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Riella hesitated, glancing over her shoulder. Where was Jarin? Her stomach dropped as she considered the possibility that she’d said her final goodbye to him without realizing.

And he loved her. Suddenly, she desperately wished she said something back to him. Before she departed the mortal plane, she wanted him to know what he meant to her. That she liked him, and wanted him, and perhaps even needed him.

But the desires of her heart did not matter. Not when Seraphine was in danger and Polinth was on the loose. She couldn’t forsake the elf, who had no one, for more time with Jarin. She’d made a promise.

Riella ran down the corridor, the skirts of her dress billowing around her, dodging drunken revelers. She turned the corner where Seraphine had disappeared, to another long hallway. The chandeliers were dark and the only light came from a few sputtering candles in the sconces on the walls.

“Seraphine?” called Riella.

Riella tugged off her mask and tossed it onto a console. Perhaps the elf had not recognized her.

This part of the palace was empty and as she walked farther, the laughter and music of the party faded.

Despite fearing for the Seraphine’s safety, Riella’s familiar predatory instinct kicked in, her senses becoming razor-sharp and her fingers flexing. Polinth had to be here, somewhere. If she was doomed to die, she would take him with her, piece by bloodied piece.

With another step, Seraphine’s face came into view. The elf stood in the shadows ahead, staring with unfocused eyes. Her mouth moved as she tried to speak, but no sound came out. Polinth had drained her nearly completely of life.

With another step, she saw him.

The sorcerer lurked behind Seraphine, a ghoulish leer on his face and one skeletal hand around Seraphine’s neck.

“Let her go,” said Riella, fighting to keep the rage from her voice.

“I will,” replied Polinth, smiling wider. “But you know what I want in return. Take me to the amulet.”

“Give me Seraphine.”

“Take me to the amulet,” he repeated with a sigh. “We could do this all day—go back and forth. But, one of us doesn’t have time for that.” His hawkish eyes gleamed. “Take me, and the elf will live. Is this not why you came all the way to Klatos? To redeem yourself after abandoning Seraphine, like a coward? You left her behind to save yourself.”

Riella’s head pounded with anger and shame. “You are one to speak of cowardice. You hide behind her, even now.”

“Yes, or no?”

The siren considered her choices. Mostly, that she had none. As much as she hated him, Polinth was right. Her life was already forfeit, and she owed Seraphine.

Could she really let Polinth have the amulet? If she could even find it. She didn’t know if she could swim deep enough, or locate the right spot.

But, at least she’d be in her own territory, out on the ocean. Powerful though he was, she had a better hope of catching him off guard and killing him on the open water. After all, the moon was still high, glaring at her through a window like an accusing eye.

The night was not over, yet.

“Fine. I agree.” Riella dug her talons into her palms with the effort of keeping her voice steady. “I’ll take you to the amulet.”

CHAPTER 36

Jarin stalked King Reynard from the gallery like a shadow, his blood simmering with anger.

His mother, the sorceress Levissina, was born and raised in the icy northern village of Tjaele, Morktland. The grave on which Reynard hoped to dance was Levissina’s.

Did the king kill her?

Jarin assumed the curse broke because a woman fell in love with Davron. It didn’t occur to him that Levissina might’ve died in the process. She always seemed bigger than life and death.

Could Jarin confront the king? Reynard might indeed be able to help with Polinth, given how much he loathed mages. Jarin could send the king and his men after Polinth like a bloodhound after a rabbit.

He had to try, for Riella’s sake.

Reynard swaggered down the corridor, away from the party. His crown caught the light, shimmering like ice and snow atop his mountainous form. None of his flesh was visible, not even his hands, which were covered by leather gloves.