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One of the scientists who experimented on me.

“Jerry,” I say, my voice dead calm as I rise to my feet, the pocket watch clutched in my hand. “When exactly did Maya hire Mathew?”

Jerry looks up, puzzled by the abrupt question. “I don’t know. I did ask her how she knew him, and she said he started a few days after she did at the company in Seattle.”

“And she never mentioned where he worked before?”

“Not that I recall.” Jerry’s expression grows concerned as he notes my rigid posture. “Why? What’s wrong?”

I hold up the pocket watch, my grip so tight that the metal edges dig into my palm. “This belonged to one of the scientists who held me captive. One of the men who tortured me for years.”

Jerry’s face drains of color. “That’s impossible. Mathew is—He’s been nothing but helpful. Maya trusts him implicitly.”

“Which is exactly why she’s in danger right now.” The realization hits me with the force of a physical blow. Maya, alone with a man connected to the Silver Ring. A man who knows exactly what we’re trying to accomplish with the antidote.

My wolf surges forward, rage and protective instinct nearly overwhelming my human reasoning. I force it back with effort, needing clarity more than fury.

“I need to find her,” I say, already moving toward the door. “Now.”

Jerry hurries after me. “Your Majesty, wait! Did they sign out with the gate guards? They might know where—”

I cut him off. “Get Erik. Tell him what has happened. Have him secure the antidote and put the palace on lockdown. No one in or out until I return with Maya.”

I don’t wait for his response, already striding down the corridor, my senses reaching out, searching for any trace of Maya’s scent. It’s faint but present, leading toward the main entrance of the palace.

Outside, I catch the attention of the first guard I see. “Dr. Sorin and her assistant—did they leave the grounds? When? How?”

The guard responds immediately to the urgency in my voice. “Yes, Your Majesty. About an hour ago. They seemed to be in good spirits.”

“Did they say where they were going?”

“No, Sire.” The guard thinks for a moment. “But Dr. Sorin’s assistant had arranged for a car from the palace fleet, so the driver should know.”

“Which one?” I demand. “Who was driving?”

“Martin, I believe. He should be back by now, if you want me to contact the pool—”

I’m already moving, breaking into a run that startles courtiers and servants as I pass. The motor pool is located on the eastern side of the grounds, a modern facility housing the fleet of vehicles used for official palace business.

I find Martin checking the oil level in one of the cars, his uniform pristine despite the manual task. He straightens as I approach, surprise written across his features.

“Your Majesty! How can I—”

“Dr. Sorin,” I interrupt, fighting to keep my voice level. “You drove her and her assistant earlier. Where did you take them?”

“To the Golden Birch Inn, Sire,” he replies promptly. “About twenty miles north of here. The gentleman—Mathew, I believe—said they were meeting a colleague for lunch.”

The Golden Birch Inn. An upscale establishment that caters to wealthy humans. Far enough from the palace to be discreet, but not so distant as to raise suspicion. A perfect location for an abduction.

“I need a car,” I say. “Now.”

“Of course, Your Majesty.” Martin gestures to the vehicle he was just servicing. “This one is fueled and ready.”

I take the keys from his outstretched hand, already moving around to the driver’s side. “If Commander Erik comes looking for me, tell him where I’ve gone.”

The drive is a blur of winding roads and reckless speed, my mind spinning with possibilities, each more dire than the last. Why take Maya now? The antidote is nearly complete; she has almost accomplished what they need from her.

Unless they intend to use her as leverage against me, against the kingdom.