Adrenaline coursed through me, pushing me forward.
Sweat coated my palms, my neck, my temples, but I didn’t let go of my knife. I stumbled through the dark tunnels, fighting to retrace our steps. Grateful I’d committed it to memory.
But I made a wrong turn.
The tunnel ahead was too dark. It descended where I expected a rise.
I backpedaled, whirling around to find another surprise.
My face slammed into a hard body. Hands clamped down on my shoulders.
A muffled voice filtered through the heartbeat pounding in my ears. “There you are.”
I couldn’t breathe.
Landon
Why would you do that?
Why wouldn’t I?
My father—If he’d seen you, he’ll?—
I’m not scared of him. He’s a bully.
My voice and Kingston’s echoed in my head, mine containing all the bravado of an eleven-year-old boy born to be a Knight and believing he might slay a dragon.
What about you?I grabbed his shoulders, turning him to face me.What about what you need?
A voice cut through the trees.
Landon!
I spun around to find her.Mother?
She was beautiful, even in her fury. Even in fear. Her long, dark hair cascaded past her shoulders in curls, like ribbons of silk. They flew around her face as she rushed toward us. Frantic. Panicked.
Mother, what are you doing here?
What am I doing here? What are you doing here? If someone else had seen you—We have to go, now!Her nails dug into my arm.Do you have any idea what you’ve just done?
Mother, I?—
Kingston stepped forward, speaking the way he always did to the adults in the room.
Mrs. Scott, please. Allow me to explain.He kept his voice steady.Whatever you saw, I take full responsibility?—
I snapped my gaze to his.Kingston, stop it!
My mother’s eyes narrowed, piercing him with accusation and condemnation.You should be ashamed of yourself. When I tell your father about this?—
No, please. You can’t.
Mother, it’s not?—
She whirled to face me.He’s used his position of power and influence over you. He’s taken advantage, and he’ll toss you to the side when he has no use for you anymore. Leaving you and our family ruined.
When she yanked on my arm, I didn’t budge, and her nails tore through my skin. Blood welled from the cuts. Snaking down my forearm, it covered my wrists and coated my palms in crimson.
