"Yes. And do you think Xen will treat you any better? Welcome you into his service with open arms?" Rimori's eyebrows raised slowly towards his hairline.

  Hector's jaw set. "He tried to kill me but that was when he was under Queen Lacine's rule."

  "You wouldn't have to worry if you were in my service, Mr Rook. And Theald is a much more accommodating place to lay down roots. I would pay you well. You could have your own house, large enough for you and your sisters. You would be comfortable here, I'd make sure of it," Rimori said enticingly.

  "I'll take my chances," Hector said, retrieving the key to Quinn's gauntlets from his pocket.

  Adrenaline flooded her veins. It was time.

  In a moment that nearly broke Quinn apart, Hector walked forward and handed the key to Rimori.

  She gasped in horror, her blood running cold. "No," she breathed.

  Rimori took it and clutched it in his hand, the silver glinting from within his fist.

  Hector returned to his siblings, gripped his younger sister by the shoulder and looped an arm around the other one. Quinn gazed at him in disbelief, unable to truly believe he was abandoning her. He wouldn't meet her gaze as he steered his sisters towards the exit.

  Tears stung her eyes and she blinked furiously. He had played her. The betrayal cut deep into her chest, halting her breath. Rimori took a step toward her and fear washed over her.

  "Hector?" The word was out of her mouth before she could stop herself. Her heart ached as she looked at him, hardly able to believe what was happening.

  Hector glanced back and finally met her eye. There was something in his look, something meaningful but she couldn't read it.

  "Please," the word escaped her mouth as a hoarse whisper.

  He hesitated.

  Quinn was painfully aware of Rimori and William watching them.

  "I'm sorry," Hector said then turned to leave.

  "Don't tell me you've developed an attachment to the girl?" Rimori asked, relishing their brief goodbye.

  "She means nothing to me," Hector said then exited with his family, leaving Quinn standing before Rimori like a lamb to the slaughter.

  He was gone. He had left her.

  "Come here," Rimori instructed, eyeing her.

  Quinn approached him holding his gaze evenly, not wanting to show her fear. Rimori unknotted her wrists.

  "Don't try anything," Rimori said, black smoke creeping into one of his palms threateningly. "You wouldn't get two steps before I or anyone else here would kill you."

  Quinn let her arms fall limply to her sides, defeated.

  "Did you kill the girl?" Isaac asked, turning his attention to William.

  He stiffened and his cheeks touched with a hint of colour.

  Quinn shifted her gaze to his and filled it with all the resentment she could muster on her friend's behalf. "You'll never get to her."

  William frowned angrily but Rimori stepped in before he could respond.

  "Calm down, Will. Perhaps Miss Thorn will help us..." Rimori said thoughtfully.

  "I'd never," Quinn snarled.

  "By the time I'm finished with you, you'll willingly do as I say," Rimori said, licking his thin lips.

  Quinn swallowed, fear rippling through her.

  He gestured for one of his men to take hold of her. She wriggled in his grasp but it was no good. Rimori left the room with William at his side. They were far enough away that she couldn't hear them.

  Rimori turned back before they descended a staircase that led beneath the Arcedral.

  "You're engaged to a Ganderfield, aren't you?" he asked her.

  "Not any more," William said with a vicious grin.

  Rimori raised his eyebrows and Quinn bit her tongue to conceal the truth.

  "Will? You didn't?" Rimori asked with glee.

  "I did," William said proudly and Quinn felt hatred burn through her veins.

  Rimori clapped him on the back. "Hmm, someone won't be pleased about that."

  William shrugged as they continued down the staircase.

  Quinn's heart raced as she descended the stairs.

  They reached the bottom of the steps and emerged in a round stone chamber with four corridors leading off of it. Several people were gathered in the room.

  A girl ran forward and beamed at Rimori. She gazed at him hopefully and he waved her away, hardly sparing a glance for her. The girl looked towards Quinn and she suddenly recognised her.

  "Aliyah?" Quinn asked in shock, the sight of Rogan's sister throwing her.

