*Lucian*
Using strips torn from Evangeline’s underskirt, I bind and gag Riverdale after taking great satisfaction in delivering a blow to the man’s jaw when he begins to stir. I am not of a mind to be gentle or forgiving. It doesn’t help matters that my head has begun to pound mercilessly. I actually envy Riverdale his unconscious state.
With great effort, I hoist Riverdale over my shoulder. With Evangeline at my side, we begin making our way back to the manor. No path marks the way, but the terrain isn’t too rugged. The rain, however, has increased in intensity, but I don’t mind. With any luck, it might reduce the fire’s damage to the manor.
“If the house were still burning, don’t you think we’d see fire in the distance?” Evangeline asks.
“Yes. The servants and village’s fire brigade
