Page 2 of Sent To A Fantasy World and Now All the Men Want Me: Volume 4

Strike of the Cookie Killer

The castle in wintertime was like something out of a fairytale. Snow covered hedges, frosted windowpanes of the greenhouse, and frozen pools within the garden. Many flowers remained in bloom, their soft petals painting the grounds in shades of violet, light blue, and white.

I’d bet my inventory of coffee beans that magic had been used on them. Briar had enchanted Lake’s garden in the same way, keeping all of the vegetables and fruits thriving even in the frigid temperature.

The clank of armor and boots sounded from the path before two guards rounded the corner.

“Morning, young Evan,” one greeted me. He had brown hair and pale eyes that complemented the wintery day, like frost among the snow.

“Finnian,” I said with a smile. Three guards had accompanied me to Exalos. Him, Ban, and another one named August—who was a total grouch. “What are you doing out here?”

“Ban and I are doing a routine patrol of the castle grounds.” Finnian returned my smile. With his wavy locks and strong jaw, the dude gave off a Prince Charming vibe, both handsome and poised.

Ban stood silently beside him, several heads taller. Unlike Finnian, he wore his helmet, covering everything apart from his gray eyes and a small opening for his mouth. But I knew it was him. He was built like a mountain.

“I’m on my way to have tea with Prince Sawyer,” I told them. A castle messenger had come to the cottage earlier that morning with the invitation, giving me enough time to bake some treats before the carriage arrived to pick me up after lunch. “Don’t think I’m sneaking around looking for trouble.”

Finnian chuckled. “I would never think that of you. Yet, I must ask…” He nodded to the basket on my arm. “What have you brought?”

“Goodies from the café. Cookies, cupcakes, and a few scones. Want one?”

“Ah, I shouldn’t.” Finnian patted his stomach. The armor gave a slight clank with the action. “My metabolism isn’t what it used to be.”

Ban’s gaze fell to the basket before quickly darting away. His towering height and massive muscles would’ve intimidated the bravest of men, but I knew the gentle soul beneath it all. One who’d bought me a flower in Exalos because he thought it was pretty and wanted me to have it.

“Here.” I withdrew a scone and offered it to him. “It’s cranberry and orange.”

Ban glanced at Finnian. I’d never heard him talk. He only grunted and gestured to things, never saying a word.

“It’d be rude to refuse such a generous offer,” Finnian said, understanding Ban’s unique way of communicating. He then eyed the scone. “In fact, I rescind my earlier answer and would love one as well.”

“Yay.” I gave one to each of them and felt a warm flutter in my chest as they ate. I loved when people enjoyed my food.

“Evan!” Kuya scampered through the snow and tackled me to the ground, knocking the basket from my arm and the breath from my lungs. He excitedly nuzzled my cheeks before drawing back. His rainbow colored eyes stood out against the wintery landscape. “Kuya is so happy you’re home.”

“Me too,” I wheezed, fighting for a breath. It was a good thing he was adorable.

“Did you bring Kuya a present?” He snatched the basket from where it’d dropped amidst his attack and found the treasure stashed within. “Kuya Berry Delights!”

The flavor I’d named in his honor. Strawberry cake with strawberry buttercream.

“Young Evan?” Finnian sounded like he was trying not to laugh. “Do you need our assistance?”

“N-No. I’m okay. Death by cuteness isn’t a bad way to go.”

“Evan is right.” Kuya admired a cupcake with a twinkle in his eyes. “Kuya is very cute.”

“Kuya?” another voice called out. “Don’t be rude. Wait until Evan gives you permission.”

The adorable cat boy froze with the cupcake an inch from his lips. His long tail swished in the air behind him.

“You can eat it under one condition,” I said, teeth chattering. “Let me up? This snow is freezing. I wasn’t built for the cold.”

Instantly, the weight on my stomach lifted, and Kuya tugged me to my feet. I wobbled before finding my balance. My ass was numb, but at least I could breathe again.

“Evan is back on two legs now! Kuya did good and deserves his treat.” He then tore into the cupcake. Excited little purrs came from his throat as he chewed.

“Good afternoon,” Prince Sawyer greeted me. Flurries sat atop his wind-blown golden hair. “Are you all right?”

“Yeah.” I dusted the snow off my pants. “I’m honored to be one of the people he likes to pounce on.”