  Aliyah's face turned pale when she saw her. "Quinn? By the Arc, what are you doing here?"

  Quinn didn't know how to respond. Rimori was looking between the two girls with interest.

  "I'd like you to look after Quinn for me. She'll stay in your room. You're not to let her out of your sight. Can you do that for me?" Rimori asked Aliyah, his voice soft and warm.

  Aliyah nodded then rushed forward and hugged Quinn.

  Quinn stilled in her arms in a daze. Rimori signalled to the man holding Quinn and he released her.

  Aliyah took her hand. "Come with me."

  She let herself be led away from Rimori and his men. They veered down a white corridor full of doors. Aliyah unlocked one with a key and they entered a small bedroom that reminded Quinn of an army barrack. There were a couple of bunkbeds and a small table at one end with a jug of water atop it.

  "You can sleep here," Aliyah said, gesturing to one of the bunks with a smile.

  "Aliyah listen to me. Rimori's holding me prisoner. We need to get out of here," Quinn said in a panicked whisper.

  Aliyah's face dropped. "You're not going anywhere. Isaac brought you to me for a reason. You have to trust him."

  "What are you talking about? He's dangerous he wants to start a war. He wants to murder my friend," she said, desperately trying to explain.

  "You don't understand him. He does everything for a reason, for the greater good. In the long run, you'll be grateful. You'll worship him as I do," she said, passion filling her eyes.

  Quinn glared at her. "Let me out of this room," she demanded.

  Aliyah raised her palm threateningly but Quinn knew she was a Dud.

  "What are you-" Quinn was cut off as pain ripped through her like nothing she had ever experienced. Her knees impacted with the floor and she convulsed as every nerve in her body lit on fire. The pain stopped abruptly and she panted heavily.

  "You're not going anywhere," Aliyah repeated, gazing down at her with eyes that were black as night.

  49

  The Sky Above

  Throughout the evening, Oliver checked at reception for a message from the High Mage. Eventually he'd had to accept that they wouldn't hear from him that night.

  He walked slowly up the stairs, his feet making the metal clang with every slow step he took. As he stepped onto the landing, he found May exiting her room in cream pyjamas, looking at him with raised eyebrows.

  "Any news?" she asked. She seemed down, faint lines creasing her brow.

  He shook his head with a sigh. "I don't think we're gonna hear anything until tomorrow now."

  She nodded. "Why don't you get some sleep? You look exhausted."

  Oliver shook his head, wanting to speak with her. "I could use some fresh air actually. Wanna go up to the roof garden?"

  She nodded and they walked up two flights of spiral staircases, emerging in the garden. The night air was welcomingly cool and the gentle trickle of water sounding around them created a relaxing atmosphere.

  They dropped into seats at the stone table and Oliver craned his head back to look up at the glittering sky full of stars.

  "How are you?" Oliver dropped his gaze to her.

  May shrugged, her eyes remaining on the sky.

  "Are you upset about Jak?" Oliver asked sadly.

  May dipped her head, meeting his eye. She seemed distant. "He died because of me."

  Oliver's heart melted a little. "It wasn't your fault."

  May nodded stiffly, looking back up at the sky. "I thought you'd say that."

  Silence hung between them as Oliver gazed at her.

  "What are you thinking?" he asked. Normally he could read her so well but her emotions were clearly buried deep.

  "I'm wondering when Rimori and William will come after us again."

  "We'll be safe when we get to Theald," he said firmly, wanting to believe his words.

  "I hope so," May said, looking at him.

  "Try and stay positive."

  May expelled a deep breath through her nose. "It's hard right now."

  "What would make you feel better?" Oliver asked.

  "I just need some time."

  He stood and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, rubbing his hand up and down. She leant into him and his chest ached. He wished he could make it better but knew she needed time to process everything that had happened.

  ***

  In the morning, Oliver made his way down to reception, finding a short guy with long sideburns manning the desk.

  "How can I help you?" he asked brightly.

  "I was just wondering if anyone's left a message for me. The name's Knight."

