"I want to stay with my son," Grace said, her voice firmer now despite the tears.
"I'm sorry, my son, but I can't leave Lukas. He's innocent in all this. He deserves his mother."
Jorghan stared at her for a long moment, his expression unreadable.
Then he nodded, as if confirming something to himself.
"Noted," he said quietly.
He turned to Scarlett, who'd been watching the entire exchange with wide eyes. "What about you? Want to come see another world? Escape all this mess?"
Scarlett didn't hesitate.
She moved toward him immediately, her decision already made. "Yes. God, yes. There's nothing for me here but their guilt and dysfunction. Take me with you."
"Scarlett, no!" Jamie reached for his daughter, but she danced away from his grasp.
"Why not, Dad? You murdered your nephew. Grace murdered her son. And you tried to sell to those nobles on that planet. This family is built on blood and betrayal. I'd rather take my chances in another world than stay here one more day."
