Page 198

“So tell me,” I pleaded, staring into eyes that looked so much like my own.

“I can’t. I can only tell you it’s not over.”

“How do you know any of this?”

“This place… it opened my mind to the past and the present. I can’t see the future, but I know the truth now—why we see things other humans can’t.”

“But if you can’t see the future, then you don’t know if I’ll make it past another two days.”

She inclined her head. “No, but I can believe in those boys.”

“You don’t know them,” I whispered.

“I told you I’ve been given glimpses into the past and present. I’ve seen y’all together.”

My eyebrows shot up, heat flooding my cheeks.

Her sharp laughter warmed my chest. I never thought I’d hear that sound again. “Oh Sweet Pea, I’ve not seen anything like that. It doesn’t work that way. But I know you’ve built relationships with two of ‘em. And whether you know it or not, the other two are hooked on you too.”

I scoffed and shook my head, changing the subject. “How does that keep me alive?”

“Well, aren’t they royalty?”

“Yeeeah.”

“You think they don’t have sway in how things happen?” She closed her eyes. “I wish I could share more with you, Sweet Pea, but this place only lets me say this much.”

The way the guys spoke of Ezra’s father, I wasn’t so sure. I already doubted their faith in me. If they believed I’d manipulated them, they wouldn’t defy the king. I didn’t expect them to, even if they believed me. Their responsibility was to their people, not me.

I needed to steer the conversation away from my impending execution and the guys before my emotions unraveled and I lost my mind.

With a heavy sigh, I said, “I didn’t get a chance to try to make another batch of biscuits.”

A soft laugh escaped Grandma’s lips before she smiled.

My lip wobbled.

I’d never get a chance to make biscuits for her again.

“Oh, Sweet Pea,” she whispered when I burst into tears. “I know you would’ve made me the best biscuits.”

I choked on big, ugly sobs.

“You’re okay, Rae. You don’t have to prove yourself.”

“That’s not it!” I wiped my eyes hard.

The stupid biscuits weren’t why I cried. If it weren’t for Patricia and that damned summoning book, Grandma and I wouldn’t be in this mess. I cursed whatever evil had led me to it.

I wanted Grandma alive and well. I wanted to make her biscuits.

“Then what is it?”

“It isn’t fair! You shouldn’t be here! I shouldn’t be here!”

“We don’t get to decide when our time comes.” She reached through the bars, stroking my hair as I sagged against the cage. My sobs softened with my quiet defeat. “You know I’ll be fine. I trust you’ll be too.”

I leaned into her touch, rolling my forehead against the bars. “How are you fine being stuck here?” I lifted my gaze.