Page 153 of Axis of Fire

“They brought large bags filled with jars of blood.”

A grimace twisted across my face.

The image alone made my stomach lurch.

“Then they painted the message on the wall,” the red star continued. “And spread the blood everywhere.”

“Did they say anything?”

The Raars exchanged glances.

“They mentioned some kind of bait,” the red-headed one said slowly.

“A bait?”

The star tilted its head.

“A bait in a psychiatric facility.”

Everything inside me went still.

Bait.

The word echoed through my mind.

Not a mistake.

Not an accident.

Bait.

Which meant someone hadn't simply wanted me gone.

Someone had wanted me exactly where I was.

I repeated the word over and over in my head.

Bait.

Bait for who?

And who exactly was supposed to be the bait?

Me?

Or the people from Istmond?

“Did they mention Harold Moss by name?” I asked.

“Yes,” the yellow star nodded.

“They said they would soon gain a loyal ally.”

A cold knot tightened in my stomach.

Because suddenly, I wasn't sure whether they had been talking about Harold Moss—

or me.