  The man nodded vigorously. "Yes a Council member dropped it in this morning. It looked quite important." He retrieved an envelope from beneath the desk, sealed with a yellow emblem.

  Oliver reached for it but the man fingered the letter curiously. "Don't suppose it's got anything to do with the chaos at the challenge yesterday, has it?"

  Oliver held out his hand. "I don't think so," he lied, waiting impatiently.

  "Only, Council members don't go delivering messages willy nilly."

  "My uncle's in the Council. It's just from him," he said, forcing a polite smile.

  "Oh." His face fell and he passed over the letter.

  "Thanks," Oliver said, clutching it tightly in his fist and running upstairs.

  He knocked on the others' doors and waited for them to appear. He waved the envelope at them and they headed into Rogan and Larkin's room.

  The air was freezing and Oliver shivered as he stepped inside.

  "Argh, it's so cold in here," Anna said, running her hands up her arms.

  "It's just nice," Larkin said, lying down on his bed and stretching his arms above his head.

  "It was even colder than this, trust me, this is a compromise. And I only allowed it because I can adjust my own temperature," Rogan said, shooting a glance at Larkin.

  "Come on, hurry up and open it then," Larkin said, nodding at the envelope.

  Oliver ripped open the letter and read it aloud. "Dear Quinn's Thorns. The results have been tallied and, despite the unfortunate circumstances that occurred during the challenge, your team successfully achieved four rescues after accounting for the capture of your casualty. This score has not ranked amongst the highest results in the competition with a minimum of at least eight rescues needed to qualify."

  Anna gasped and Rogan stepped closer to May before Oliver continued reading.

  "However, due to the unforeseen events that removed two of your team members from the game, and the shortening of the challenge by three hours because of the emergency evacuation, it has been decided that your team be awarded five extra points in compensation. As such, you are all invited to attend the key ceremony today which you will be taken to via ferry at ten o'clock this morning. The ferry will transport you from Cerulea harbour to Ganderfield Island where the Gateway to Theald is located. Hadus Knight will meet with you upon boarding the ferry to discuss the details of your travel. He asks that you to be packed and ready to leave for Theald today. Yours sincerely, Allenby Dyer."

  Rogan's shoulders dropped in relief.

  "We did it," Anna said with a grin then hugged May.

  "We're going to Theald," Oliver said, almost disbelievingly.

  50

  Troubled Waters

  They packed their things and took the cable car down to the harbour. The gateways were flanked heavily with armed guards, patrolling up and down the shore. A group of people were filing onto a small ferry and Oliver guessed from the number that around ten teams had qualified for keys.

  They climbed aboard the boat and found Hadus waiting for them by the gang plank.

  "Congratulations," he said, nodding stiffly to them. "There are a few things we need to discuss. Please follow me."

  Hadus led them to a small cabin and locked the door after they entered. The room was located on the bottom deck. It was windowless with a rectangular table in the centre. There was a red folder sitting atop it which Hadus sat in front of and opened.

  "Take a seat," he said, gesturing to the benches around the table.

  They sat across from him as he took out four documents and a pen. He passed them across the table to Rogan, May, Larkin and Anna.

  Oliver raised his eyebrows, not receiving one himself.

  "This is the nondisclosure agreement that Oliver has already signed. We've had background checks carried out on all of you but I have a couple of questions for Mr Pipistrelle before you start signing."

  They frowned, turning their attention to Larkin.

  His cheeks coloured slightly but he pressed back his shoulders confidently. "What questions?"

  "Mr Pipistrelle we have it on good authority that your parents are both in the company of Isaac Rimori. Were you aware of this?"

  Larkin paled and his Adam's apple moved up and down as he tried to wet his throat. "Yes," he said, making the others start in alarm.

  "What?" Oliver growled.

  "Oh shut up, as if you can talk. Your dad's his right hand man," Larkin snapped.

  Hadus raised a hand for quiet.

  Oliver fell silent but glared at Larkin suspiciously.

  "So, it begs the question, were you on your way there yourself?" Hadus asked Larkin.

  Larkin glanced up and down the table, balling his fists in front of him.

