment he gives me.

As the door closes, I remain silent, trying to concentrate despite my growing fear.

“What are you looking...