She recoiled as if struck, her hand flying to her chest.
“No, my lady.I would never.”
The horror in her tone was unmistakable.
And I believed her.
Mary’s loyalty was as unwavering as the northern star.
Which meant Amir had taken it during one of his little shadow-vanishing tricks.
“Of course,” I murmured, more to myself than to her, the mystery of the missing flower deepening like a shadow at dusk.With a nod of acknowledgment, I signaled the end of our brief encounter and watched as she disappeared down the cobblestone path, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the whispering specters of suspicion.
Stripping off my gloves, I scrubbed my hands clean, ensuring every trace of Noctyss poison was gone.The water ran red before turning clear.Only then did I allow my breath to steady.I brushed through my golden hair, the waves cascading down my back, then straightened the simple gown clinging to my frame.It was time to face him—my father—and the sea of unspoken words that churned between us.
* * *
“Elizabeth,” he greeted me as I entered the dining hall, his baritone rumble echoing off the stone walls.“How is the poison coming along?”
“Excellent, Father,” I replied, the lie slipping easily from my lips.“You’ll be most pleased.”
The morning’s frustration melted beneath the calm of deception.Lowering my gaze, I let my lashes cast shadows upon my cheeks—a subtle veil between us.“Father, it’s been a while since Lord Hassan joined us.I hope he is well?”
A flicker of something—hesitation, perhaps—cracked his usual composed facade.“He’s been unwell,” he admitted.“Recovering.Perhaps it’s the London air.”
The realization hit—cold and cutting, like a blade pressed to skin.
“Perhaps,” I allowed, my voice laced with feigned concern.“Or maybe he inhaled something from my cottage.You shouldn’t have sent him there.”I exhaled, letting worry crease my brow.“He could have had an allergic reaction to one of the plants.”
My father frowned, his brows knitting together like gathering storm clouds.“I never sent Lord Hassan to your cottage.”
A sudden weight settled in my chest, heavy as lead.The truth struck with brutal force—Amir had been inside my haven, weaving lies.He had claimed my father had sent him.But how else could he have found my alchemist’s cottage?It was impossible to locate unless one had already been there.
Further proof Amir was the Black Wraith.The way he moved through shadows—like they obeyed him—wasn’t just skill.It was mastery.
The revelation coiled around me like a tightening noose.I barely touched my meal, my appetite as absent as the truth in our conversation.When the meal ended, my father excused himself, leaving me with untouched food and unanswered questions.
I found Mary in the observatory; her hands stained green from tending to the thriving plants within its glass walls.
“Mary, we need to go to Lord Hassan’s house,” I said, my voice laced with urgency.“He took something from me, and I have to get it back before it’s too late.”
Her brow furrowed, concern darkening her features.“How do you plan to do that?”
“We go in secret,” I whispered, the words cold with certainty.
Mary hesitated, her voice barely above a breath.“But how will we get in?”
“You’ll invite yourself in as a guest.I’ll slip inside while no one’s watching,” I replied with authority, my pulse thrumming against my ribs.
Her lips parted in protest.“That’s dangerous.”Fear warred with loyalty in her expression.
“I can’t just knock on his door and ask for entry,” I snapped, frustration edging my voice.“This has to be done quietly.If he finds out, everything will be ruined.”
Mary let out a shaky breath, doubt flickering in her eyes.“And if we’re caught?”
I swallowed hard, my certainty hardening like tempered steel.“We won’t be.”The words left my lips with more conviction than I felt.My tone softened, but the urgency remained.“Please, Mary.Just trust me.Get me in, handle your business, and then leave.I’ll take care of the rest.”
Mary’s gaze searched mine, looking for the girl she once knew.She wouldn’t find her.That girl was replaced by someone desperate, willing to play with fire.
