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I scrub a hand over my face. “The others were right; this plan is full of holes. I should kick you out on your ear.”

Alaric gives me a half smile. “But you won’t?” He lifts his brows.

“No. Unlike the others, I don’t have much to lose. If we succeed in removing the amulet, what then?” I ask, my voice low.

Alaric’s gaze meets mine, filled with a glimmer of something that looks very much like hope.

“We’ll need to be quick and make a run for it. There’s a hidden path through the forest behind the castle. It leads away from the Court. I will have two steeds ready; they’ll have some basic supplies, including food. I’ll help you get back to your coven. I swear it. All you have to do is get us out and keep them from tracking and finding us. Once we’re out, we’ll have to rely on each other to survive.”

I’m not sure I have what it takes to get us out. Let alone the rest of it.

I’m not sure of anything.

Survive.The word lingers in the air, heavy with uncertainty and possibility. I feel a sliver of excitement, which I push down. We have a long way to go before getting to that point.

I shake my head. “I’m not the most powerful witch, Alaric, but I will do my best every step of the way. I don’t want to be sent to the mines.” I wouldn’t last very long at all.

Iwilluse my power to bring Alaric back. To heal him. I know he thinks that he is fast and strong, but I know better: he will be struck. He will more than likely succumb to his injuries.

We are gambling with his life…mine, too. I can do it. I have to. He is willing to take the risk; we both are. That’s all that counts right now.

“More holes than in cheese,” I mutter to myself as I think through all that Alaric has said. This is madness.

“I happen to love cheese.” He grins, standing.

I crane my neck, having to look up and up. At least if we make it out into the desolate, barren landscape, I will have something pretty to look at. I take in his broad shoulders and his stubbled chin as he looks down at me. That ever-present glint of mischief is in his eyes.

“I’m all in,” Alaric says as I stand.

My quarters are so small that we’re almost touching. He is a big, strong man.

“Me, too,” I whisper, my eyes firmly on his. I know the risks, but the thought of freedom tugs at something deep within me.

I can do it.

I can.

“I’ll see you tomorrow next to the old bell tower just before the eclipse.” He lifts his brows.

“I’ll be there.”

Alaric nods, and then he turns and leaves. My gut is churning. I feel sick to my stomach, but for the first timein months…for the first time in what feels like forever, I am smiling. My face feels like it could crack open it’s so wide.

4

Kian

It’s hot. Sweat drips down my brow. The sound of revelry has already begun. There is singing and laughter. Before long, the feast will be in full swing.

“Is this the last horse for the day?” I ask my striker, who is stoking the fire.

“Yes.” He nods, excitement dancing in his eyes.

“Pack away the tools, and you can go,” I tell him, wanting privacy to carry out our plan.

“Are you sure?” he asks, looking at me quizzically. “I don’t mind helping you finish up. Then we can go to the feast together.”

“I’m sure. I know that your lady is waiting for you.”