The three men followed.

He pulled an earring from a glass case. “First, we have this.” It appeared to be a typical stud with a thin gold chain attached.

Roderick’s brow knitted in confusion. “An earring?”

“Not just any earring. When swung at the correct angle, the chain enlarges and becomes a whip.”

“I’ll take it.” Roderick’s face brightened with glee as he placed three gold coins on the counter.

“And for you, my prince. This ring.” He held up a solid gold ring with a line running down the center. “It will detect poison in your drink.”

Caiden turned the heavy ring over between his hands before slipping it on. The ring sized itself to fit his fingers.

“And for the spy?” Tiernan asked Lucius, who leaned against a wall in the back of the room, staring out the window.The light washed out his already pale complexion.

“I have all I need.”He didn’t bother looking at Tiernan.

Tiernan shrugged. “Suit yourself.”

The men paid Tiernan and headed back to the townhome.As they reminisced about their academy days, Caiden caught the distinct red of a Highland soldier’s uniform from the corner of his eye. He stopped dead in his tracks, signaling the men to remain vigilant.They paused, their bodies tensing as adrenaline lit up their systems.

“Let me check.” Lucius transformed into a wraith, becoming nothing more than a wisp of a ghost with translucent skin and hollow eyes.

Were they here for them? The neutrality of this city meant nothing to Gideon. Sweat dampened Caiden’s brow as his thoughts drifted to Aelia and Amolie.

Lucius returned a moment later, appearing through a brick wall.

“It’s them.”

14AELIA

The city sparkled as though coveredin a layer of sugar as Amolie and I made our way back to the townhome.My mouth salivated at the thought of Ernie’s rich hot cocoa waiting for us.

Patrons hurried through the streets, eager to get home to a warm meal. We took our time, enjoying the light snow. I noticed an unmistakable mark chiseled into one of the granite walls—a pixie sprinkling dust. Thoughts of the euphoric substance running through my veins made my fingers twitch.

I fought the urge to mark where the sign had been. It would be so much easier to face my fears sedated. I swallowed hard and pushed the temptation away.You’re stronger than this.

Shame washed over me at the thought of my sister seeing what I had become. She wouldn’t recognize me. I rubbed my hands on my cloak as if I could wipe the embarrassment away.

When we reached the house, Caiden, Roderick, and Lucius waited in the living room. Their faces filled with gloom and apprehension.

“What’s going on?”I asked, handing my cloak to Ernie.

Caiden stepped forward, putting his hand on my shoulder. “Gideon is here.”

A pit opened in my stomach.

Amolie grabbed my hand, steadying me.

Reading the panic on my face, Roderick chimed in, “At least, his men are. We didn’tactuallysee him.”

I paced around the room, lighting a cigarette to calm my nerves. “He can’t know I’m here.” My whole body shook in fear.

Ernie frowned at me from the stairwell.

“You can enchant the smell away later.” Caiden waved him away. “You’re safe here, Aelia. His magic can’t penetrate the wards around this house.”

I took a drag of my cigarette, letting the smoke burn in my lungs. “It’s not him I’m worried about. He’s too lazy to learn how to use his magic properly. Erissa could if she wanted to.”