I stood in my place for a few minutes while Carttal’s words repeated in my head over and over, like a broken record. I felt fear, especially because of Alexander. I didn’t want him to find me—if he caught me, escaping would be nearly impossible.

But I had to do something to buy my medication. The last thing I wanted was for Carttal to find out about my illness. He wanted me to stay with him forever, but that was impossible, no matter how much he wished it. I knew exactly what I was going throug