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E very bit of my remaining energy was required to climb the steps up to the lab.

“Slips,” Jarrett cursed when he saw me. He rushed over, supporting my elbow, and guided me to the wooden chair.

I sat dazed.

Jarrett wordlessly worked around me, preparing for our ritual.

For the first time, I took notice of my left arm—my offering arm—the redness of the cuts had flared back, and it burned hotter than ever. I needed Lord Embers’ ointment.

I turned my head away, not wanting to see another wound added to the collection. How is it going to look after another two moon cycles?

“Nova.” Jarrett's tone indicated he’d been repeating my name, trying to get my attention.

I attempted to focus on him. He had already cut and wrapped my arm, a vial full of blood in his hand.

“Lady Jesmine instructed for you to return this to its owner … this morning.” He lifted the book, Methods of Study , from the side table and handed it to me.

My jaw clenched at the sight of it. I hated that stupid book.

Jarrett’s expression looked pained. “Once you are done, you are to resume your cleaning chores.”

Numb, I nodded, grabbed the book and began to push from the chair.

“Wait.” Jarrett gestured for me to remain seated. A moment later, he returned with a glass of water. “Stay and drink.”

I obeyed and drank the water, but the brief rest had to be enough. If I stopped moving, there was no way I’d move again.

The next time I rose, Jarrett didn’t stop me and I exited the lab.

Making my way through the halls, I was meticulous about the route I took, checking twice that I made every correct turn. Spotting the marble bust, then the owl tapestry, I arrived at Lord Embers’ chambers.

I approached—even my knock sounded weak. When there was no answer, I reached for the handle. Panic stirred in my chest as I remembered the crystal knob that triggered the trap door. The thought forced me to take a step back and gather myself.

I had entered this door several times. Jesmine had permitted me here. Surely I wouldn’t be dumped into the dungeon again.

After a breath to calm my nerves, I seized the handle and stepped through the doorway.

Everything was in order, as usual. The only mess, an unfinished meal on the small table. I walked over to a bookshelf lining the far back wall.

If I put the book in a less noticeable location, perhaps Lord Embers would think he’d just lost track of it—not that it had been missing. Pulling the book out of my tunic, I tucked it under a journal, in a visible but not too obvious location.

Satisfied with my completed task, I went to clear away what remained of the morning meal—a solid excuse in case anyone caught me leaving. A tray of fruit had been left untouched. With all that had happened, I had not eaten since the previous morning’s gruel.

I shoved two grapes into my mouth. The juices exploded over my tongue, igniting my hunger. I hesitated only a moment before I made quick work of the remaining fruit and half biscuit.

With empty trays balancing on my arm, I left the Ashlora’s chambers and proceeded down the hall.

Lord Embers rounded the bending corridor.

A smile touched his lips, quickly fading as he took in my state. “Drowning skies,” he cursed, moving closer. “Nova, what happened?”

I took a step back, my self-preservation urging me to keep a distance from his Ashlora hands. I would never allow myself within the burning grasp of an Ashlora again if I could help it.

A surge of adrenaline emboldened me. “Don’t pretend to care,” I snapped.

“I’ve had enough of your well-mannered veneer.

You’re a monster. Just as bad as her. You only hide it better.

” My eyes stung. But I was done playing games, done pretending we were on friendly terms. His true nature had been displayed in the notes of that book.

He would have to know I’d eventually see through his false benevolence.

His brow furrowed. “I’m sorry, I … I don’t understand.”

My stars, he has the act down —but I knew it was a contrived concern. I narrowed my eyes, daring him to say more.

He made to step closer, but I pulled back.

Confusion and hurt flickered across his features— another facade to mask his deceit.

“Please allow me to pass,” I said through gritted teeth.

The look on his face was pitiful as he stepped aside. Without argument, he granted me a wide space for passage.

The surge of energy from my anger was short-lived. An achy weariness spread through my body by the time I reached Claire on the guests’ floor.

That day, and the days following, became a blur of cleaning and sleeping. Seeing my feeble state, Claire fussed over me, took on extra work, and made sure I ate my meals.

My strength slowly returned, but I knew I was still weak from Jesmine’s burning by the way my arms shook and knees wobbled while doing the simplest of tasks.

Peering out of a second floor window, I scanned the sky. The moon was absent—a new moon. I had made it through my first moon cycle.

I turned back to Claire, who was lounging in a cushioned chair. We had been cleaning extra rooms to prepare for the upcoming Blood Moon Feast, and Claire and I had tucked ourselves in a sitting room for a break.

“Mmm, fresh bread is my favorite,” she said, taking a bite from a roll she’d snuck from the kitchen. I bit off a piece and hummed in agreement.

Claire’s attention turned to the doorway. Arden stood, peering over at me. “Can I speak with you for a moment?”

I handed the roll back to Claire and followed him out into the hall. The awkward end of our last interaction replayed in my mind.

Arden stopped a few steps away. “Nova. I’m so sorry. I’ve been eager to check on you after I heard about the dungeon. It’s hard to get away unnoticed.”

“I’m fine, don’t worry. See, still here.” I held out my arms as if to show I had all my limbs accounted for.

“I tried to explain to Jesmine that you were on the third floor because of me, but she didn’t care.” He shook his head.

“Arden, it’s fine,” I assured him. I reached out my hand to rest on his shoulder, but thought better of it, and tucked it at my side. “I’m the one who got lost. And I’m the one who tried to enter a restricted chamber.” It was the truth; I didn’t hold him accountable.

He didn’t look convinced. “That’s nice of you to say. It’s just … I felt like I was the reason you rushed off and got lost in the first place.” He looked away, swiping a hand through his hair.

I chewed on my lip, choosing my words carefully. “Let’s just … let it be. Placing blame won’t change things. And I really don’t blame you. I promise. We can move on.”

“Did she hurt you?”

I didn’t want to think about what she had done. Knowing the details wouldn’t help him. “Like I said, I’m fine now.”

Arden studied me for a moment, scanning my face. After a brief period of consideration, he nodded. “Ok. Well, I hope this won’t change things between us.” Uncertainty permeated his voice. “Friends?”

“Friends.” I said, offering a smile.

His head turned down and he let out a sigh. He appeared tired and drawn, eyes bloodshot around the edges. “Well, I’ll let you get back.” He lingered another moment before he turned and trod away.

When he had disappeared around the bend, I went back to join Claire.

After my time in the dungeon and the events leading up to it, I tried to avoid everyone but Claire. Keeping to myself as much as possible. It was the only way I was going to survive this madness.

Arden had suggested we were friends, and that was true, but it wasn’t a friendship I felt I could depend on. I had a feeling I wouldn’t be seeing him as much after that conversation.