Page 56 of Leafpoint Lighthouse

I bit my bottom lip, so I didn’t let loose. How disgusting. A boy sold into basically slavery and then murdered because he saw the wreckers. William reached out and squeezed my hand.

“What happened then?” I asked.

“Can’t say I’m entirely sure. The Master turned up dead and began telling me what to do. He’s mean.”

“Avery, I’m so sorry that nasty man hurt you. You’re welcome to remain here as long as you want,” I offered.

“Can I?” Avery lit up with hope.

“Finish your hot chocolate,” William replied, sending me a stern look.

Bugger that, I wasn’t allowing Avery to return to the caves. “Yes, you may stay. But no more frightening me.”

“Sorry, Master made me do it. He can’t come up here. Master ordered me to scare you so you’d leave. He fears you,” Avery told us.

“Does he?”

“Master claims Lyra has cursed blood.”

“What the hell?” I exclaimed.

William turned his head. “The Jasper bloodline. You might have been onto something. What else does Master say?”

“Says Miss Lyra has to go. That she’s dangerous, so are you. Master said that if Miss Lyra leaves, then you can’t win, and he will.”

Both William and I sat up straight. “William needs me to keep Master locked down?”

“Yes. He likes it when I tattle that you’ve been fighting, and Mr William wants you to leave. Master laughs and finds it fun.”

“If I’d chased you away…” William murmured slowly, holding my eyes.

“Master, whoever he was, would have escaped.”

“Damnation. Thank God you’re so stubborn!” William exclaimed.

“Master says things are in motion and he’ll be free soon. He said the sooner you make Miss Lyra leave, the stronger he becomes. With two of you, you’re making him weak, and that makes Master angry. When he’s mad, he hurts me.”

“Do you have to return, Avery?” I asked.

Avery looked shocked at the question. “What do you mean?”

“Can’t you keep yourself here where Master is unable to get you?” I forced out the word master.

“He’s here,” Avery pointed to William.

“And?” I pressed.

“He won’t want to share with someone like me,” Avery hissed.

“An abused child?” I challenged.

“Avery, I would never send you back to the Master. You are welcome to stay up here indefinitely,” William said, his expression horrified.

“But it’s your lighthouse,” Avery replied, confused.

“Yes, but I will share it,” William added.

“Are you able to read and write?” I asked.