Page 65

Chapter 65

Rahk

I sit at my desk, staring at the sad lines of the ivy mask in my hand. What am I supposed to do now? I cannot hand Kat over to Lord and Lady Nothril. That is certain. Our newly forged bonding pounds against my heart at the thought. But I also cannot let Pavi die.

Despite what I told Kat, I have not a clue how I am to get out of this mess.

There is no way forward and no way out. I run the bargain over in my head, searching for any crack, any fissure I can exploit.

You will bring the Ivy Mask to us for rendered judgment within three moons, measured by the human lands.

My mouth drops open. There is the crack. It stares at me right now, gripped tightly in my fist.

If I bring the ivy mask itself , that will satisfy the bargain. Yes, it will start a war. Yes, I still might not be able to save both my sister and my wife—but it gives me a chance . We could delay long enough until we have a plan. Kat knows how to get people out of Faerieland, and maybe we could even get Pavi out before I brought the mask to Lord and Lady Nothril and started the war.

It’s dangerous. It will cost me everything.

But it might work.

“Kat!” I call, almost jubilant, getting to my feet and rushing toward her room. The rest of the estate feels oddly quiet after the arguments of Oliver and Agatha. I hope they left us to figure out this mess in peace. I throw open the door. “Kat—”

My voice dies abruptly.

The bed is empty.

The sheets are mostly on the floor, twisted as though from struggle. The window has been cleanly smashed. The air smells distinctly of Nothril. A burn flares at the back of my neck. I grab it, my fingers tracing over the disappearing lines of my tattoo. The blood oath is fulfilled, which means—

I stumble against the wall, catching myself as deep, soul-devouring dread consumes me.

Pelarusa took Kat.