Chapter 27
I was to be a prisoner.
I knew this to be certain as I was escorted down the vaguely familiar convolution of hallways and corridors by a guard at each side.
For the briefest of moments, I considered running. It wouldn’t be difficult to outrun the burly guards. Not with my preternatural speed. But even if I did manage to get away, I would only encounter more guards. There was no chance of me getting away with them stationed at every exit.
Besides, running was a last resort and I was not ready to admit defeat—not yet. Not when there might be another way to prevent my legs from transforming. A way for me to remain at the castle. But it did not come without its own risks.
By the time we arrived back at my bedchamber, I had made up my mind. I would do it.
“It was lovely chatting to you boys, thank you so much for the escort,” I said, words steeped with sarcasm. Without so much as a backwards glance, I stepped into my bedchamber, shutting the door loudly.
I hurried over to the window and pulled open the drapes. The subdued moon in the deep-purple sky told me what I already knew—time was running out.
Peering downwards, I saw two more guards stationed beneath my window. No doubt another extra precaution of Captain Hansen’s. Panic gripped my chest and squeezed tightly; I was trapped. The walls closed in on me, my clothes felt suffocating, and even my insides constricted.
Stop. I would not allow myself to unravel, I needed to remain level-headed. There was still one other option, but I had to act quickly. I just needed to calm myself first.
I pressed my forehead to the window, embracing the cold touch of the glass against my flushed skin. I jolted at the sound of a knock on the door.
“Come in,” I called, standing to my full height and rearranging my features into a neutral expression.
Runa entered the room cautiously. “I heard what happened, Miss. You must be so shaken.”
My shoulders relaxed at the sight of the maid, but I didn’t leave my position by the window.
“I’m fine. Listen Runa, I had nothing to do with what happened to Prince Hugo.
I was only trying to help him, I swear it.
” I wasn’t sure why I cared, but it was important to me that she didn’t believe I was guilty.
Her eyes filled with sympathy. “I know. We all know. Captain Hansen is” —she threw a quick glance over her shoulder towards the guards stationed outside my door— “heavy handed. This will be righted soon enough. You’ll see.”
Chewing on the inside of my cheek, I nodded. I hoped Runa’s optimism was not merely wishful thinking. But that was a problem for later. Right now, I needed to solve the issue of my tail.
“Do you need anything?” she asked tentatively. “Anything at all? Perhaps a bath or a nice mug of warm milk to help your nerves?”
I shook my head. “I’m exhausted. I’m going to bed.”
Taking a few steps towards me, she looked hesitant. “You aren’t thinking of fleeing, are you? You’ll never get past the guards, they’re stationed everywhere,” she whispered.
I huffed a laugh, but it was devoid of any humor. “And risk getting thrown in the dungeons? No thank you. I’ve spent enough time in there tonight.” Pushing off the window, I crossed the chamber and sat on my bed.
She nodded, but she didn’t look completely reassured. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can do?”
“I’ll be fine.” Faking a yawn, I said, “I just need to sleep and forget this day.”
“Alright,” she said, retreating. “I’ll see you in the morning, Miss. Sleep well.” With that, she turned and left, shutting the door behind her.
I waited a few minutes until I knew she was truly gone. Retrieving the bone from my pocket, I used my magic to make it visible again.
I studied it in my hand. It was no bigger than my thumb. I didn’t let myself wonder what poor creature it had once belonged to.
With a heavy sigh, I stood. I didn’t want to have to resort to this. Every fiber of my being screamed at me not to do it, to find another way. I would almost certainly regret it, but I was desperate. I needed more potion, and there was only one person who could get it for me.
It was time I summoned the Crow.
***
“By bone’s sacred decree, I summon thee.” Clutching the bone in both hands, I uttered the words I’d hoped I would never need to use. They tasted like ash on my tongue, but there would be no taking them back. I’d invited the wretch to my door, now I’d have to wait to see if she would come knocking.
I only hoped her visit would come swiftly because, for me, time was a precious resource, on the verge of being exhausted.
I felt it almost instantaneously: the same gust of wind that had raised the hairs on the back of my neck the night of my Ascension Ball. It seemed so long ago now.
Sure enough, the drapes fluttered as if the windows had been left open.
