But my luck has run out.
The door slams open, rattling against the wall, and Atlas pulls back with a gasp. With him still tucked in my arms, I peer over my shoulder and spot Atticus standing in the doorway with Cassie and Cameron standing off to the side.
“I found your little friends,” he sneers.
I watch his hazel eyes flicker to where they stand, and surprisingly, they’re notallanger. But sadness too.
“Atticus—” Cassie begins, but Atticus raises a hand to cut her off.
Then, his gaze slides to Cameron, where it softens even further, the green in his eyes shining.
“Please,” Cameron whispers.
And Cameron looksterrified.He looks on the brink of falling apart as he stands before Atticus with his hands slightly outstretched toward him.
But Atticus drops his gaze to the floor without a word, a devastating dismissal for them both, it seems.
The entire interaction is confusing, as there’s a tension I cannot name; a history I’m unaware of. But it appears Ihave bigger concerns, because Atticus looks to me, his eyes narrowing.
“You can’t leave well enough alone, can you, Julian?” he asks.
“Listen to me,” I plead. “Ineedto help.”
“You’re making things worse,” Atticus insists.
“But look!” I take my backpack off, pulling out theBlack Book. “I figured some stuff out—”
“Julian,” Atlas starts.
“—and I even talked with a psychic! If you justlet mehelp, I can continue to solve this!”
Atticus steps forward and snatches the book from my hands. “Iwill solve this. You three leave before I call the police.”
“But—”
“Now!” He looks between Cassie, Cameron, and me; his eyes lingering on where Cameron is staring wide-eyed at his shoes.
I look at Atlas, who’s staring at me with tear-filled eyes.
“I’m sorry,” I mouth, slinging my backpack over my shoulder as I step toward the doorway. Cassie and Cameron wait on the stairs.
If I had even the slightest belief that Atticus was bluffing about calling the police, I would fight to stay. But I genuinely think he would, and I can’t help from jail.
As I reach the doorway, Atlas speaks up.
“I’m leaving too,” he says confidently.
“What?”Atticus questions, holding theBlack Bookfirmly in his hands.
“I’m going with him,” Atlas repeats. “I’m leaving Chastain Castle.”
Something hot and bright ignites in my chest, and a grin I cannot stifle forms over my lips as I watch my sweet little bunny stand taller with his declaration.
Atticus sighs. “This is for your own good, Atty.”
“W-what is?” Atlas asks, his confidence deflating slightly.
But Atticus has already crossed the room, pulling the chain hanging from the ceiling.
