Book Eight: Chapter 129

“Mmm. I see.” Vincentius chuckled. “Well, then we may have a bit of an issue. You see, when it comes to secrets, this place was created to protect my own, a safe harbor against the dangers of the world. Nobody leaves my domain against my wishes.”

“Wait.” Mike started to stand, but remembered who he was talking to and sat back down. “Are you saying you won’t let us leave?”

“The last time we let somebody leave, they took something important. Oh, so very important.” The mask slipped again, revealing a brief moment of anger that burned like the sun. “Nobody is ever meant to visit here, Mister Radley. That you had the misfortune to stumble into this place, well...I’m afraid I can’t just let you leave.”

“So we’re prisoners?” asked Sofia.

“More like long-term guests. You wouldn’t be the first, but many have learned to appreciate what I offer.” Vincentius chuckled, and Mike saw Charlotte exchange an angry glance with Gerard. Galahad looked away from the table as if h