Bastian nearly ate it on the slick stone staircase, Kenny hot on his heels. He was gasping for breath, sweat soaking his temples even though the crisp fall air bit like ice. The imperial guards posted at Duke Elias Mason's mansion gates just stared, baffled, as Bastian bolted past without a word. His footsteps slapped loud and fast down eerie, empty hallways.
The rumor that Etien was inside this mansion? It squeezed Bastian's heart like a fist. And hearing that Duke Elias Mason had possibly snatched him mid-party? That cranked his panic way up. Worst-case scenarios spiraled through his head, Etien bound and bloodied, maybe barely conscious, maybe even unable to speak. Maybe whoever came to rescue him had shown up too late. Those thoughts clawed at Bastian, making his pulse spin out of control.
He slammed to a stop at the half-open double doors. His body locked up, breath short and ragged. Then, he saw him.
Etien Carter. His Duke.
