Rain lashed down as Grant's horse tore through the storm, lightning splitting the clouds. Water streamed down his jaw, soaking his clothes, cold as ice against his skin. He reached the Carmichael estate and leaped off, pounding on the locked gate. "Helena! Open the door!"
The steward hurried out. "General? Helena said she's not seeing visitors."
"Move!" Grant kicked the gate open and stormed toward the main house. Through the window's paper pane, I was a familiar silhouette, bent over a desk, writing.
"Helena!" He banged on the window frame. "Come back with me!"
My shadow froze, and the candlelight snuffed out. The rain roared louder.
"I know you're in there," Grant said, his voice shaking. "I didn't know what that bond-breaking scroll was…"
The door creaked open. I stood on the step
