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"Eliah, I…I can't," he replied, his voice strained. "There's too much at stake to pull you out now. Jesri would demand your return, and who knows what he'd do to you next. And if the king knew, he'd send even more scrutiny your way." His desperation was evident as he took my hand, his eyes pleading for understanding.

"As far as we know,no oneknows you're the one the Spellcasters are targeting with their mind-scraping. Casmir told me that the Onyx Market is in disarray trying to identify individuals, but they're hitting dead ends. The 'Casters aren'tdivulging any information to the hunters this time, and we fear the reasons behind their silence are bigger than we can comprehend."

"Casmir?" I replied softly, not believing that friendly silver-haired man to be a part of such schemes. "And how do you plan to protect me against all this?"

His hand trembled as he halted me on the stairs.

"We'll protect you, no matter what it takes. I won't allow anything to harm you ever again," he swore, squeezing my hand tightly. "We hope that if you become champion, the king will deploy his forces to safeguard you, grant you freedom, and it will all be worth it."

"But why?Why me?" I whimpered, the words escaping before I could stop them. "Why protect me when you've slain so many others?" Instantly, I regretted my words as I saw the hurt in his eyes turn to smoldering anger.

"Because without you…life itself would cease to exist," he muttered, turning away, ascending the stairs, and disappearing through the door. I stood there, breathless and confused, still wondering why. An immovable fear began to gather in my mind and heart as I stood there, uncertain if I should be grateful for finally receiving answers.

I emerged from the secret alcove, determined to maintain a façade of strength despite the fear coursing through me. I refused to succumb to it. Whatever lay ahead, I was determined to face it head-on. Even if it meant risking everything, I was prepared to fight for my freedom.

After quickly eating a light breakfast, I said my goodbyes to Elise and Saasha, not allowing my emotions to spread further, and hurriedly went outside, soaking in every last ounce of this grand estate, the tall evergreens I'd grown to love, the glimmering views of town off in the distance, but having a foreboding feeling that I wouldn't see it again.

Levon conversed with several staff members at the carriage door while Kaizen sat as the coachman, holding the reins as the horses pawed impatiently. I thanked the people lining the estate, appreciating their well-wishes, before taking Levon's hand. He helped me into his sleek, velvet-lined carriage, the rich fabric and polished wood gleaming in the afternoon light as my stomach turned leaden with worry.

He began to close the carriage door, but a palpable discomfort hung around him. "I'll be with Kaizen until we reach the Creaic Gap, where we'll stop at an inn. We hope to arrive at the King's Court by sundown tomorrow," he explained, managing a faint smile before bidding farewell to the others and clicking the door in place.

"Levon," I began, catching him through the open window before he could join Kaizen. "Thank you."

He looked down, not meeting my eyes. "I might be beyond redemption, but I'm simply trying to improve. That's all I have left." His words carried a weight of regret and determination, revealing the depth of more sinister things happening.

He stepped from view and hopped onto the driver's seat, rocking the carriage before the horses moved and propelled us forward.

I wasn't sure whether to be thankful for the peace or upset. I sighed, annoyed at myself for being frustrated with him—frustrated by his unsettling past, the orders he shouldn't willingly have followed and every painful detail Iwas unprepared to hear. Perhaps I should have remained in ignorance.

I rubbed at my eyes, hoping to dispel the tumult of emotions as we entered the woods where Kaizen first found me, bloodied and a mess. I prayed that that would be the last time I'd ever encounter the Miehja.

I inhaled the sweet pine scent mixed with the dry dirt rising from the carriage wheels.

Inhale.

Exhale.

The world wasmuchbigger than I could have ever thought possible, and the problems deadlier than I imagined.

The shadowy figure flashed before my eyes, my name like claws on its tongue. I shivered, pushing the image away.

"They feed on the fears of our souls," I muttered to myself, the weight of those words settling heavily in my chest.

I sucked in a sharp breath, feeling the carriage sway beneath me, a physical reminder of the uncertain journey ahead.

"I am afraid," I admitted quietly, the truth hanging heavy in the air.

The dense trees gradually gave way to gentle, rolling hills and valleys and vibrant cities bustling with life. As I watched the bustle beyond, I couldn't help but think of what I might never encounter again—tasting Mrs. Bleel's savory dishes, savoring the fragrance of exotic spices, hearing the giggles Elise might exclaim after a stolen kiss or Saasha's cheesy grin.

I hadn't anticipated missing Desrin as much as I did. I never thought I'd find solace beyond the confines of Jesri's elegant estate. Yet, I was undeniably mistaken, and the fleeting taste of freedom felt liberating.

However, with each rhythmic thud of the carriage wheels against the stone road, propelling us northward towards a court I wanted no part of, that sense of liberation slipped further from my grasp. Towards an uncertain future, with a king and his ridiculous Match to feed his court's appetite, or toward demise with the Spellcasters and the Onyx Market.

I scraped at my nails and tugged at my hair and sleeves, growing increasingly impatient and desperate for answers. I yearned to talk, to distract myself from the mounting tension. Grabbing the book from my satchel, I read through its pages until it became unbearable to look down for another moment. The memory of the light breakfast I shared while conversing with Elise and Saasha churned in my stomach, threatening to resurface.

Leaning against the window's opening, I focused on calming my breath, quieting my racing thoughts, and soothing my restless soul, anything to distract myself.

I sat up straight, irritated as Levon's secret alcove breached my mind. I replayed the sensation of his lips against mine and what it meant. Butterflies fluttered in my stomach, but I forcefully pushed the image away, shaking my head to rid myself of the thought.