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I scramble quickly for an excuse, turning to Celeste. “What about Marge? She’ll wonder—”

Celeste holds up a finger to me. “Ahh, ahh. You don’t need to worry. I have it all taken care of. She knows you’ll be back. Archie, Cole, and Melaina are on their way in a separate carriage, so they’ll meet us there.”

“And your brother?” I can’t tell if I’m asking because I’m hoping he won’t be there…or if there’s some small part of me hoping he will be.

She scoffs, her earrings shimmering with the shake of her head. “He won’t bother to show. We’ll be free of his contempt and bad manners, so don’t you worry about him.”

I nod, partly relieved. At least I would have Archie with us. “Did you say Melaina?”

“Yes, she’s been a family friend for a while. I almost brought her with us today.”

“How come you didn’t?”

A grin spreads her delicate lips with a hint of mischief, a striking resemblance to her half-brother. “I have my reasons.”

thirty-five

SKYLARK

The city of Windmere gives way to lush green trees and open flat land. Dragon’s Back Ridge rises into the sky, harsh shadows etched into its rocky sides. It’s the clearest view I’ve had of the mountains so far. By the time Celeste and I arrive at Skylark, it’s late afternoon.

We pass through massive curved iron metal gates. Rich green gardens fan out to my left and right, vibrant with bursts of flowers and bushes. A web of paths snake between the greenery and around fountains sputtering water. When Finneas opens the carriage door and we exit, my gaze sweeps left and up. My breath catches on large marbled columns and the flower-lined windows of a sizable chateau.

“Thank you for spending your day with me,” Celeste says and squeezes my hand.

We ascend the front steps together, my shoes clicking against the stone. A pair of double-doors arch upward above us in greeting. The thickness of the doors alone could stand the weightof a group of men. Maybe more than that. Perhaps even the weight of a dragon. It’s the only thing I can think about with how illogically tall the doors are.

“Guess a ball gowncouldhave squeezed through here,” I murmur, eyes wide.

Celeste giggles and unlinks her arm from mine. “I have some urgent matters to attend to before the ball. But I’ll see you for dinner tonight.”

We enter through the front doors, and I’m not sure where to look next. The foyer opens up to a grand staircase splitting into two different directions at the second landing, each railing glittering in gold. Every wall is adorned in intricate patterned stonework, gleaming candelabras, and rich red curtains. The marble floors are covered with expansive, vibrant rugs.

Celeste dips her head and struts through one of the several arched doorways, disappearing down a hallway.

Could the ‘urgent matters’ have something to do with the dragon horn she has stashed in her dress?

A suited man leads me through the winding hallways of the house. We pass by enormous rooms large enough to house our entire squad, a library with shelves brimming with books, and a kitchen bustling with people prepping and cooking. We reach the northern part of the house, and he opens a door for me, gesturing me in.

Light filters through the windows, caressing long, thick, red curtains spilling onto the marbled floor. A bed opposite the window is fluffed with layers of thick blankets and multiple pillows. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many pillows. How many people did they think were going to sleep in this damn bed?

I smile at the gentleman. “Thank you.”

He hangs up my dress in a large wardrobe with intricate columns of brass before he leaves. I peer out the window,noticing the gardens I saw earlier. In a way, it reminds me of home and the forest. Just a little less…wild.

I sit on the bed, jumping up and down a few times, marveling at how plush the mattress and blankets are. I sink onto my back and stare at the ceiling.

“Daeja? Can you still hear me from here?”

“Yes, doing just fine, before you ask.”

I snicker,“Thank you for confirming. I’ve never seen a place like this...I wish you were here. I’m willing to bet they have more chicken than you could ever ask for.”

She snorts.“Speaking of food...how much trouble will I be in if I eat a two legger?”

“Daeja…”I scold as I shoot up to my forearms. “We don’t eat two leggers, remember? If you’re that hungry—”

“I didn’t. Just curious, is all.”