Kuya’s reddish-brown cat ears twitched, and the chitters in his throat continued.

Sawyer faced the two guards. “You have my gratitude for keeping Evan company in my absence. Please go to the kitchen and have the cooks prepare you a cup of tea to warm yourselves.”

“Your kindness is unsurpassed, Your Highness.” Finnian bowed his head. “However, we must continue our patrol of the grounds. The safety of the royal family means more than a bit of chill in our bones.”

“Very well,” Sawyer said. “Finish your patrol and then rest after. Our safety is important, yes, but so is your health.”

“As you wish, my prince.” Finnian placed an arm over his chest and bowed.

Ban copied the gesture before the two of them continued down the path. He glanced back at me before rounding the corner.

“You’ve made quite the impression on those two,” Sawyer told me. “Since returning to the capital, Ban seems much lighter.”

“You can tell?” I asked, not surprised he knew their names. When I’d first met Sawyer, he’d said that the knights and guards who risked their lives to keep the kingdom safe deserved to be addressed by name, so he’d made it a priority to learn them.

“Yes. His eyes are softer.” Sawyer smiled. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. It’s rare to find a moment to myself these days, and with the opening in my schedule, I wished to take advantage while I could.”

“I’m glad you did,” I said, hoping my voice didn’t shake too much. It was my first time seeing him since learning we were family.

“Look at Kuya’s new clothes.” Kuya took a step back to show them off. He preferred wearing crop tops and loose trousers that allowed him the freedom to pounce and play to his heart’s content, but with winter in full swing, he was dressed in a long-sleeved purple tunic that hit him mid-thigh and pants that reminded me of leggings or tights. And at the bottom of those tights?

“Wow,” I said. “You’re actually wearing shoes.”

“A gift from Kuya’s prince.” He rocked on the heels of his feet and smiled at the fur boots. A speck of strawberry frosting sat at the edge of his mouth. “Kuya thinks they’re cozy.”

Sawyer dabbed at the frosting on Kuya’s mouth before turning to me. “Shall we go inside? Rose has prepared us lunch.”

“Won’t hear me turning down Rose’s food.” She was the head cook and made sure I ate way too much every time I visited. “Lead the way, Your Highness.”

Sawyer crinkled his nose. “Please don’t.”

I laughed. “Okay, okay. Sorry.”

He smiled and walked with me toward the door.

When in a casual setting, he didn’t like me using his title. Being around me gave him the freedom to be himself. He could laugh until he snorted, indulge in one too many sweets, and freely vent about the weight on his shoulders… and how he sometimes wished he could abandon his title altogether and flee the castle, taking Kuya with him to live an ordinary life.

For once, I felt like I could relate to him. At least a little. I wanted an ordinary life too. Which was why I kept putting off telling my men what I’d learned the night of the winter solstice.

Once they knew, everything would change.

Sir Noah met us at the door and trailed along behind us. Close but not too close. Instead of armor, he wore a pristine uniform, leaving little doubt as to his high-ranking position within the Royal Order. His black hair had been styled back to keep the bangs out of his whiskey eyes. Those eyes lowered to my basket.

“Want a cookie?” I asked. “I brought your favorite.”

The knight had a weakness for sugar cookies. It was a power of mine—learning people’s favorite treats. A talent that maybe wasn’t too impressive, but still.

Noah shifted his gaze forward, shaking his head once.

“Kuya wants a cookie.” He skipped alongside us, stopping once to flick the helmet of a castle guard. He grinned at the little ding .

“Hear that?” I asked Noah. “If you don’t take one, they’ll all be eaten by an adorable cat.”

Said adorable cat snickered.

Noah remained indifferent, though I noticed a slight wrinkle in his brow. I’d be sure to save at least one cookie from Kuya’s inevitable attack.

Kuya toyed with another guard like the little terror he was, then dashed farther ahead of us.

Guards were stationed outside each main doorway and entry point, expressions stern and hands behind their backs. Some smiled when meeting my eye, then quickly sobered again. I’d snuck many of them treats once or twice.

The two guards outside Sawyer’s study bowed their heads as he passed them. One eyed my basket, and I made another mental note to save a cookie for him too.

Sawyer dropped down in the armchair near the lit hearth and smiled as Kuya dragged over his large floor cushion and curled up on it. His tail caressed Sawyer’s leg.

