—How’s Bastien?

—Now you care? None of this would’ve happened if you had just listened! But no… you had to run away. How many times did we warn you it was dangerous out there? If Bastien dies, it will be your fault!

Kate sobbed. She never imagined how much it would hurt to see Bastien wounded—especially knowing he got hurt saving her.

—Those men… they said something about a show with animals. Is it true?

Lucca’s eyes widened.

—You know?

—Yes, I know. Explain it to me!

—Your mother sold you to that organization. They waited for the perfect moment to take you. You were going to be restrained, humiliated, and used as part of a live event for twisted people who paid to watch. Bastien found out. And the only way to stop it… was to act before they could. He did something he knew would make you hate him—because he’d rather live with your hatred than see you broken forever.

—I… I never thought I’d be surrounded by people capable of such things… But why does Bastien protect me? I don’t underst