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I’d been counting on the hope that another answer existed. Now, it seemed there was none that didn’t end in bloodshed.

“You’re slipping, Nina,” Theo shook his head. “You should have seen this coming.”

“These people don’t deserve to die, Theo,” I said weakly. “Tanner should be stopped.”

“Why shouldn’t it be the Miners Union instead?” Theo countered. “Or have you washed Patrick’s hands clean of all that blood?”

“And how many have died in the mines?” I said, my temper sparking. “Did you ever know anyone who lost one of their limbs in a factory, Theo? Or ended up starving on the street? You never saw that toll before the strikes began.” My voice was getting louder, the fire in my chest swarming. “You were in the city, always safe and fed. And I joined you up there in that ivory tower, in thatfuckingschool.”

But Theo seemed to brush me off. “So, Patrick truly managed it, then,” he muttered. “And in record time.”

“Managedwhat?” I hissed.

“To make a rebellion out of you” came the answer. “I wonder if it would’ve been different, ifwecould have been different, if I’d taken better care of you.”

“We’d have ended just the same,” I said. Because he was his father’s son, and I was forged in the brink long before he knew me.

He did not answer. Instead, he put his hands in his pockets and looked out into Main Street. “Would you do me one last favor? And before you say no, just remember I’ve spent the last two years in this place, all for the promise of seeing you again.”

I bit my tongue. “What’s the favor?”

“Encourage the Colsons not to come looking for me,” he said. “You’re quite impressive when it comes to persuading them.”

“How will you get out? It’s dangerous, Theo.”

“There’s a tunnel that runs northeast,” he said. “It’s short, and the Colsons rarely travel it. It will get me far enough that I can find a boat.”

“You… you won’t—?”

“Alert the House that you’ve abandoned your duty?” he asked. “No, Nina. I won’t get your mother killed. I’m not a monster.”

Tears collected in the corners of my eyes as I nodded. “The tide of this war is turning,” I warned. “Tanner can’t hold the House for much longer.”

“All the more reason for me to make myself scarce,” Theo said dryly. “Can you guess who will take Tanner’s place if he dies?”

Ice tripped down my spine, and he nodded his confirmation. “Lord Shop,” he uttered with a cold, dead acceptance. “So I’d best return.”

“Theo—”

“You think you know what you’re doing,” he said, already retreating down the alley. “But there will come a time, Nina, when you find yourself backed into a corner.” He looked over his shoulder at me one last time. “And I’ll be the only person left to free you.”

CHAPTER 56PATRICK

It took an entire day for Patrick to resolve that which had been left to wait.

Repairs to the eastern mine had begun, though he would need to consult Theo regarding the integrity of the soil and the water table beneath.

It was the water Charmer he sought now as night lengthened over Kenton. The first flurries of snow fell and evaporated before they touched the ground. Smoke curled from the coal bins and rooftops. The lanes were vacant at this hour, everyone retiring earlier to evade the cold.

Patrick whistled while he walked. He found he didn’t so much mind the bite in the air. Kenton, at that moment, seemed a slow humming beauty. As a child he’d thought the same, even when it had been more mud and shit than cobbles.

He imagined Theodore would be in his room, licking his wounds. He wondered if the boy had rid himself of all those angry bees in his head, or if he remained as pent up as he’d been the day before. Patrick hoped the knock to his ego had set him straight.

The pub would have quieted by now, only the loneliest of patrons still hovering by the bar. Nina, he hoped, would be in her bed already. He wondered if she was yet asleep.

Thoughts of her carried him the rest of his journey, around bends andonto Main Street, within view of the hotel. He felt his chest lighten considerably at the sight of its amber windows. The day was finally at its close.

“Patty!” came a voice, followed by rapid footfalls. Patrick turned around to find Sam hurrying over the trolley tracks. One of his arms was raised. In the clutch of his fingers was a sealed piece of parchment.