Chapter 7: Rayne.

I see the moment he raises his arm and I know what is coming, but I prefer he uses that thing on me than on the horse. I am fully prepared to feel its sting, but then a black blur engulfs my vision and blocks Lord Roderick from my view.

What just happened?

I take a step back so I can see clearer, and I am faced with the slender muscular back of a tall man dressed in a black suit. They are blocking Lord Roderick from me, and I realise they just stopped him using his whip on me too.

But who would be out here at this time of day to be able to do that in the first place?

As I struggle with my confusion and shock, my hearing comes back, and I hear what is being said.

“How dare you even think of using a whip on a person! Have you no shame?!”

The man in front of me is yelling at Lord Roderick, but the firmness of his tone tells me he is used to talking to people like this.

“Who are you to speak to me like that?! I am