What did I expect? Our families had been raised to hate each other. Archibald lost his wife to my father—of course, he’d hate me.
I can do it without him.
Maybe then he’d believe me when I said Nila was now mine and I would do everything in my power to keep her safe.
I sighed, “Look—”
Tex interrupted. “What do you expect from me, Hawk?”
My shoulders slumped with relief.
I had him.
“I expect you to help me save the woman we love.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Nila
TAPESTRIES WATCHED ME as if I were already dead.
The very air prickled my skin with foreboding.
Hawksridge Hall embraced me, sucking me back into its morbid evil. Every step, I wanted to cry. Every breath, I wanted to sprint out the door and never return.
I can’t do this again...
I can’t...
The strength I’d found in Jethro’s company rapidly dissolved, and the cracks and fissures from what they’d done to me ruined my determination.
My courage bled out, trailing like a bloody stain the deeper I travelled through the Hall.
There was no more happiness, only torment and despair. I didn't know how I’d survive another hour, let alone two days.
You can do it.
Can I?
I wasn’t so sure.
Following the corridor, I swallowed a gasp as Daniel charged around the corner.
“No!”
His hair was wet and combed back. His little goatee gone, his face baby-smooth, and eyes bright with excitement rather than hazy with sleep.
It’s not yet dawn.
How could he be up? What sick joke had fate played?
No. This can’t be happening. Haven’t I given enough?!
Daniel slammed to a stop, surprise painting his face.
I froze, wanting to miraculously turn invisible.
His chest puffed with glee; he grinned. “Well, well, well.” He took a step toward me, then another.
