#Chapter 44 (Deonna) – Needing Space

I felt as though I couldn’t breathe; I was holding my breath the entire time the Duke of North-Valley and Marlon were in the small foyer area, right outside the door. I could hear them so clearly it was as if they were standing right next to me. The duke had touched the door handle and I could nearly see my life flashing before my eyes. The room was closing in on me and I kept thinking to myself, “this is it. This is how I’m going to die. At the hands of a duke.” I guess there could be worse ways to die, but then what about Mateo? It’s how he would die too, and I didn’t want that for him. I could hear the footsteps of the men on the floor above me; they were raiding through the manor to specifically look for Mateo and me. How did they even find out about us? We’ve been doing so well at keeping us on the down-low. I kept Mateo, who was still sleeping, pressed firmly against my chest, even after the duke was gone. My body was trembling, and I felt tears burning in my eyes. I