Had they been working together all along? If Tal intended to deliver her to Dez dar Joon, why pretend to— A hand closed around her arm, ending her abrupt departure, and Charlotte screamed again. She tugged frantically against Tal’s hold but his fingers wouldn’t budge. “That is not Dez dar Joon,” he insisted. Her muddled brain wouldn’t accept the simple explanation. She dug her fingernails into his arm and jerked against his grasp. “Let go!” “Charlotte, look at me.” Tal brought her face up and captured her gaze. “That is not Dez dar Joon. Look at him. See for yourself.” Her breath froze in her lungs and the rapid passing of blood roared through her ears. Tal promised to protect her! It wasn’t supposed to end like this. His fingers gently guided her face to the side and she looked at the other man. His long white hair and the sharp arrangement of his features were identical to Joon, but kindness and concern shone from his bright green eyes.
