Cautiously, Ferdinand slipped out of his cell, his eyes darting around, he searched for any sign of movement. But the corridor was empty, and his heart began to swell with hope. Maybe his father hadn't abandoned him after all.
He moved through the dark hallways, his steps growing bolder as he realized there was no one to stop him.
His suspicions slowly gave way to certainty—this was his chance, his way out. He was alive, and soon he would be free.
He allowed himself to imagine the life he would reclaim. Once he was out, he would find a way to gather money, create a new identity, and start over. And then, he would take his revenge on those who had wronged him, especially Raven Everwyn.
His thoughts turned dark as he imagined the revenge he would exact on the Duke. He pictured himself standing over the man who had ruined him, severing his head, and delivering it to Seraphina, the woman he had desired so much, making her watch as her world crumbled.
