Rune had barely pulled up the covers and closed her eyes when the door swung open.
“See?” she heard Soren say, his footsteps padding toward the bed. Rune kept her eyes closed, feigning sleep, as the prince brushed strands of hair off her face. “She’s safe.”
Soren turned to give his guards orders. “Bar Larkmont’s exits. Make sure not a living soul leaves the palace.” His voice grew fainter as he walked into the hall. “I want him found.”
Thinking it safe, Rune nearly opened her eyes, but the sound of footsteps stopped her.
The air turned chilly as a shadow slid over her. Winter-cold. Rune kept her eyes closed and her body still. She willed her racing heart to slow, fearing Cressida heard every frantic beat.
The witch queen leaned down, her breath rushing against Rune’s cheek.
“I know what you did.”
Rune’s heart pounded faster.
She saw my casting signatures.
Rune could say those signatures were from cosmetic spells. Cressida would have to take her at her word, to keep the peace with Soren. But Cressida had seen Rune deceive and pretend as the Crimson Moth. She knew what Rune was capable of.
Deep down, she knew the truth.
Is she here to take her revenge? Or will she wait?
Even if Rune wanted to open her eyes and run, fear flooded her limbs, turning them to stone.
A predator stood over her. If she moved, that predator would strike.
“Do you really think you can outwitme?” Cressida’s voice was like a snakebite, flooding Rune with poison. “He’s mine, Rune. If you defy me again—”
“Is everything all right?”
Someone had entered the room. Rune felt Cressida straighten and turn, facing the intruder.
“How is she?” Seraphine’s voice was like sunshine, thawing Rune’s frozen limbs. “I heard about Ava. Horrible. Is Rune all right?”
At the presence of her friend, Rune was tempted to open her eyes. But she remained as she was.
“I’ll stay with Rune,” said Seraphine. “I promised Prince Soren I’d ward the doors and windows of this room, to ensure she’s safe.”
“How kind.” Cressida’s voice was hard as cut glass.
“There’s still a chance you can catch your witch hunter.” Seraphine’s voice was equally hard. “I’m sure you’ll want to try.”
A tense silence hung in the air. Cressida wanted to punish Rune for her disobedience, but she wanted to catch Gideonmore. And the longer she wasted time here, the likelier he was to slip away.
Seconds later, Cressida’s shadow receded.
When the door swung shut behind her and her footsteps retreated into the hall, Rune let out a breath, opened her eyes, and sat up.
Seraphine stood across the room, hands planted on her small hips. As Rune flung off the covers and swung her legs out, Seraphine’s hands fell to her sides, her gaze sweeping down Rune.
“What have youdone?”
Rune glanced at herself. The golden dress was ruined, and blood smeared her fingers.
“Ava tried to kill me,” she said, putting her feet on the ground. “I had no choice. I had to shoot her.”
“Youshot Ava? I thought the witch hunter killed her.” Seraphine shook her head, sending her dark curls bouncing. She blew out an aggravated breath. “Oh, Rune. Why were you even in that room?”
