Page 57 of Honor Requires

Darcy started to object again, but Lucien raised a hand.

“No. On this matter, I shall not be persuaded otherwise.”

After a brief silence, Darcy inclined his head. “Then I thank you.”

“You may thank me later,” Lucien replied. “At present, we must concern ourselves with remaining free long enough to enjoy it.”

Darcy nodded.

They worked in silent efficiency, selecting what would serve their immediate needs—coins primarily, with a few smaller valuables that might be converted discreetly. Darcy handled each piece with care, not out of reverence, but calculation.

This would fund their return and aid in their transformation.

This will help me accomplish my purposes.

When at last they were finished, Lucien secured the remaining treasure as it had been before, concealing it once more within the stone.

“It will keep,” he said. “Until we return for it.”

Darcy inclined his head.

They made their way back toward the mouth of the cave, the light now stronger, the day fully begun. The sea lay calmer than it had the night before, though its surface still bore the restless energy of the open water.

Darcy stood at the threshold, looking out.

For years, he had been confined, reduced, stripped of all that had once defined him. Now, standing upon that narrow stretch of sand, the world open before him once more, he felt the first true stirrings of something long suppressed.

It was not relief just yet, but something resembling purpose. Yes, that adequately described the feeling.

Lucien studied him. “You are thinking of what comes next.”

“I am,” Darcy said.

“And what is that?”

Darcy did not answer at once.

His gaze remained fixed upon the horizon, his expression thoughtful, though something sharper lay beneath it.

“I must take a name,” he said at last. “One that will not be questioned. One that carries influence.”

Lucien’s brow lifted. “You intend to become someone else.”

“For a time,” Darcy replied. “Until I understand fully what has been done—and by whom. I need to know what everyone thinks has become of me.”

“And then?”

Darcy turned, meeting his gaze. “Then I decide what must be done.”

Lucien held his look for a long moment.

“Be cautious,” he said. “Revenge has a way of consuming more than its object.”

Darcy’s expression did not change. “I do not seek revenge.”

“No?” Lucien’s tone held a hint of skepticism.

“I seek only to regain what is mine,” Darcy said. “To ensure that those entrusted to my care have not suffered in my absence.” He knew he was not being entirely truthful. Rage burned hot and steady in his gut as he stared out at the sea. He wanted Hargrave to pay for what he had done, to suffer for the life he had stolen from Darcy.