Chapter 6

I began, "I want to leave here, and erase every trace that I ever lived here."

The figure in black paused in silence. "Miss, are you sure you want to use up your one chance just to leave the Duke of Valor's estate?"

"I'm sure. Absolutely positive." I gently ran my hand over Nina's cold cheek. "I never want to have anything to do with this place ever again."

He replied, "Okay. We'll come for you in three days. Be ready."

The figure in black vanished as silently as they had come.

Rainwater dripped from the eaves, tapping out scattered,…