Chapter 97 Xxiv

• August
• The house seemed cold when I arrived. There were no sounds, no obvious clues that anyone else was in the place. I'd purchased the house several years before, renovating a huge portion by myself. Working with my hands was freeing, even peaceful, often providing a level of perspective that I rarely achieved. Modern in appearance, except for my office, the home wasn't large by the standards of my father, but I didn't need anything huge. My needs were simple in comparison to the rest of my family.
• I'd waved off the soldiers I'd left to guard against Sasha's escape, preferring an evening alone with her. Bruno knew how to keep himself scarce, allowing my privacy. There was no lock on the bedroom door, no chains holding her in place. There would be no cage to lock her in or basement to hide her away from the rest of the world. She would learn to accept her place by my side through time and training.