At dinner, Ian ignored me completely. I was glad. It was easier than having to discuss my refusal. I ate quickly and then hurried out to the courtyard. I was nearing the exit when I overheard Master talking with one of the gardeners. "Make sure you grind the herb into a liquid. I will need it in the lab tomorrow at first light."

If Master was to be in the lab in the morning, then I had no time to lose. I had to get Damon out tonight.

I turned on my heel and sped back up to my room. I would wait until dark and then head down to the lab. I guessed that the keys to his wrist and ankle cuffs would be somewhere in the lab. Master could never imagine that a servant would release one of his demons. In his mind, we were too afraid.

It seemed an eternity passed between dinner and lights out. I lay in bed listening for the sounds of the house to quiet. My heart was beating out of my chest. What was I doing? If I got caught, I would be punished and probably turned out. But then I considered Damon's fate and knew I had to take that chance.

Once I was certain the household was turned in for the night, I tiptoed down to the main floor. I paused outside the laboratory door to peek in. Damon was still chained to the floor and I couldn't see anyone else in the room. His eyes were closed and he looked as if he were sleeping. Slowly, I pushed the door open and then eased it back shut. I moved to his side and gently shook his arm. His eyes opened in a flash and he stared at me blankly. I saw awareness light in his eyes and he struggled to raise his head off the floor. "Chloe, what are you doing here?"

"I'm going to get you out of here. But we have to hurry. Master is planning to start on you again tomorrow." I started looking around for the keys, in the desk, in the cabinet. "Do you know where the keys to your shackles are?"

"The supply cupboard. I saw Ian put them in there after they brought me in."

I ran over to the cupboard saying a silent prayer the whole way. When I opened the door, sure enough the keys were dangling from a hook on the back of the door. I lifted them off and hurried back to Damon's side. I tried the first key at his wrist, but it didn't turn. I pulled it back out and moved to the next key on the ring. I paused briefly as I considered what I might be doing. What if Damon was something sinister and evil? I looked again at his beautiful face and could not fathom what kind of demon might lie inside him. But, if I left him here, he would surely perish. I didn't think I could bear that thought. I took a deep breath and turned the key. The lock clicked and the shackle fell apart. I looked again at Damon, only to see a look of relief cross his face. "Thank you," he whispered fervently. I moved quickly to his ankles and then to his other wrist. He was free.

Slowly, he sat up and looked around the room. I tossed the keys on the desk and turned back to him. He smiled at me, "You are a brave soul, Chloe." His voice had an edge to it that made me slightly uncomfortable.

I ignored the queasiness in my stomach. "We need to get out of here."

"We?" He looked confused for a half second and his voice sounded incredulous. "No. You shouldn't go with me. It's not safe."

My heart sank at the rejection. Finally, I told him, "Damon, I have to leave. Master will know I am the one who set you free and it won't be safe for me here."

He deliberated for a moment. He looked torn. "Let's go," he finally answered and then turned toward the door.

Together we slipped back out into the hallway. It was full dark now, and the house seemed especially creepy. I glanced at Damon and thought how glorious he looked bathed in the moonlight from the windows. He almost seemed to glow. He was scanning the hall and then motioned for me to follow. We eased down to the portico entrance and then out into the dark night.