Chapter 19

Weeks later, after being released from the hospital, he still couldn’t face his parents. Each painful breath reminded him of their betrayal. Not knowing what else to try, his mother had finally sent him home to the U.S., accompanied by a guardian hired to live with him. On his eighteenth birthday, he’d received the deed to the condo, the bank account number for a college fund, and the guardian’s resignation.

Now, sitting on the floor of his home, he realized history was repeating itself—once again he was trapped, hiding, and helpless. At least he wasn’t facing religious fanatics bent on changing him into something of their own making.

But Ethan was.

Sudden rage ignited through him. No! Not again! Not anymore. All during that dark time, Keir had fantasized about a champion who’d sweep in and save him. That guy—that hero—never showed.