*Percival*

Mika went limp right then, causing me to glance down sharply toward her and frown deeply. What was she doing? Perhaps trying to get my guard down so she could lash out? No, wait. That was a ridiculous notion. All of this stress brought back the memories of what Elizabeth did to me, using my kindness to hurt me horribly. Her recent emails confirming she knew where I was didn’t help in the slightest.

Then, she spoke in a tone that was resigned and shaky, causing ...