"Wait—please..." I whispered, but my plea fell on deaf ears. I was forced to look back at the looming structure, now more foreboding than ever. My eyes instinctively sought out the figures perched atop the castle's battlements, and though they remained distant shadows, I could sense their presence. The servants.
My eyes watered, blurring my vision as my spirit felt crushed. Lord Fashire released me and stalked past.
He came to a stop and dramatically flung the carriage door open.
A mocking tone laced his words. "Ladies first."
He beckoned me closer and like the obedient slave I was, I walked. My feet grew heavier with each step. When I was close enough, he seized my wrist in an iron grip and pulled me forward, catching me off guard.
My heart leapt, thinking he had grabbed my wounded shoulder. He deftly pushed me into the cabin, almost tossing me inside. I stumbled onto one of the seats and pressed myself into the far corner, cowering as much as my body would allow.