Sheets of parchment scattered across the breakfast table and spilled to the ground like playing cards dealt by an invisible hand.
My hair levitated and my pink gown, now freckled with filth and blood, billowed in the breeze.
The candles flickered and died, casting the chamber in near darkness—the hearth’s flames the only source of light to be found.
A cloaked figure materialized before the mirror, casting no reflection.
My entire body stiffened at the sight of the Crow, every muscle tense.
She looked just as sinister in her black robes as the first night I had seen her.
Like before, a hood was drawn over her head, shrouding her face in shadow.
Though I could not see it, I knew her gaze was fixed on me.
“You called, daughter of Sarina,” she said in her high-pitched voice.
It was unsettling the way the dancing shadows seemed to be drawn to her, yet she herself did not cast any shadow. I straightened my posture and unclenched my fists, allowing my hands to fall casually to my sides. I’d eat sea glass before I showed her any fear.
“There’s been an incident,” I drawled, forcing my eyes to settle on the faceless dark within the folds of her hood.
“Go on,” she crooned, an unmistakable note of intrigue in her voice.
“My potion is gone—destroyed. I would like you to provide me with another. So I can complete my end of the bargain.” I struggled to get my next word out. “Please?”
For a moment, she said nothing. I didn’t breathe while I waited for her response. Finally, she tilted her head slightly and spoke. “As I’ve told you once before, that potion is exceptionally difficult to produce.”
My nails bit into my palms. “I remember… I just hoped you had another.”
“Not only are its ingredients so rare they are near impossible to source, but brewing it is an incredibly complex, time-consuming process.”
Feeling my jaw clench, I nodded.
“But I will provide you with a replacement potion… for a price,” she said in a lilting voice.
My heart skipped a beat, then promptly sank. I’d suspected she was going to make this difficult. “A price?”
“Yes, pretty one, a price. Have I not already so generously bequeathed you with the opportunity to compensate for past wrong doings, asking nothing in return but that you break the heart of a mortal prince?”
“Yes, but—”
“Even my generosity knows bounds.”
“What do you want in return?” I asked, already knowing I wouldn’t like the answer.
“Don’t look so petrified, pet.” She clasped her hands together. “All I ask for is a wager.” At the confusion that must have clouded my face, she continued, “A wager that will make this endeavor of yours more… interesting.”
I frowned at the witch. It couldn’t be as simple as that. “What did you have in mind?”
“You will continue with your task, and, if you succeed, I will honor my word and undo the curse,” she said, sounding amused.
My mouth went dry. “And if I fail?”
“Should you fail, you will not return to Vantillios. You will spend the remainder of your days with me. Working for me.” She rested a marked hand on her chest.
“What?” I spluttered. “I can’t agree to that!”
“You can,” she said, taking a slow step towards me. “And you will, if you wish for your tail to remain a secret.”
Sweat beaded on my forehead. “No.” I shook my head vigorously. “I can’t. Isn’t there something else I can give you instead? Gold? Jewels?”
With a shake of her head she said, “There is nothing else. Take my offer or leave it.”
“My answer is no,” I said, my voice rising an octave.
She clicked her tongue disapprovingly. “Such little faith in your mortal. In yourself… Very well,” she sighed. “Shall I create a portal to return you to Vantillios now?”
I nodded absentmindedly. My head was roiling, muddying my thoughts while I struggled with the impossible decision placed before me.
If I didn’t agree to her terms, my legs would transform into my tail as surely as the sun would rise up and claim the sky.
So yes, leaving now was the most sensible decision.
I could return to Vantillios and live the remainder of my days as a failure.
Remembered as the princess who almost freed them of the curse.
I would never get to explore the world, but at least I would be safe.
If I accepted the Crow’s terms and failed in my task, I would spend the remainder of my days working for her—whatever that meant.
But if I accepted her terms and succeeded, the curse would be undone. I would be free. Vantillios would be free. Mae would see her son again and Doran could be reunited with his first love—adventure.
The question was, did I have faith that Tarben could love me?
He’d already confessed to having deep feelings for me.
“It’s like every part of me wants to give in to this feeling.
To you.” Could it be love? When I thought about how he had looked at me tonight, how he had held me, the answer seemed obvious.
But he was on his way to the border. Who knew how long he would be gone? If he stayed past the full moon, I’d be doomed.