But....
The word was like a dagger, piercing my hope. The smile vanished from my face, replaced by a dread that tightened my stomach into a knot. I knew the 'but' that followed would be nothing but a cruel twist of the knife.
He saw the despair on my face and clicked his tongue in amusement. "Hey, hey, hey, don't be disheartened. I have one last task. One little task and you and your brother will be free forever. You'll never see me again, I promise."
One last task, and I'll be free? But at what cost?
My voice was barely a croak. "What task?"
"I will tell you about it," he smiled like a predator sizing up its prey. "But before that, do something for me."
"What?" I asked, my voice trembling, my heart already sinking.
"Strip."
