Alvaro lowered Kai to the ground, ready with a branch and a rock in his hands. Sylas did the same.
"Who are you?" Alvaro asked sharply, worried the man might be one of Virouse's soldiers.
Vlad stood calmly, not looking at anyone except Kai, who was now kneeling on the ground, trembling.
"Kai... should I introduce myself to your master?" Vlad asked calmly, a smile never leaving his lips.
Kai swallowed hard and shook his head. "M-Master... please forgive me..."
Kai wanted to say he wanted to stay with Sylas, but he couldn't get the words out. His voice stuck in his throat, and his heart pounded wildly.
How had Vlad found him here?
The memory of the dead slave, then Hein—who had been tortured until he lost his hands—made Kai instantly sick. His body tensed, and cold sweat began to form.
He was going to die.
He was definitely going to die.
His body went limp, trembling.
"Let's go back," Vlad said, extending his hand.
