Chapter 25

I was having trouble breathing. My thoughts were replaying what Lucien had said. "I have to make sure it's me." He had a horrible idea in mind. Our kid was going to be sacrificed by him. The guy I believed I knew and loved was prepared to do the unimaginable.

More than ever, I felt deceived, lost, and alone. I was heartbroken and unsure of who to ask for help. Serena was devoted to Lucien beyond everything else, so I was unable to speak with her. And Lucien—after hearing what I overheard, I was not sure how to approach him.

The only person who might possibly understand was still there. The traditional physician.

She stored her plants and medicines in the little tent at the edge of the camp, which is where I discovered her. With her back to the boiling water, she was bending down and stirring in some dried leaves. Her hands were creased as she worked methodically, her long gray hair pulled back.