And if I don’t betray her?
The unthinkable would occur: Cressida would wage a war, win back her throne, and usher in a new reign of terror. One Gideon wouldn’t even live to see, because Noah would execute him first.
And if Cressida ever learns who Rune is… if she casts that summoning spell herself…
Gideon’s heels dug into Comrade, urging the horse to go faster.
There was only one choice he could possibly make.
Before he did, there was someone he needed to talk to.
FORTY-ONERUNE
WHEN RUNE AND AURELIAarrived at the small harbor where Alex’s sailboat was anchored, the harbor front was swarming with Blood Guard soldiers. So Aurelia and Meadow hid nearby while Rune went to check the boat.
Rune slipped into the cold water, careful to keep out of sight as she swam toDawn’s Aria. After pulling herself over the boat’s side, Rune realized she’d forgotten to leave Gideon’s pistol behind and had lost it somewhere in the water.
She’d never find it now. It was at the bottom of the sea.
Cursing her carelessness, Rune went belowdecks, careful not to slip on the wood plank floors with her wet feet. Inside, she found a barrel full of water and blew out a relieved breath, silently thanking Alex for keeping his boat stocked. If they had enough water for the voyage, all they needed was a bit of food—for Meadow, especially.
But where will I find food at this hour?
It was after dusk. No grocers or markets were open.
I don’t have much food.Gideon’s voice rushed through her head.Just some apples and hardtack under the sink.
The key to his tenement building was in her skirt pocket.
Fear flickered through her at the thought of sneaking into his apartment and stealing his food. But if they rationed it, apples and hardtack would be enough to sustain them for the five-day voyage.
Rune didn’t have any better options.
Even if he’s there, he won’t turn me in. He’ll wait. He’ll want to capture as many witches as possible.
It did little to reassure her. But Rune had an obligation to Aurelia and Meadow. She needed to get them outtonight.
Steeling herself, Rune dove back into the sea.
If I’m lucky,she thought as she swam for the wharf,he won’t even be home.
FORTY-TWOGIDEON
THE MOON WAS RISINGas Gideon strode through the cemetery, its pale light making the gravestones around him gleam. Four white stones stood in a line, a little away from the rest, beckoning him.
Sun Sharpe. Beloved wife and mother.
Levi Sharpe. Doting husband and father.
Tessa Sharpe. A bright light extinguished too soon.
His fingers trailed the stones until he came to the fourth.
Alexander Sharpe. Dearest brother and friend.
Everyone he’d ever loved was right here. Several feet underground.
Dropping to his knees in the upturned soil, Gideon pressed his hand to the cold stone of Alex’s grave. Despite having dug this grave himself only two months ago, it was still a shock finding his brother here.
