Chapter 61

Darius helped me wash my hands in silence. The water ran red at first, then pink, then finally clear. He dried them carefully, his movements slow and methodical like he wasn’t sure if I would break or bolt.

He didn’t say anything as he guided me to the carriage. The guards opened the door. He helped me in and followed, the cabin dimly lit by the lantern outside.

Only when the door shut and the whe