My heart was pounding so hard I felt certain it might beat out of my chest if I didn't get out of that room. Even racing up the stairs, my ribs struggled to contain it.

What was that? What were those instruments? I couldn't understand the feelings tearing through me. There are girls who get giddy over a pretty man, but I'm not one of them. I'm the type who reads about those girls and chuckles about the foolishness of love at first sight and diving in before you know someone.

It was like some part of me knew him, though. Or at least knew the pain I saw in his eyes when I ran. I felt it deep in my soul and a desperate need to soothe him until the creases left his brow filled me. But I don't know him and what pain could a handsome, rich man, not all that much older than I, have truly experienced? It wasn't like he was Atticus, forced to become something that people feared to look at.

Even hidden in the safety of my room, with my back pressed to the door, the swirling feelings and confusion refused to abate. Sinking to the floor, my hands press to my chest and I fought calm my ridiculous heart and understand the feelings he had brought up.

I was still furious at Lyron for springing his guard on me and his reaction told me he had expected me to be afraid. How many times had he done that before without caring about the hurt he caused others? He needed to know that it was not ok to treat people like that.

One month. I had to remind myself that this was only for one month. Although what do I truly have to return to? An aunt and uncle who would sooner drug and sell me off than protect me? I very much doubted there would be a welcome if I tried to go back home.

Perhaps this was the push I had needed for so long? To leave Grotwick Thrope behind and forge my own path somewhere else in Nilemah. It was a large kingdom, and I had only seen the tiniest part of it.

Maybe this was fate's way of saying, if you won't leave, I'll make you,

Well played fate, well played.

My internal monologue appeared to finally be having the desired effect and my heart rate slowly began to return to a more manageable rhythm.

Standing on shaky legs, I made my way to the window. Maybe reminding myself that there was a world beyond this building was what I needed. Resting my forehead on the glass as I looked out into the night and sighed.

I wasn't sure whether it was the amazing food, the mysterious company, or that music, but something had to be to blame for the way I had been acting. It was about as far away from normal as I could possibly get. Although nothing about this situation could be considered normal. It belonged between the pages of a fairytale, not real life.

At least in fairytales it was more clear who the villain was, though. Despite Atticus's protestations to the contrary about what his lord was like, I was far from trusting Lyron.

With another sigh, I moved to ready myself for bed, when a sound stopped me. A low, distant sound that blended into another. Frowning, I peered out into the darkness to try to identify the source.

My eyes scoured the visible grounds until they landed on the light spilling from a window a little further along the building, just a few rooms over from my own.

Silhouetted in the light and leaning on an elaborate balcony was a familiar form.

Lyron.

More sad notes drifted out, spinning a song that told of a deep, aching loneliness. That hurt my heart to hear. Was this another magical song from those enchanted instruments?

As though hearing my thoughts, he turned slightly, and I caught sight of the pipe at his lips. His song wove a story and drew me in even as it broke my heart and tears sprang to my eyes.

My ear pressed to the pane of glass, ignoring the sting of cold as my eyes remained fixed on him. I listened to that mournful song, hoping he wouldn't notice me. It was too dark to see his expression, but at least now I knew the pain I thought I had seen was not imagined.

The last note hung in the air before he finally lowered the pipe and turned, vanishing into the room.

More confused than ever, I wiped my tears and made my bed. Tomorrow I'd try to learn more about this place. I wouldn't let a pretty song distract me from the fact Lyron had attempted to frighten me once already, and who knew what else he might try.

If I were staying here, I wanted him to show me respect. Until he did, he'd get nothing from me. I wouldn't be won over with gifts and food. Although the food was a very much appreciated improvement on what I knew.

I wasn't sure exactly how I had gone from captive of his, to captivated in less than a day, but my curiosity insisted we find out exactly what was going on here.