Zach was waiting outside for her. And knowing him, he'd wait for her until she came out to meet him - whenever that was.
Pacing the room wasn't helping her think. If she left as planned, Uncle Jarren would go mad and hurt her sister. If she didn't, he might pay her the promised midnight visit.
Neither of the options were better than the other.
What was she to do?
Horses neighed in the yard below. Stable boys barked commands at their inferiors as they prepared for departure. She watched them from her windows.
What if Uncle Jarren spotted Zachary? How deep into the woods was he hiding?
She ran a hand through her hair. She'd go to him, but only to tell him to leave.
Claire wasn't willing to gamble her sister's life.
Except, she took a hostage of her own.
Arlan. If she took Arlan, Uncle Jarren's only living heir, he would be forced to come down to her terms.
