The doctor frowned deeper. “And I’m told the symptoms came quickly. I can’t make sense of it. There seems to have been no cause for this reaction. But that’s not possible.” For even the doctor to be confused, sent tendrils of worry shooting out in all directions inside of me. The doctor was suppos

“What do you mean, ‘dark magic?’” Nicholas demanded. I was glad he still had his voice, because mine was totally gone. I had a suspicion that I knew exactly what Veronica meant, but I wanted to hear her say the words. “I mean a curse,” Veronica said. I inhaled a shuttering breath. “It’s possib

Hours passed. Many items were brought to Veronica. Everything from necklaces to teacups to feathers and books. With only a passing glance from her, each item was quickly dismissed. The latest item, a stone found in an odd place in the hallway, was handed to Veronica. “There’s no magic in this,

By the end of the third day of searching, everyone is dead on their feet. Nicholas, Julian, and their men had searched most of the palace, with very few exceptions, like the King’s quarters. Since Veronica said the talisman had to be close, most of the places they had searched would be too far, bu

I could only cry and cry. “I’m sorry,” Nicholas said. “We’re not giving up,” Julian said, louder. “Maybe it’s in someone else’s garments. Which room is next door?” “Jessica’s,” Charlotte said. “With me, then, Charlotte,” Julian said, and the two rushed out of the closet. Nicholas stayed wi

I handed the photo to Veronica and she held it out over Elva’s body. She began to chant, but they weren’t words I recognized. Sparks flickered in her hands. Purple-blue flames fanned out across the photo, and then twisted down toward Elva. “Elva!” I gasped and started forward. Nicholas gripped m

It didn’t make any sense. Unless Jane was trying to cut out that part of herself that loved Elva. Maybe she saw Elva as a weakness that needed to be purged. Gods, either way, it was just too sad. Not just for Jane, who had truly become a monster, but also for Elva, who nearly became a victim of he

A few days later, all of the candidates were called into the foyer for another of Nathan’s meetings. By now, Elva was fully recovered, although very angry that I would not let her leave the room. “There’s a bad guy on the loose,” I said. “It’s too dangerous for you until that person is caught.”

I relaxed as best I could, letting the kiss happen for the cameras. Julian’s lips were soft on my own, gentle and non-demanding. It was a kind sort of kiss, and for that I was grateful. Though I would still have to remember to tell Nicholas not to watch the broadcast tonight. He’d made clear that

I knew it couldn’t be as simple as all that, but I really did want to go out there. The gardens had been one of our regular hangout spots for so long. To lose it now, felt most unfair. My voice soft, afraid someone would overhear, I said, “I’d love to.” “Great,” Julian said, and pushed open the