471 Protecting the River

"I'm done," Neoma called softly from the doorway.

Pearce's eyes went wide upon seeing her standing there. "Zosime? Is that… is that you? Why aren't you locked up down here?" He growled, the expression on his face turning severe.

"Andreas' Zosime is dead, old man," Lucas snapped and walked to where Neoma was standing.

She looked ashamed as he approached and pulled the door closed behind them, as if Pearce had reminded her of how much damage she had caused—as if she believed Pearce to be right. She should be locked up for what she did.

"Come with me," Lucas said after locking the door.

He led the way out of the dungeon, the strength in his shoulders rolling as she watched him walk in front of her. They hadn't spoken in what felt like so long—a silent abyss yawning between them after her last words to him—and she didn't recall him being this… this… what was he even?