  "Absolute honesty would be greatly appreciated," Hadus added, gazing at him evenly. "And keep in mind I am professionally trained in reading a person's body language."

  Larkin expelled a breath through his nose and looked at Hadus straight on. "I was."

  Oliver slammed his fist down on the table.

  Rogan stood up, gazing at Larkin with fury in his eyes. "You were going to join Rimori?" he snapped.

  "Just give him a chance to explain," Anna implored and a pang of irritation went through Oliver.

  Larkin shuffled down the bench slightly, looking around at them all innocently. "I was going there before everything happened," he insisted.

  Hadus waved a hand and they all fell silent. Anna was gazing at Larkin encouragingly and Oliver scowled.

  "Let him speak," Hadus said firmly.

  Larkin twisted around to look at them all. "When me and Arrow went through the Gateway to Glacio we were going ahead of our parents to get keys for Brinatin and Theald. They already have keys so they said they'd go to Theald after the Gateway reopened in Glacio and meet us there. But then, Arrow died," his voice quavered on the word and he quickly recomposed himself. "And I found out about May...then when Rimori and Oliver's dad attacked us in Glacio I knew I didn't want to have any part in it. I haven't spoken to my parents since I left Aleva. They still think I'm on my way to meet them."

  "So, you know where to meet them?" Hadus asked, anticipation registering in his eyes.

  Larkin shook his head. "No but they told me to go to the city of Bellgrade and ask for someone called Nevis at the Hangertime Hotel. They said he'd get me to them."

  Hadus nodded thoughtfully. "I see."

  Oliver balled his fists beneath the table, trying to decide whether he believed Larkin or not.

  "Mr Pipistrelle, I want you to tell me exactly what your intentions are upon going to Theald," Hadus said calmly.

  Larkin nodded. "I want to fight against Rimori. But I also want to contact my parents, to tell them to get away from him."

  Hadus sat in thoughtful silence then turned to the others. "And would you all vouch for Larkin's character?"

  "No," Oliver hissed.

  "Yes," Anna and May said.

  Oliver rounded on them but they didn't back down. He glanced at Rogan who looked uncertain and anger flitted through him at having no one on his side.

  "I swear I'm telling you the truth," Larkin begged. "You have to believe me."

  "He saved my life," May said, turning to Oliver.

  "What?" Oliver asked in confusion.

  Anna nodded, taking Oliver's hand. "He did. Rimori's people would've found May if Larkin hadn't got to her first."

  Oliver's heart thundered in his ears. "Is that true?" he asked Larkin.

  Larkin ran a hand down his neck, not meeting Oliver's eye. "I guess."

  "Why didn't you tell us about your parents before now then?" Oliver asked, his anger evaporating a fraction. He was struggling to believe that Larkin had really done something so noble.

  "I couldn't. I thought you'd all hate me," Larkin said, looking vulnerable. "Most of you don't like me as it is. And I get why. But what was I supposed to do?"

  "You could have been honest," Oliver said.

  "I know, I'm sorry. But I can help. The Council can use this information to their advantage. They can interrogate Nevis and find out where Rimori's hiding," Larkin said earnestly.

  Hadus eyed Oliver for a moment then cleared his throat. "Unfortunately, I'm not entirely convinced of your loyalty and that, I'm afraid, is enough for me to deem it inappropriate for you to be informed of the Council's plans." Hadus withdrew the nondisclosure agreement from in front of Larkin, returning it to the folder.

  "But-" Larkin tried but Hadus cut across him.

  "You will accompany us to the base in Theald where your information will be dealt with. We may use you when approaching your informant but otherwise you will be kept under close watch throughout your time at the base, is that understood?"

  Larkin opened his mouth wordlessly then spoke. "And what if I refuse to come to Theald?"

  "You are, at this time, under my lenient arrest. You won't be held as a criminal but you will be under my orders and the close watch of my men. You do not have a choice. This is a matter of extreme delicacy and I cannot risk you undermining our efforts against Rimori. If you cooperate throughout the remainder of the war then you will be released from my charge with apologies."

 

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