“Only one hour before someone notices I’m gone? But sometimes I go half a day without you coming by. I’m not checked on that often.”
Imi glances at her hourglass. “You are. Every hour on the hour.” She blows the candle out. Then she rushes to the farthest corner of my cell.
I stare at the space under the door.
That cool gust hits me like it seems to every so often, and, as if by clockwork, Death’s Shadow quietly shuffles past. It almost sounds like someone’s sweeping. It’s gone as fast as it came, ghost it is.
Before the goose bumps running up and down my arms have a chance to disappear, Imi’s back before me, striking a match and lighting the candle. “I don’t think they sensed me.” She eyes the door. “But it’s not me they’re concerned with.”
“They?”
“The dogs. They track your scent. Make sure you’re alive and in your cell.”
“Dogs?”
“Well, evil beasts, more like, but yeah. When I’m not here, they check on you hourly. A handler lets them in through the side door, they sniff, then leave again. If anything is amiss they let out a horrid howl.”
Evil beasts … Death … I wasn’t so far off. And the side door … “Does the side door lead outside?”
She nods, raising her eyebrows as if confirming what I said was exactly what she’s thinking. “It won’t be easy. The palace is surrounded by high fences, guards, the works. But if they’re distracted enough…”
We both pause in momentary thought, because what kind of diversion would be enough to distract the Imperi Palace guards? I could set the cell on fire, but that would do more harm than good and bring the guards straight to us. I could break into the palace, kidnap Raevald, march him to the top of the Crag and make him jump. Satisfying as that would be, it’s impractical and impossible and won’t get me any closer to the Lower.
I stand up.
Start walking laps.
There must be something.
CHAPTER 5
NICO
Instead of coming back to face me, Dorian sends Bronwyn with a note. And an extra blueberry muffin as some sort of consolation.
The note reads:
The Settling is tonight at moonrise.
No updates on Veda.
The first to be Settled will be Arlen.
Everyone will attend—even prisoners.
The Sindaco could not be swayed.
I’m sorry. I’ll be by to get you later.
D.
As sunset, or “moonrise,” and the Sindaco’s Settlings grow closer and closer, I pace my cave, waiting for Dorian to show up.
Arlen—you bastard. Why?
But I knew it was only a matter of time before I met a familiar face down here.
Knowing him, he volunteered to get captured. Probably jumped at the chance to be some sort of hero by infiltrating the enemy. Dumbass.
Idiot though he is, I don’t want to see him executed. I can’t possibly allow it. At least not without trying to talk to him. Find out if he’s seen or heard anything of Veda.
“Hey!” I shout toward the cave entrance. There’s always at least one guard there—lest I try to leave. I’m not supposed to pass the stump without permission. I currently stand right on the cusp of the invisible line. “Guard!”
Forget it.
I cross the line, march toward the cave door. “Did you not hear—” And slam flat into Dorian. My injury screams to high heaven, but that doesn’t keep me from pushing the guy away as he does the exact same to me.
“What the hell?” he says. “Where are you going?”
“I called twice for the guard but got impatient. Where’s Arlen?”
Dorian’s brow furrows. “He’s in a cell being uncooperative.”
“To be fair, he doesn’t have much to lose at this point.”
“The Sindaco offered him a deal for information.”
“And?”
“And Arlen spit in the Sindaco’s face.” I raise my eyebrows. “And then I punched him.”
“The Sindaco?” I say drily.
“Arlen.” He doesn’t have to add “smart-ass.”
“Sounds about right.”
“Which is why I’m here.” He starts tying my wrists in their familiar bindings. “We need your help.”
“Oh?”
He eyes me. “It’s for Veda.”
I pause for effect, but he knows he’s got my attention. “Go on.”
“We’d like you to question Arlen. Get any information you’re able. Especially about her. If he cooperates, there’s a chance he could be spared.”
“I’ll do it.”
* * *
ON THE WAY down to the prison cells I make a promise to myself: push every single instinct to be decent out. I must lie, cheat, and steal my way to information. I’m going to play the part of prisoner, of loyal Imperi officer and heir to Bellona. He’s got to trust me, relate to me, or he