Ashley and Lucian continued talking about precious memories from the past. They laughed, shook their heads, and occasionally shared details that surprised the other.
Then came one revelation that completely stunned Ashley.
Some of the street children they used to know had ended up in Dominion.
And Lucian had personally recruited them.
"What?!" Ashley shot upright, eyes wide.
"No way!" she exclaimed, shaking her head. "Absolutely not. How?!"
Lucian chuckled as he sat up, resting an arm over one knee. The amusement on his face was obvious.
This was exactly the reaction he had expected.
Ashley narrowed her eyes suspiciously and leaned closer.
"Really?" she asked quietly. "You mean to tell me that bully rascal is... Lukas?"
Her mouth fell open. She quickly covered it with both hands.
Ashley and Lucian had mostly stayed together, but they had also been part of a loose group of street children.
