John fell silent after hearing Lucas’s words. Then he laughed, a cold, mocking laugh that showed just how little he thought of Lucas and his threat.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about, Lucas,” he said once his laughter subsided. “You come into my house and threaten me? Why would you do that? Have I done something dangerous to you?”

“You kidnapped my son.” Lucas regained his calm after being briefly overtaken by anger. “And I know what you did to those women. To Merlia.”

“Ah.” As if something long forgotten had been stirred, John’s eyes gleamed at the mention of Merlia. “It’s been a while since I last saw...