I sat in the chair opposite his and placed my basket on the table between us. The study was nice and homey, with touches of Sawyer everywhere. Papers scattered across the desk, and a book lay open on a side table. A vase of fresh flowers added a burst of purple and white to the room.

A young woman arrived with a tray of cups and a teapot, and a boy trailed behind her with mini sandwiches, quiches, and tartlets. They set the platters on the table, poured us some tea, then exited the room.

“Don’t judge me if I eat, like, all of those quiches.” My taste buds were already dancing with the anticipation of the eggy, cheesy goodness.

“I would never,” Sawyer said. “But only if you don’t judge me for helping myself to your pastries.”

“Not at all.”

As we shared a smile, an ache spread through my chest. I so badly wanted to tell him we were related. No doubt he’d be excited. Instead of spilling the beans, I shoved a quiche into my mouth. Then another.

He ate half of his sandwich before setting the plate aside. “Forgive my prying, but something has me curious.”

I quickly swallowed my bite. “What’s up?”

“As you’re aware, I’m the one who assigned Finnian, Ban, and August to your travel party. You’re important to me, and I wanted guards I trust at your side.” Sawyer sat farther back in his chair and crossed an ankle over his knee. “Upon your return, Finnian told me about a redhaired man who also accompanied you to Exalos. One with shadow magic.”

“Oh.” Big mistake eating so much. I felt like I was about to dislodge it all from my stomach. But I reminded myself that this was Sawyer. He would never hurt me or anyone I loved. He even knew about Lake.

“He’s the thief, yes? The one who mistook you for me and captured you months ago?”

Fear prickled at my scalp, and I nodded. “But he’s not a threat anymore. He wasn’t even a threat back then. Not really. Rowan’s worked hard to do better. No more pickpocketing or Evan-napping. So you don’t need to arrest him or anything, I promise. He’s—”

“I have no intention on arresting him,” Sawyer interjected, offering me a reassuring smile. “I wished to express my gratitude.”

Confusion smacked me in the face. “Gratitude? For what?”

“Information came to light of soldiers from Haran infiltrating the knights’ ranks, hiding within the Third Order. Some also infiltrated positions within the castle. Several maids and kitchen staff.”

“They were in the castle too?” I asked, horrified by the thought. “Was anyone hurt?”

“By the grace of the gods, no. One attempted to tamper with my food but was caught by August. Sir Noah then found an assassin hiding in my bedchamber.”

“Oh my god. I’m glad you’re okay.”

“I was quite fortunate,” Sawyer said. “Extra precautions were taken once we learned of the infiltration. And it’s to my understanding that Rowan is responsible for that enlightenment.”

“Yeah.” I relaxed. “He told Maddox about it before we left for Exalos.”

“His intel allowed us to act before Haran could cause further harm. I may not be here otherwise. The kingdom is in his debt. As am I.”

Shadow magic was seen in an unfavorable light by most people. Rowan had been outcast because of it. And here Sawyer was speaking of him like he was a hero.

My chest warmed. “He’s been mistreated his whole life, but he’s not bad at all. If only people would give him a chance.”

“Ah, I see. It seems he has stolen something else.” The prince smiled. “Your heart.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Your eyes.” He looked down at Kuya. “They soften when you speak of your men. Which tells me Rowan is dear to you now as well.”

“He is.” And by the way he looked at Kuya, I knew someone dear to him too.

“I’m happy for you, Evan.” He glided his thumb across the rim of his cup, shifting his gaze to the fire. “If only we all could be with the one we love.”

“I assume wedding bells are still in your near future?”

“Much nearer than I’d like.” Pain laced in his eyes. “A royal ball will be held soon to officially announce my engagement to Lady Alina. A grand affair, with lords and ladies traveling from all over the realm to attend. From what I’m told, the wedding will shortly follow.”

“Why the rush? The focus should be on Haran right now, not a wedding.”

“The tension with Haran is the precise reason for the quick preparations,” Sawyer said. “Our marriage will strengthen Bremloc’s ties to Voltas.”

“Voltas?”

“It’s a port town,” he explained. “ The port town, as a matter of fact. It’s at the heart of all trade, as it controls a vital canal along the main trading route that offers safe travel through treacherous waters. Most ships pass through on their way to other cities.”

“Lady Alina’s father rules over Voltas?”

“Yes. As such, he has complete control of the canal and the ships.”

“The ships?”

