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Impossible.

“Okay…let’s say that it is breakable. Do you know what will happen as soon as you attempt to break the chain?”

“Yes.” I nod. “The amulet is designed to suppress your magic. You can’t access your powers while it is around your neck. The amulet is also designed to strike back if someone attempts to remove it. It will strike at me, possibly at us both simultaneously.”

“That’s right. I have attempted to remove it numerous times. I have almost been strangled to death each time. Because I am the wearer, it stops just short of taking my life. It would not be so lenient with you, Alaric. You would be struck down by a bolt of magic. Your heart will stop. You will die in an instant. Are you willing to risk your life?”

Fear sparks through me, but I push it down. I would rather die than remain here. A slave to the fae.

McColl

Why am I trying to dissuade him?

If this human wants to risk his life to free me, I should let him. I should accept his offer and attempt an escape. I am headed for the mines, anyway. At this point, just like him, I have nothing to lose. I won’t last long below ground. Yet here I am, trying to put him off.

I’m an idiot.

It’s that simple.

Alaric pulls in a deep breath, his broad chest expanding. His blue eyes narrow in thought. His jaw tightens as he runs through his crazy plan and all the risks attached to it.

“It is a risk I am willing to take. They’re sending me back into the shafts. The mines are heavily guarded. My chances for escape would be nonexistent. I won’t get a break like this again.It’s rot and die down there or die in an escape attempt. I’m fast…I’ll take my chances.”

“A bolt of magic would be faster. You would be struck down. Youwilldie.” I need to shut my mouth already.

“But you would be free,” he tells me. “You’d be able to use your magic…to heal me. To bring me back?” He lifts his brows.

I should lie.

I really should, but I can’t!

“I don’t know if that would be possible. I’m not the most powerful witch.” I shrug, feeling shame burn my cheeks. “I have plenty of power, but struggle to access it. I don’t know why that is. I come from a long line of powerful witches.” I shrug again and sigh. “I can promise totryto bring you back, but I don’t know if I would succeed. You would be gambling with your life…and mine.” I’m not sure I would even be able to get us through the barrier. I won’t tell him that. He won’t have any use for me.

Truth is, I’m used up.

I’ve always been weak, but now I’m…I’m pathetic.

“I’m willing to take the risk if you are,” he says. “It needs to happen during the eclipse tomorrow, just after noon.”

My eyes widen. “We use the power surge to mask the release of magic as my amulet is removed.” I sound animated as I finger the piece of jewelry.

“Yes.” Alaric nods, his eyes glinting. “It’s the Feast of the Shadow Moon. The whole Court will be assembled to watch the spectacle. The mead and mulled wine will be flowing. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape. My last chance. Perhaps yours, too?”

My heart sinks. “Except I won’t be in attendance. My quota has been far below the required amount for some time now. I will be expected to work the whole day. I won’t be able to attend the feast.”

“Fake illness,” Alaric says.

I shake my head. “They wouldn’t care. I would still be expected to work…even half dead.”

“Offer to work on your rest day.”

I choke out a humorless laugh. “I haven’t had a rest day in the longest time.” I put my hand over my mouth to cover a wide yawn.

He frowns. “How can that be possible? Even the mineworkers get a rest day every six or seven sun-cycles.”

“I’m not making quota. If I skip so much as a day, I’ll end up in the mines. Right now, I’m facing being sent there regardless of what I do.” I look down at my lap. At my hands clasped there. “I want to try, Alaric. You say it’s your last chance; well, this could be my last chance, too. Let me worry about getting out of work. Where will I meet you? What will I need to bring?”

We spend the next few minutes going over the details.