Page 122 of Shadows of Steel

The guard exhales, exchanging an uneasy glance with the other men stationed nearby. Then, without another word, he unlocks the door and steps aside.

What greets me on the other side makes me halt mid-step.

This, I did not expect.

A boy.

He’s tall, lanky, his frame bordering on gaunt. Blonde hair falls messily over wary, wide eyes, his entire posture coiled tight. He’s curled up near the far end of the room, fists clenched at his sides, watching me like a cornered animal.

Instinct propels me forward, but the guard swiftly moves to block my path. “I wouldn’t advise that, ma’am.”

I level him with a cold glare. “He’s only a child.”

“He’s a risk.”

Bullshit.

Stepping around him, I lower myself onto my knees, carefully meeting the boy’s gaze. “What’s your name?”

His shoulders tense, uncertainty flickering across his face. I soften my voice, reassuring. “It’s all right. You don’t have to be afraid.”

His chin lifts slightly, his small body still tense with hostility. “Luka.”

Luka.

I glance at the guard. “Why is he locked up?”

No answer. Of course.

I turn back to the boy. “What happened? Why are you here?”

His lips press together before he mutters, “I ran away.”

Something sharp lodges itself in my chest.

“From where?”

His gaze flickers to the door, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t want to go back.”

Fuck.

That’s all I need to hear.

I push up to my feet, taking Luka’s wrist gently. “Come on.”

The guard immediately moves to block me. “Mrs. Salvatore, I can’t allow you to do that.”

I snap my head toward him, my voice ice cold. “Move.”

He stalls. Then finally, he does.

But just as I reach the hall, another louder voice cuts through the space. “Don’t.”

I whip around.

Dante.

His expression is dark, unreadable. His jaw tightens as his eyes flick between me and Luka.