The skin tightened around Sawyer’s mouth. “Voltas possesses the largest naval fleet in the seas. None can rival them in either speed or strength. So you see? My marriage to Lady Alina will hand over that control—of the port, canal, and the ships—to the crown. Perfect for controlling the flow of goods. As well as putting blockades into place to prevent select areas from receiving shipments.”

“Perfect during wartime,” I said, finally understanding.

“Hopefully, it doesn’t come to war.” Sawyer glanced at Kuya, who’d fallen asleep on his cushion. “Yet, if war is declared, the alliance with Voltas will grant us the advantage. As it has been the plan from the very beginning.”

“What do you mean?”

“Remember in the summer when I met with bridal candidates? I was na?ve in thinking I had an actual choice in the matter. My father chose Lady Alina as my future bride as soon as Lord Norwood offered her hand in marriage.”

It made sense now. Some of the people in Bremloc criticized King Eidolon for not taking action against Haran, but he’d been setting up the board all along, piece by piece.

“I’m so sorry, Sawyer. It’s not fair.”

Kuya emitted adorable little noises as he dreamed. A small blessing. The conversation would’ve upset him.

“As is the life of a royal.” Grief laced in Sawyer’s tone, and when our eyes met, that same sadness reflected in his eyes. “Sacrifices must be made to uphold the wellbeing of the people. If the alliance with Voltas will benefit Bremloc, it’s my duty to see it through. No matter how much my heart aches.”

Wanting to distract him from that sadness, I opened the basket. “Okay, I have a question for you, and it’s super important. I’ve asked my men the same thing. It’s a rite of passage.” I withdrew a gingerbread man I’d frosted specifically for him. “How would you eat this cookie?”

Sawyer grabbed it, his lips skewing. “It’s wearing a crown.”

“A cookie fit for a prince. With royal icing and all.” I pointed to it. “Now, humor me, my dearest princely friend, and answer the riddle I’ve bestowed upon you.”

More of Sawyer’s tension—and sadness—left him as he continued to smile. Good. My silliness was a blessing sometimes.

“Hmm. Well, let’s see.” He examined the cookie. “I suppose I’d do this.”

He dunked the head in his tea and bit it off.

I gasped, causing him to jump and spill a bit of said tea. Noah jerked his head toward us, hand flying to the hilt of his sword. Oops.

“All’s good. Don’t kill me, Sir Noah. I like my head right where it is. But speaking of heads. That’s one method I haven’t seen yet. Dunk the poor cookie into the tea to drown him first. I’m impressed. I didn’t expect it from you. Well done.”

Sawyer stared at me in silence for a second or two… and then he laughed. Hard. The kind of laughter that came with a chorus of snorts.

We really are related. I laughed like that too when I thought something was super funny. The reminder made me happy but sad too. Because I couldn’t tell him the truth. Not without risking so much.

His laugh woke Kuya, and the cat boy flashed his prince a toothy grin before yawning and snuggling deeper into the cushion, curling his tail around his body.

“So.” I turned to Sawyer. “What else have you been up to lately?”

“See those stacks of documents?” Sawyer motioned to the desk in front of the set of windows. “I’ve been writing to cities outside the capital and gathering pledges from the lord mayors, dukes, and archbishops in regard to demi-human rights. Anti-discriminatory decrees mostly.”

“Really?”

He nodded. “I remember you telling me about Miles and how he came to work in your café. He was seeking employment, and the baker treated him horribly simply for him being a demi-bear. And that’s only one instance. I’ve heard countless stories just like his. I’ve witnessed the injustice with my own eyes too. These decrees will make such acts punishable by law.”

He was such a damn good person. If only he’d been born first.

“You should be on the throne, Sawyer.” The words had slipped out, but I didn’t fear his reaction. Sawyer had reassured me on more than one occasion that I was free to speak my mind with him, just as he was free to do the same with me.

“Alas, I cannot,” he said with a tight smile. “Cedric will ascend the throne one day. However, my position grants me certain liberties that I’ll take full advantage of in order to make the world a little kinder. I may be unable to rule, yet I still have my voice. And I’ll make sure it’s heard.”

Sir Noah stood beside the door, seemingly emotionless. Yet, I caught a gleam in his eyes that made me think he was proud to be serving this prince instead of the other one.

