CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Sophia stared at the crossbow leveled at her, knowing that there would be no way to dive aside in time if the man there pulled the trigger. Beside her, she felt Sienne tense, obviously getting ready to leap, and she could sense from the new figure’s mind that he would fire as soon as the forest cat moved.
“Just stay calm,” she said, to both Sienne and the man with the crossbow. “We aren’t here to cause any trouble.”
“Wait,” the man said. “I know that voice. I know that face. But it can’t be. Who are you?”
“My name is Sophia,” Sophia said.
“By the gods, it is you,” the man said. He lowered his crossbow. “I took you for Lady Christina for a moment, but no, I recognize you now. You’re her daughter. Do you remember me?”
He stepped forward where Sophia could see him. He wa
