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T he door slammed shut behind me. The unmistakable sound of a barricade sliding into place solidified my capture.

Without a single word, the guards had locked me into my old room.

Jase had made his exit back in the outer bailey, silently walking away.

No apology. No explanation. He simply surrendered me to the enemy.

I stood in shock, trying to process what had just happened.

Had he really played me—just to hand me over to Johan?

My mind flashed through the last few days.

We had really connected. Or so I thought.

We’d definitely become more intimate. We couldn’t keep our hands off each other.

Was it all a charade? A calculated seduction to keep me marching toward my own demise?

The room blurred as tears threatened to spill down my cheeks. Was I really that stupid? Everyone told me not to trust him—and boy did I. I clenched my teeth trying to stifle a frustrated scream. I don’t think I’d ever felt so betrayed. I defended him, damn it!

No. There had to be more to the story. I refused to believe Jase simply handed me over.

He’d shown me kindness these past few days.

He’d helped me hone my skills with the eidris.

In fact, he hadn’t told the guards about the blade still strapped to my thigh.

Though... he did take my sprite ash. Maybe I mistook his manipulation for care and concern.

Maybe I only saw what I wanted to see. Either way, something didn’t add up.

Now that everything had changed, I needed a plan—or at least a strategy. I never considered what I’d do if we’d been caught. Jase had been so confident in his plan. I wanted to believe in him. And now that I thought about it, the whole idea had seemed a little too easy.

My room looked exactly as it had the night we left. Nothing appeared to be out of place. In fact it seemed strangely untouched, almost as if time itself had stood still within its four walls. Had they even searched it?

I opened the vanity drawer—and there it was.

Lu’s gift, still tucked neatly into the corner.

I turned the package over in my hands, the weight of it more emotional than physical.

Whatever was inside had to be something truly special.

I feared opening it would only further break my already crushed heart.

Instead, I carried it to the wardrobe and wedged it up behind the doors, tucking it into the woodwork.

No one would think to look for it there.

Knowing it was waiting for me—my own little secret—gave me something to fight for.

The pillows! How could I forget? Too afraid to look, I slid my hand under the fabric, bracing for disappointment, but instead I felt the familiar edges of parchment.

The Loquentes Cartis. It was still here!

Maybe Gwen had written. God, I could use a bit of her reassurance about now.

She had an uncanny ability to just go with the flow.

Somehow things always worked out for her.

I closed my eyes and whispered a silent prayer before unrolling the scroll.

Mic,

I pray this message finds you well. Considering the circumstances, I’ll keep this letter vague. I’ve passed along the information you requested. I’m confident you’ll be satisfied with the results.

It feels strange to share my happiness while you’re facing hardship, but… things in Neverland are wonderful. Every day is a new adventure. I hope you’ll be able to visit us soon. I miss you dearly.

We’re here if you need anything. I know you. You’ll try to do this all on your own. Please—I beg you, do not hesitate to reach out.

Love always,

Gwen

I couldn’t keep the tears from falling. I missed her more than I’d realized. We’d always been so close. I wasn’t entirely sure how to navigate life without her. And now I was staring down the very real possibility of being executed.

“My Lady?”

The familiar voice startled me. “Mirabelle!” I shoved the scroll beneath my pillow and rushed to her side, throwing my arms around her. “Thank goodness, you’re still here.”

“It’s really you,” she whispered, studying my face. Her beautiful smile quickly shifting back into a tight line. “I’ve been sent to prepare you for Johan.”

“Prepare me? For what?” Execution ? No... I was a valuable commodity. He wouldn’t kill me—not right away.

“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. He’s been in a foul mood… until you arrived. I’ve sent for the hearth keeper and some hot water. You are to be bathed and put to bed.”

“Bathed and put to bed?” What in the bloody hell was going on?

“My Lady, please don’t argue this one. Johan has ordered it.” Her eyes looked me up and down. “Besides you are positively filthy.”

A warm bath next to the roaring fireplace was exactly what I needed to clear my head.

My body ached from days of relentless travel.

But I couldn’t shake the feeling that my time here—my time alive —was nearly up.

Johan would execute me along with the others.

