I didn't move.
Inside the study, Richard said nothing at first. Then his voice came lower, colder.
"You're confusing guilt with judgement."
"I know the difference."
"Do you?" Richard asked. "Because from where I'm standing, you're prepared to risk everything for a woman who would destroy you if she knew how."
I stepped back from the door before either of them could see me.
The sentence followed me across the corridor.
A woman who would destroy you.
For once, Richard Vale had said something sensible.
I walked away before the door opened.
My parents were near the entrance with Victoria. My mother smiled when she saw me, then paused.
"You look pale."
"I'm tired."
My father glanced behind me. "Where's Shadric?"
"Busy."
Victoria's gaze moved past my shoulder, towards the corridor
