Page 71 of Anorthic Anarchy

“Why did they let you return?”

Fluttering lashes are her only response as she finishes her tray. Sliding forward, she attempts to stand, but I need to help steady her. “I’m feeling better, but I want a bath.”

“Sure, angel.”

“I’ll do so alone.”

Her rejection is like daggers under my nails. “I’ll wait for you just outside.”

Standing by her elbow, I help her up the stairs all the way to our tower bedroom. She places a palm against my black T-shirt and shuffles me back, then closes the door in my face.

One of the door slaves stands silently in the galley with wide eyes at our exchange. “You and your kind are free to go. Just…just leave.”

Hurrying down the steps, I pass Sev. “I’m flipping on the power. Do the men have the perimeter guarded?”

“Yes, and sandbagged in case the flames reach higher ground. Will you be turning the power grid back on for the electric fence?”

He matches my strides as I hustle to the dungeon control room. “Right now, I’m setting the rest of the women free. We’ll have a lot less in the household. The chefs and housekeepers can stay. And as soon as I know my wife is fine, I’m sending Falcon out.”

Sev pants as he tries to keep up. “Sir?”

“For good.”

Placing a hand on the doorframe as we enter the office, he casts a question with his shivering lips. “And us? Your guards, sir?”

“I need you to stay only until the day after the Winter Solstice. Thank you for all your loyalty.”

“Master Strauss, I’m a little confused. I’ve been your protector for these last eighteen years. This assignment isfor life. I watched you grow up. And you’re…donewith me?”

Turning on the small generator, I launch the system I need and enter the codes to turn the power grid back on. I’ll even go so far as to do my good deed and direct the closest fire truck to the worst of the damage.

Straightening, I face my man, who seems to be vacillating, waiting for a fight. “Thank you.”

He gasps. “That’sit?”

“Would you like a medal? Because I can dig up one of the Strauss’s old ones, I’m sure. If you’d like to take any precious heirlooms and a ton of cash on your way, feel free.”

His brow lowers as I place my hands on my hips. “You’re serious.”

“Deadly.”

Some tension leaves his shoulders as they slump. “Like anything?”

“If you can pack it up and get it out of here, go for it. I don’t need it.”

Tears form on his lower lids as I approach to try to slide by. “I don’t know what to do anymore.”

“Well…I’d say you’re about half done with your life. Time to start living it.”

Hurriedly, he wipes at his eyes, and I worry he’s going to hug me or something. “Vincente. Thank you.”

Awkwardly, I pat his back twice, but mainly use it as a vault to push him forward so I can slip out and leave. As I ascend the curved staircase leading to the conservatory, some electric lights flicker back on. In the kitchens, I instruct the cooks to prepare a large dinner for the lady, then hurry toward the main staircase, but stop.

She stands in some tight yoga pants and one of my T-shirts with damp hair, her arms folded behind her back. No, they’ll need me for the ritual…

And they are testingmyloyalty to her now.

“You look lovely. How are you feeling?”

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