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Liam crossed his arms and said nothing.

Mrs. Harlsted didn't notice. "You about ready, kiddo? We're finally getting out of here! And to the Isle no less!"

My eyes pricked, and I fought the urge to tell her … no … tobegher not to leave me.

But that was a selfish thought.

She didn't even know I was staying, for gods sakes.

No. These people weren't leaving me. I was leavingthem.

But at least they were home.

It was working out better than we could ever have hoped for.

Forcing a grin, I nodded. "Ready when you are!"

"Excellent!" Mrs. Harlsted's concerned expression relaxed, a weary smile taking its place.

She pulled out a set of keys and began unlocking my collar.

I looked at Liam, jaw muscle twitching, arms crossed as he watched.

He knew I was lying, and he didn't like it … but so far, he hadn't said anything.

Gods. Let it stay that way.

"There," Mrs. Harlsted said as the collar fell to the ground with a clatter. My magic came back in a rush, and I sucked in a full breath for the first time in what feltlike forever.

Rolling my shoulders and stretching my neck, I let myself smile.

Gods, I hate that thing!

For once, I felt like I could actually think clearly!!Not that it did any good.

My expression fell.

I'd be alone and back in that thing within the hour.

"We need to hurry," Mrs. Harlsted said, offering me one last warm smile. "Good luck, you two."

"You, too!" I forced the words past a lump in my throat.

She nodded, then hurried out of the cell.

My eyes burned as I tried to etch her kind face in my mind. This escape would likely be the last I'd ever see of her or …

Don't think like that!I shook myself out of the melancholy thoughts.They would get free, and eventually I'd find some way to join them.

"I know that look, Kaiya," Liam said. "But if we're to have any chance at making this doomed plan work, I need you to hold it together. Just until we get to the deck. Can you do that for me?"

Liam held out a hand, and my jaw dropped.

What the fuck?!

After those hateful words the night before, he thoughthewas the one who should help pull me from my pain?! I knew he'd been trying to get me to go with Tye, but that didn't make the words any less painful, or him any less of a dick for saying them!

I slapped his hand away. "You don't GET to tell me to keep it together, asshole. I can do that just fine on my own."