Chapter 18

I stand up and walk back to my room, surrounded by guards. I just have to pick up a few things before I can go. When I get to my room, Landon walks inside with me.

"You're really going to do it?" he asks when we're alone. "You're really leaving."

"I don't know what else to do," I say, tears running down my cheeks.

"Stay, of course."

"Then what? Wait until that guy comes back? I just don't feel safe here Landon. I want, no I need, to go back. Madame's mansion is the only place where I've ever felt totally safe. I don't belong here, you said it yourself yesterday. I'm better off at Madame's."

"But what about your mother and the arrangement?"

"We'll figure something out and Mother can't reason with the fact that Madame has kept me safe for over two years." I give Landon a hug before I start packing up some things. "It's for the best, Landon, believe me."

Suddenly, someone knocks on the door and a guard comes in.