Thomas was somewhat reluctant to swivel back around. In fact, he almost had it in his mind to beeline out the door and flee to the farthest corner of the castle. Perhaps, he could even skip the staircases altogether and fly out the window. He was a professional at avoiding uncomfortable situations. Why should he start now?

All his calculating was interrupted by George's soft voice, and he slowly turned back to face her. He needed to know. A jumble of emotions battled with the default anger that he portrayed to most, but it soon fizzled out and settled on something more potent--betrayal.

"Why?"