“Oh ye of little faith.” Amos didn’t look up. “Keep distrusting those who care about you, and you’ll die a lonely death. Remember that. Now... this first part I can make out.” He cleared his throat. “‘Seven shall rise... when the—cap? No, that’s not right. Crest, maybe?’” He turned the book sideways, then nodded. “Ah, thank you.Crown. That’s it.” He began again: “‘Seven shall rise when the crown is undone... Beasts in the spirit... tethered to but one. A heart born frail... in shadow confined... Unbound blood cracks deep when the stars align.’”

He looked up with a wide grin, clearly pleased with himself.

“Like I told you,” Luca growled, his voice like tempered steel. “All riddles and no answers. Prayers and prophecies won’t bring you peace, and it sure as hell won’t help Mic. We act now—or we lose everything.”

He stalked out of the temple without looking back. Lucius sneered at me and followed after him.

“Keep the book, Amos,” I said quietly. “Work on the rest... but I can’t wait any longer. I’ll have to make my own fate now.”

The door slammed shut behind me. The unmistakable sound of a barricade sliding into place solidified my capture. Without a single word, the guards had locked me into my old room. Jase had made his exit back in the outer bailey, silently walking away. No apology. No explanation. He simply surrendered me to the enemy.

I stood in shock, trying to process what had just happened. Had he really played me—just to hand me over to Johan? My mind flashed through the last few days. We had really connected. Or so I thought. We’d definitely become more intimate. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other. Was it all a charade? A calculated seduction to keep me marching toward my own demise?

The room blurred as tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. Was I really that stupid? Everyone told me not to trust him—and boy did I. I clenched my teeth trying to stifle a frustrated scream. I don’t think I’d ever felt so betrayed. I defended him, damn it!

No. There had to be more to the story. I refused to believe Jase simply handed me over. He’d shown me kindness these past few days. He’d helped me hone my skills with the eidris. In fact, he hadn’t told the guards about the blade still strapped to my thigh. Though... he did take my sprite ash. Maybe I mistook his manipulation for care and concern. Maybe I only saw what I wanted to see. Either way, something didn’t add up.

Now that everything had changed, I needed a plan—or at least a strategy. I never considered what I’d do if we’d been caught. Jase had been so confident in his plan. I wanted to believe in him. And now that I thought about it, the whole idea had seemed a little too easy.

My room looked exactly as it had the night we left. Nothing appeared to be out of place. In fact it seemed strangely untouched, almost as if time itself had stood still within its four walls. Had they even searched it?

I opened the vanity drawer—and there it was. Lu’s gift, still tucked neatly into the corner. I turned the package over in my hands, the weight of it more emotional than physical. Whatever was inside had to be something truly special. I feared opening it would only further break my already crushed heart. Instead, I carried it to the wardrobe and wedged it up behind the doors, tucking it into the woodwork. No one would think to look for it there. Knowing it was waiting for me—my own little secret—gave me something to fight for.

The pillows! How could I forget? Too afraid to look, I slid my hand under the fabric, bracing for disappointment, but instead I felt the familiar edges of parchment. The Loquentes Cartis. Itwas still here! Maybe Gwen had written. God, I could use a bit of her reassurance about now. She had an uncanny ability to just go with the flow. Somehow things always worked out for her. I closed my eyes and whispered a silent prayer before unrolling the scroll.

Mic,

I pray this message finds you well. Considering the circumstances, I’ll keep this letter vague. I’ve passed along the information you requested. I’m confident you’ll be satisfied with the results.

It feels strange to share my happiness while you’re facing hardship, but… things in Neverland are wonderful. Every day is a new adventure. I hope you’ll be able to visit us soon. I miss you dearly.

We’re here if you need anything. I know you. You’ll try to do this all on your own. Please—I beg you, do not hesitate to reach out.

Love always,

Gwen

I couldn’t keep the tears from falling. I missed her more than I’d realized. We’d always been so close. I wasn’t entirely sure how to navigate life without her. And now I was staring down the very real possibility of being executed.

“My Lady?”

The familiar voice startled me. “Mirabelle!” I shoved the scroll beneath my pillow and rushed to her side, throwing my arms around her. “Thank goodness, you’re still here.”

“It’s really you,” she whispered, studying my face. Her beautiful smile quickly shifting back into a tight line. “I’ve been sent to prepare you for Johan.”

“Prepare me? For what?”Execution? No... I was a valuable commodity. He wouldn’t kill me—not right away.

“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. He’s been in a foul mood… until you arrived. I’ve sent for the hearth keeper and some hot water. You are to be bathed and put to bed.”

“Bathed and put to bed?” What in the bloody hell was going on?

“My Lady, please don’t argue this one. Johan has ordered it.” Her eyes looked me up and down. “Besides you are positively filthy.”

A warm bathnext to the roaring fireplace was exactly what I needed to clear my head. My body ached from days of relentless travel. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that my time here—my timealive—was nearly up. Johan would execute me along with the others. I was sure of it. I tried to enjoy the moment for what it was, but Mirabelle’s gentle touch felt like the proverbial calm before the storm.

She'd informed me that Johan had ordered my door to remain locked, and posted two guards outside. He was obviously planning something. Why the sudden show of hospitality? There was no way he was gracious enough to treat prisoners—especially a lowly human—with any amount of respect. If I wanted any chance of surviving, I’d need to keep my wits about me. Play his game, and watch him like a hawk.

“Before I take my leave for the evening, My Lady, is there anything I can do for you?” Mirabelle asked, pulling a gauzy shift from the wardrobe. “Please try to get some rest. I’ve been ordered to return in the morning to ensure you’re fit to receive Johan’s company.”