Luci woke up early in the morning but alone in her room. The twins were not in their beds, which was surprising. She stood from her bed, hearing horses outside the house. Her family didn't have horses, only some cows and goats.
Worried, she quickly headed out of the house, her mother trying to stop her but missed as Luci ran past. She was met with her father talking to the Duke, the ominous dark-haired, pale skinned man who sat high on his pure white horse. His eyes looked as if they were glowing red in the very little light of day.
"Luci, go inside with your mother." Her father demanded, waving her off.
The Duke looked directly at her, her body froze in place, heart racing. She was scared but couldn't move.
"Your taxes are due, Bernardi. How do you intend on paying for them?" His voic