I was sure of it. I tried to enjoy the moment for what it was, but Mirabelle’s gentle touch felt like the proverbial calm before the storm.

She'd informed me that Johan had ordered my door to remain locked, and posted two guards outside. He was obviously planning something. Why the sudden show of hospitality? There was no way he was gracious enough to treat prisoners—especially a lowly human—with any amount of respect. If I wanted any chance of surviving, I’d need to keep my wits about me.

Play his game, and watch him like a hawk.

“Before I take my leave for the evening, My Lady, is there anything I can do for you?” Mirabelle asked, pulling a gauzy shift from the wardrobe. “Please try to get some rest. I’ve been ordered to return in the morning to ensure you’re fit to receive Johan’s company.”

“What exactly is this all about?” I asked, desperate for some clue to his intentions.

“My Lady, I have no information.” She reached for my hand. “But if you value your life, please, I beg you—submit to his commands. I have witnessed first hand, what happens to those who defy him.”

The immense gravity of the situation was thrust back in my face. Johan had me in his grasp. The vulture wasn’t circling anymore—it was salivating over our impending death. I could only hope he didn’t enjoy toying with his prey.

“Mirabelle,” I whispered, unsure how to ask what I needed to know. “Jase?” His name was all I had to say.

She froze, visibly afraid to respond. And suddenly, I didn’t want her answer.

“Have you seen Hunter or Finn? Are they alive?”

“Shhh!” she hissed. “Do not speak their names aloud.” She nodded toward the door, silently mouthing the words, “always listening.” Mirabelle cleared her throat and whispered, “Johan keeps them isolated. Only he and his guards are permitted down into the dungeons.”

“Are you… close with any of the guards?”

“My Lady, I’am but a simple servant to the house. I am not given freedom to speak to anyone outside of the staff.”

“Forgive me. I understand.” Clearly, I wasn’t going to get much from Mirabelle. I couldn’t fault her. She was as trapped in this castle as I was. It would be wrong to ask her to risk her safety simply to help me.

“I’ll be back in the morning. Try to get some sleep.” She turned down the bed and pulled me in for one last hug, whispering in my ear, “I’m so sorry you’re here. I’ll do my best to find news of your family. You have my undying loyalty.”

Hearing those words gave me an unexpected sense of peace. I had a true friend here in Mathenholm. An ally I could count on.

“There is one thing you could do for me.”

“What is it, My Lady?”

“The mirror. In the king’s room within the House of Bruin.”

“Yes. I know it.”

“I need you to shatter it. Tonight. The sooner, the better.” She looked at me puzzled. “It’s a portal to Neverland. Please—I beg you—destroy it. I’ll be forever indebted to you.”

She hesitated… then nodded. “Consider it done. I’ll head there now.”

The door latched behind her, sealing me into silence. My mind was a mess of emotion. Now, with the portal gone, I had to write my sister, one last time.

My Dearest Sweetie,

I fear this message does not hold the cheerful outcome we had hoped for. As I write, I am being held prisoner in Mathenholm Castle by Johan Vellere—the usurper of the Hiraethian throne.

Sadly, we lost Gunner in battle. Finn and Hunter are to be executed the day after tomorrow. Things here have gotten out of control, and I don’t see how we can successfully defeat our enemy.

Take a deep breath, for what I am about to tell you won’t be easy to hear.

It is very likely that I will be executed alongside the others.

I know this is not what you expected me to say.

I can only imagine what you are thinking as you read this letter.

Maybe I’m wrong and we will prevail after all.

But I couldn’t risk not getting a final letter to you.

I love you. I need you to know that above all else.

I couldn’t have asked for a better sister to share this wild, chaotic life with.

You always believed in me and my ability to overcome cancer.

And Gwen, I almost did! I’d been working with a healer and learning how to harness the magic growing within me.

Unfortunately, my skills are not nearly developed enough to get us out of this mess.

I have found real love here. The princes have shown me what it means to be cherished. I never would have experienced that type of intimacy had you not pushed me to seek a cure in Neverland. For that I cannot thank you enough.

I will think of you as I join our beloved parents in the afterlife. Live your life for me. Live it big and without regret. I’ll be watching from above.

Love always,

Michaela