Page 110 of Escape Velocity

Finally, Camille spoke. “We heard a little from the men who returned first. But they didn’t see the whole thing. Tell us what happened.”

She looked at the older woman. “You already know, don’t you?”

“I know some of it. But we want to hear all of it.”

Amber began to speak, telling the story of what had transpired since the airships swooped down on the camp. And as she spoke in a low voice, she realized she wasn’t just addressing these women. She was telling her friend, Esme. She would never see the slave back on Naxion, but she longed to let her friend know she was safe from the monster who had bought her.

“He thought he had me in his power, but I’m the one who walked away.”

She told how he had chained Max and Rafe to the wall, and how he had started hurting her. But he’d been too sure of himself.

“And that gave me the opportunity to slit his throat.”

She had been so wound up in her story that she’d forgotten the women in the room. But their gasps brought her back to the here and now.

“I don’t think I could do that,” Maura whispered.

“You could if it was the only way to save your life. And your man’s life,” Amber countered.

Maura nodded.

“That was a horrible experience,” Camille said. “Are you truly at peace in your soul?”

“I think so. I knew for a long time that if I fell into his hands, he would kill me—unless I could kill him first. I had thought about that because my guards had taunted me with my fate. They thought I could change nothing.”

“But you proved them wrong.”

“Yes, I vowed to get away from Tudor any way I could.”

“You are brave,” Maura murmured.

“No. I was desperate.” She looked at Camille. “And without that knife, I would be in a living nightmare now.” She couldn’t repress a shiver. “I have you to thank for giving me that weapon.”

“I had a feeling you might need it.”

Telling the tale was exhausting, and Camille could see it.”

“You should rest now,” she said.

“I’m too keyed up—worried about Max.”

“But there is nothing you can do. It is in the hands of the fates now.”

She wanted to beg Camille to tell her what was happening out there in the swamp. But she only pressed her lips together.

“Can I pray to my gods? Pray for his safety?” she asked.

“Of course. And if they consider your own valor, they will favor you.”

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