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Tella wasn’t about to follow. She never fully believed her nana’s stories about how dangerous the streets of Valenda could be for a girl. But she did know how easily a person could disappear on a dock. All it would take was for someone to drag her onto a ship and shove her belowdecks while heads were turned the other way.
“I need to catch up to my sister,” Tella said.
“Please, miss, don’t run off. I won’t get paid if you leave.” The young courier showed her an envelope sealed with a circle of golden wax that formed an intricate combination of daggers and shattered swords. Tella recognized it instantly. Her friend.
How did he already know she was in Valenda?
As if answering her question, the luckless coin in Tella’s pocket pulsed like a heartbeat. He must have been using it to track her, further proof he was skilled at finding people.
Tella called toward Scarlett and Julian, telling them that she’d catch up later, and slipped onto the other dock with the courier.
Once hidden behind a cluster of heavy barrels, the messenger quickly passed Tella the communiqué and then darted away before Tella could break the seal.
Inside the envelope were two squares. First was a simple sheet covered in familiar writing.
* * *
Welcome to Valenda, Donatella—
My apologies for failing to greet you in person, but don’t worry, I won’t remain a stranger. I’m sure you’re as eager to find your mother as I am to learn Legend’s name.
Knowing you, I imagine you’ll be participating in Caraval, but just in case, I’ve included an invitation to the first night’s festivities.
Bring the coin I gave you to the ball before midnight. Keep it in your palm, and I’ll be sure to find you. Don’t be late—I will not linger.
Until then,
—A friend
* * *
Tella pulled out the other card, revealing a pearlescent page covered in ornate royal-blue ink.
Legend has chosen you to play a game
that may change your destiny.
In honor of Empress Elantine’s 75th birthday,
Caraval will visit the streets of Valenda
for six magical nights.
Your journey will begin at the Fated Ball
inside Idyllwild Castle.
The game officially begins at midnight,
on the 30th day of the Growing Season,
and ends at dawn on Elantine’s Day.
The thirtieth was the following day.
Far too soon for Tella to meet her friend.
Nigel had said the only way for her to uncover Legend’s name was to win Caraval. She needed another week to play—and win—the game. Surely her friend would give her one more week.