Two cups of tea, four quiches, and one apple tart later, I said goodbye to Sawyer and Kuya and left the study, taking my near-empty basket with me. It was a miracle I didn’t need to be rolled out like the girl who turned into a giant blueberry in Willy Wonka’s factory.

Sawyer had wanted to visit with me longer but needed to leave for a meeting with the head of the accounting department, followed by an afternoon of council meetings.

Busy, busy princely bee. Buzz, buzz.

And it was then, as I was distracted by thoughts of Sawyer buzzing around with tiny fluttering wings and antennas holding up his crown, that a smooth voice called out from behind me.

“I see they’re allowing commoners to freely wander the castle now? I should have their heads for such an offense.”

I came to sharp stop near the top of the stairs, heart pounding.

Footsteps approached. Slow ones that reminded me of a predator who’d cornered his prey and knew he had all the time in the world to do whatever he wanted before going in for the kill.

Taking a deep breath, I turned just as he reached me and quickly bowed my head. “Your Highness.”

“You remembered the correct manner in which to address me,” Prince Cedric said. “Impressive. I suppose the dregs of society such as yourself aren’t as mindless as you appear.”

Dreg of society? What a jerk wad. My pulse quickened, and I bit my tongue. Best not respond to that.

“What did my foolish younger brother want with you?”

“To have tea, Your Highness,” I said in a respectful tone, despite my prickling irritation. Not exactly kissing his ass; just trying to stay on his good side to save my own. “I recently returned to the kingdom, and Prince Sawyer asked about the journey.”

“Ah, yes. That’s right.” Cedric came closer. “You have a prosperous café here in the capital and another in Exalos. Your lowly status is steadily improving, as is your reputation among commoners and nobles alike. But I hope you haven’t forgotten what I once told you. A filthy little pebble is still worthless no matter how much it’s polished.”

“It’s a lesson I’ve kept close to my chest, my prince.” I finally lifted my gaze to him.

Cedric stood taller than me, with short golden hair and a muscular build. He and Sawyer greatly resembled each other, but where Sawyer’s eyes radiated warmth, Cedric’s were like ice.

He looked at the basket over my arm. “What do you have there?”

“Cookies, Your Highness.” After Kuya, Sawyer, and I had our fill, three sugar cookies had been given to Sir Noah—I hadn’t taken no for an answer—and I’d given two more to the guards outside the door. Two chocolate chip remained. I planned to stop by Briar’s clinic before heading home and give them to Thane.

Cedric withdrew a cookie and curled his nose. “How revolting. This isn’t even suitable for the beggars in the lower district to eat.”

He then crumbled it in his fist and tossed it to the floor.

I stared at the scattered crumbs, feeling a burning behind my eyes. He was such a bully. How Sawyer kept his sanity growing up with a monster like Cedric, I’d never know.

“What an interesting expression you have,” he said. “Are you angry with me?”

Shit. I wasn’t the best at hiding my emotions. “Of course not, Your Highness.”

He slowly breathed out and stepped toward me, causing me to step back. “That clench of your jaw says otherwise. I’m awfully curious to hear your true thoughts.”

“I have no thoughts. I’m just a mindless pebble.” The impulsive response was made worse by the sarcastic tone used to say it. If there was ever a time to curse my lack of a filter it was most definitely right then.

Cedric’s expression changed. Darkened. “You say the right words, yet your eyes give way to your defiance. That defiance, if left to fester, will shatter loyalty and lead to betrayal. Do you intend to betray your future king?”

He backed me up against the railing of the stairs.

“N-No, Your Highness.” Fear clamped around my sternum and squeezed tight.

Lupin had said several of my possible futures ended horribly. Was this one of them? Because this asshole looked two seconds away from shoving my twink ass over the railing. I was wearing my protection stone, but it wouldn’t stop me from falling to my death.

“I wonder…” A crazed look surged in Cedric’s eyes, matching the inflection in his voice. “If you fell from this height, how much blood would there be upon impact? Would it splatter on the wall? How mangled would your body be when the servants scraped it off the floor?”

What the actual hell? Forget being an asshole. Cedric was a freaking psychopath.

“You’re trembling, little pebble,” he said, amused. A sick amusement that fractured his princely persona and showed the mad man lurking beneath. “How pitiful. Like a lamb awaiting slaughter.”

My gaze shifted to the guards behind him. Three followed Cedric wherever he went, and others stood outside the nearest doorways. Guards I’d given treats to in the past. A few had even come to my café when not on duty. Their expressions were torn.

