Page 91 of The Stars are Dying

“Hardly.”

“You two have to sort your shit out,” I said, exasperated. “We have bigger issues.”

“She’s right.” Zath sheathed his blade. “But if you turn out to be a threat to her—”

“You’ll what?” Rose challenged.

I wanted to ask how she knew I wasn’t Cassia and so many other things now my secret was out, and my nerves sharpened at the hold she had over me. With the guard here, I couldn’t confront it now.

“We should get to work,” she said. “I assume you have your first riddle.”

I dipped a hand into my pocket, retrieving the piece of the key.

“Well, shit,” she muttered. “Perhaps I underestimated you.”

“I’m going to head back to the castle. There’s something I need to do.”

“Rest, I hope. You’ve earned it,” Rose said with approval. “I’d better get going for mine.”

I didn’t argue, pocketing the key piece that didn’t feel worthy of her praise when I’d almost failed. She turned to walk away, but I called out, “Wait! We still have so much to talk about.”

“I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”

Rose said nothing more as she turned away this time, and I had nothing left either as I watched her back. The moment she dipped out of sight, I turned to her guard. Spinning on the spot, I couldn’t believe how stealthily he’d slipped away, just like how he’d arrived.

I focused on Zath instead. “You have to trail after her.”

He gave me a look like I’d lost my damn mind.

“Please. She’ll say she doesn’t need help, but I don’t think she knows how to ask for it without being seen as weak. Just…try not to kill each other.”

“I’m staying with you.”

“I’m heading back to the castle right now anyway. I’ll be completely safe, and no offense, but I managed the whole first trial without you.”

“Yet you judge Rosalind’s ability to do the same alone?”

“I wasn’t alone.”

Zath’s brow arched, and he even glanced sideward as though mocking my imaginary help. Truthfully, I had no proof to even convince myself Nyte was real. He disappeared at the most convenient times to avoid other company.

Zath gave an overdramatic sigh. “Fine. I’ll go after her. But if she tries to fight me again, I’m leaving her to set up her own funeral.”

I smiled, which only deepened his scowl. “I’ll see you later. Make it back before twilight, remember.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Zath pulled me into an embrace. “Keep to the shadows.”

I nodded, and Zath pressed his lips lightly to my head before he took off in the direction Rose went. I wasn’t keen to linger for a moment, and a giddiness bubbled in me when Nyte’s last words trickled back in.

For what I have to show you.

28

Istared through the glass of my balcony doors, directly at the circular stone structure that was no more than a dark silhouette in the night. The great library. I was rooted to the spot, in turmoil about answering the beckoning pull toward it. It was where Nyte wanted me to go, though he’d never said it in words. I couldfeelit.

Rose and Zath had made it back, but she was still without her first key piece. I’d heard nothing of the other three Selected and only hoped they were far behind in figuring out their first clue.

My decision for the night was made when I slung on my cloak and left my rooms with the daunting task of making it across the courtyard unseen. I had a guide, though he never spoke. My instinct seemed to tangle with the direction I could only place from some unknown influence in my mind.

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