Surprise Visitors and a Locked Door (2/2)

Rowan's voice quavered when he spoke again. "We won't let Ciprian punish either of us when he finds out. I swear. Those days are over. I want you to be free, too. Both of you."

Everyone deserved a new beginning. Nicasi, Lysander, Mara, the grandmother Lili…they were all prisoners in their own way because of a religion that only served one person.

Alaric shook his head. His shoulders trembled when he released a small sigh. His misery was etched on his face. It killed Rowan to see it. "But…I can never be free without Loma. He will take her away from me."