“You remind me of Sawyer.” Cedric flashed a chilling smile. “He was such a weak and pathetic thing when we were younger. Sickly and accident prone. He even fell down the stairs once. Did he ever tell you? Broke his wrist and several ribs. Cracked his head open as well. I still remember how beautiful it was. The shade of his blood against the tile.”

The fear churning in my gut worsened, and my tongue felt three sizes too big. Pretty sure the Psycho theme song started playing off in the distance.

“It’s quite strange.” Cedric’s eyes narrowed. “You even look like my brother. I see why that bandit mistook you for him.”

Okay, that was the thing to nearly make me throw up all those delicious quiches. But there was no way he could put the pieces together about my true identity.

Right?

“Your Highness?” Sir Keegan stepped forward. He was Cedric’s personal knight, much like Sir Noah was to Sawyer. “Lord Vernon awaits your presence in the council chamber.”

“He will wait for as long as I wish for him to,” Cedric snapped. “I’m the goddamned Crown Prince.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Sir Keegan bowed his head. “Of course.”

“But I suppose I shouldn’t keep him waiting. He’s awfully irritating as it is.” With a sigh, Cedric stepped away and snapped his fingers at the guards behind him. “You two. Escort this commoner from the premises. Ensure he doesn’t steal anything on his way out.”

As he tore his attention from me, relief had me sagging against the railing.

The two guards quickly nodded and rushed over. They grabbed my arms, one on each side, and guided me down the stairs. I went along with them in a daze. My mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, making my already poor balance even worse, but thankfully, they kept a firm hold on me.

“Are you all right?” one of them asked once we’d reached the ground level. His gruff voice was familiar.

“August?” I’d been too much in my head to recognize him before then. He was also in full armor.

He gave a sharp nod.

“Yeah, I’m okay.”

I would be anyway, once I stopped shaking.

Even more unsettling than almost being an Evan-sized red stain on the entrance hall floor? Cedric’s comment about me resembling Sawyer. Could’ve been nothing more than a simple observation, but what if that twisted mind of his had somehow caught wind of the truth?

That’s when I realized I couldn’t delay it any longer. I had to tell my men what I’d learned about my parents.

Because something was brewing, a storm that had sprung to life with the crumble of a cookie at the top of a staircase.

***

“He’s pacing,” Rowan said. “Now, he’s cleaning.”

I wiped down the kitchen counter, then wandered over to the sink to wash dishes. My nerves had been on edge since I returned from the castle. Cedric’s eyes had been so cold. Menacing. He’d murdered a cookie, and I couldn’t help but imagine him crushing my head in the same way, enclosing it in an iron fist and shattering flesh and bone.

A low whine tore through Lake’s throat. The scent of peaches tickled my nose as his arms came around me. “I sense your soul’s unrest.”

He was able to tap into my emotional state because of our fated mate bond. His soul had imprinted on mine, tying us together in ways that went beyond my understanding.

I turned from the sink and buried my face against his neck, my throat too tight to speak.

“Evan?” Briar neared my side and rubbed the small of my back. “Are you all right, love?”

Another whine came from my wolf.

“We need to talk,” I said, drawing back from Lake.

“About what?” Maddox stood in the doorway, having just finished in the bath. The reason for the delay. I’d wanted to wait until all of them were in the room.

“I’ve been keeping something from you,” I said, barely able to get the words out. “Something big.”

“Go on.” Maddox hardened his features. He did that when trying to mask his emotions. My nervous behavior had probably sent his mind into overdrive, kicking up all sorts of theories and buried fears.

“Not in here. Can we go to the parlor? It’s comfier there.”

As I moved in that direction, my legs wobbled. The rushing of blood in my ears muted everything around me. Each beat of my heart hit my ribs like a war drum, sharp and indicating the battle to come.

Once in the parlor, I stood in the middle of the room and fidgeted. My men stepped in after me, their expressions apprehensive. Especially Lake. He no doubt felt the chaotic rhythm of my heartbeat.

“You should sit down.” I motioned to the area by the fireplace. “Maybe grab a drink first. Wine, preferably. I need the liquid courage, and y’all will need… well, something stronger than tea or coffee by the time I’m done. This is gonna be a long story.” A shaky exhale. “And once you hear it, nothing will be the same.”