"My darling Alinta, you are finally awake!" exclaimed a deep, familiar voice.
"Mr. Crassus?" Alinta replied, a mix of surprise and panic in her voice.
"Oh, how my heart can now be at ease," he said, greedily cupping the side of her face as he examined her. He noticed the tension in her body language but chose to ignore it.
"I am so happy I was able to reach you in time before that fool had the chance to take you away from m... ahem, town."
"You saved us?" Alinta asked in disbelief, her heart softening as gratitude began to replace the fear she had felt for the man over the past 11 years. "Thank you," she said, her relief evident as tears started to form.
"Get a grip, girl! I find this whole situation he's orchestrating suspicious!" Angela snarled defensively.
Alinta silently thanked
