Page 106 of Forsaken Secrets

"Did you hear about all them Seekers?" Gav said, barely audible down the hall. I listened in, curious. Another voice replied, but it was too muffled for me to hear.

"Dead — the entire Institute," Gav muttered, his voice sounding almost gleeful. "Someone snuck in and sliced 'em up. A few bodies are missin', but I'd bet they're gone, too. Someone's gonna pay! That's fer sure!" He laughed. "At least those creeps won't be botherin' us no more, though …"

My stomach rolled, but I pushed it down.

So that was what had happened. Somehow Lady Ellingsworth had gotten all the Seekers killed … because of me?

What had I done? No. I couldn't think about it.

I had to keep my emotions buried for now.

Later, I could let myself work through them. Right now was the time for numbness. I just had to get through the inevitable interrogation and the flogging. Then I could be free to warn Eli and figure out what to do about the Seekers.

I'd known she was evil, but had never imagined she was insane enough for that!

A jingling of keys made me stand. I'd checked the other cells on my way in, and I was the only person here. My stupid heart fell when Lady Ellingsworth stepped up to the bars, her fuchsia gown a hideous mess of bows and gems.

What had I thought? That Eli and Lynk would come and rescue me?

They didn't even know that I was here. Besides, the last thing I wanted was to get either of them arrested.

No. I could handle this on my own.

"Miss Maderoth. How … surprising." Her voice was deep with satisfaction. She leaned in and motioned for me to come closer. I refused. "I should have known that you'd find some way to cause yourself more problems, though. I just had to sit and wait long enough for you to twist yourself in so many knots that there was no escape."

I dipped my head, hiding my grimace. Anger boiled in my stomach for the vrytras she'd tortured, for the Seekers she'd killed … but letting it out now would do no good. Instead, I'd bide my time.

"My lady. I'm sorry for this inconvenience. I believe there has been a miscommunication of some sort."

Her smile tightened, and she leaned closer to the bars. "I don't believe there has, though. A little birdy told me you'd found our operation, and I could hardly believe my luck that you had the gall to go to the Overseeker about it! Do you have no self-preservation skills? And then … to hear that every last one of them was murdered? It's just such a travesty, isn't it?"

She ran her nails down the metal bar, and the scraping sound sent a shiver down my spine.

"I feel for the pain your poor aunt must be going through at the thought of your upcoming punishment, though. I know that she and my husband were … close … at one time."

I cringed, but that wasn't recent news to me.

"That doesn't matter at the moment, though. Right now, I want to know just what you were thinking when you spread your little lies about me." She'd stepped closer as she spoke until she stood directly in front of me. "Did you not know that I'd make you pay? Did you assume that just because I wear gowns and pearls, I'd sit at my house and let you ruin everything we've worked so hard for? No. Dear Kaiya. I'm not you."

I swallowed hard and made myself stand still. Do not react. Do NOT react.

"Oh, I know what you thought you were doing," she continued, "but it would never work." She leaned closer until her nose almost brushed my ear. "No one would ever believe you — a homeless, penniless, hoyden, over me — a rich, powerful, real woman. And anyone who does, well, they won't be able to help you, anyway."

Her smile widened. "But what should I do with you now? Maybe I'll start with letting Gav have some more fun …"

I grimaced, pushing down the revulsion her words caused. I'd already had enough of Gav for a lifetime!

Clicking her tongue, she stepped back. "No. I'd prefer something less … messy. I may have a use for you yet. I wouldn't want you getting too comfortable, though. Especially after that stunt you pulled." She pulled something out of a pocket in her skirts and unrolled it before passing it to me.

The map I'd given the Overseeker? Damn.

Spots of blood speckled the top right corner, and I had to swallow my revulsion. I held no love for the Seekers, but the Overseeker had been trying to help me.

My mind raced. The plan was doomed. I needed to keep Eli and my aunt safe, at least.

Lady Ellingsworth pursed her lips and tapped her nose, then looked up at me, eyes an odd shade of brown, almost black. "What I want — and don't mistake me, it's what you will do, whether you want it, or not. It's just a matter of how much pain you'll go through first — what I want, is to know who this Elimri is and where I can find him."

My throat tightened, and I stared down at the map. Elimri Westin was scrawled right at the bottom alongside mine.

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