Pas de Deux

A/N: Took a small break cause I'm working on publishing my second book and my pup had to visit the groomer's, also fair warning since the rating may go up there will be some nsfw scenes mostly dealing with violence, mental anguish, and sex. So, if you would not like to view this content, I have more appropriate works and I still have writing commissions open.

Sandy gripped the cover between her hands. It had been a few days since Shadow had left for Italy and already she had missed his presence. The manor seemed so much more gloomier without him.

"Isabella," she said as the woman walked into the room. "I think I'd like to go the garden." She continued, grabbing her wooden leg. "Where's Randy and Valen?"

Isabella frowned for a moment, glancing out the window as rain beat against it. "They. . .well, Mistress, this isn't my place to say, but Valen is thinking about moving you to his home." Isabella said, picking up the basket of clothes near the door.

"He. . .he can't. I'm not going anywhere, this is my home." She promised Shadow they'd meet when he got back. Sandy clenched her hand into a fist, slowly making her way downstairs and grabbing Randy as he passed by her. "Where is he?"

Randy swallowed, meeting his sister's steely gaze. "He just left, went to the tavern no doubt to get drunk with his friends." He answered. "I. . .wish there was something I could do to help."

"You could've consulted me," Sandy shot back, moving past him towards the door.

"It was either him or have you be committed to an asylum," Randy said, turning to face her. "I don't want you in a place like that or with him, but it was the only way. He, Valen was going to help you or at least I thought he would because I know how much you miss the stage and—."

"That's enough," Sandy cut him off, grabbing her shawl and the door handle. She wouldn't be reminded of the past. She was not about to let some man she was forced to marry keep her locked up in another house even if her knee ached unbearably and the rain soaked her. She'd rather stay where she was raised than be alone with Valen in his domain.