Lucas

I remained on my knees for a moment longer, relief and suspicion warring within me.

Why would he help me? What game was he playing? But I dared not question this unexpected mercy.

Rising to my feet, I backed toward the door, unwilling to turn my back on him. Only when I reached the threshold did I realize I was holding my breath, as if I’d been in the presence of something that might devour me at any moment.

As I entered my room, a surge of elation washed over me. A wild joy filled me, bubbling up and overflowing. I danced around my chambers, pumping my fists in...