“Yes.” I dropped the doorknob as clear thoughts crept into my mind, crushing the broken wishes on their way. “I am,” I lied as I walked past her, down the stairs, somewhere far from my room; for if I were to enter, the broken thought would eventually win. “I am well,” I whispered to myself, pushing against the main door until cold air hit my exposed skin.
“I didn’t hurt anyone, I will not hurt myself,” I repeated again and again, walking towards a willow tree behind the stables.
My back met the wall of the stables when I slid down onto the cold ground.
“I am safe.” I breathed in through my nose. “I didn’t hurt Francis.” I breathed out through my mouth.
You won’t be able to kill Kane if you let yourself starve,his words rang loud through my mind and I nodded as the meaning slowly settled in.
“I needed to feed, and I did not hurt anyone,” I whispered to the willow tree.
“Talking to trees now, are we?” The familiar voice made me jump from my spot; my eyes scanned the night forest until they landed on the man. My mind rushed through every possible escape route there was. Would I even be able to outrun him? Would anyone hear me if I screamed?
“I come in peace.” Caleb put both of his hands up, stepping out from the shadows of dense spruce.
"There's a first for everything,” I scoffed, allowing myself a quick glance towards the only pathway back to the castle.
“I brought Francis a present—” Caleb started, his hands reaching for the small box in his pocket. “Couldn’t find the courage to walk in...” He took a step forward. A few more steps, and I would be trapped in the corner.
“He told you he doesn’t want to see you, Caleb.” If I ran the other direction, I could make it to the small kitchen door on the other side of the castle. What were the odds he’d come alone?
“I also have valuable information,” Caleb said. His eyes scanned my features for any sign of interest: I showed him none.
Moon save me, I should stop leaving the castle alone.
Caleb took another step towards me; I didn’t dare move. “I found a vault in the hidden passages of the Queen's rooms.” He crooked his head to one side.
I schooled my features to the best of my abilities. I knew of that vault. I’d seen it once: the night we ran for our lives. Mother had not allowed anyone in; screaming from labor that night, she’d rushed into the vault, retrieving a small silver casket before hastening out into the forest.
When I stayed silent, Caleb continued, “I can’t find the key.”
“I don’t know of any vault,” I told him. “And I don’t know of any key.”
“Are you certain?” Caleb took another step in my direction. “This could change everything. The archives on Royal steel must be in there.”
“Even if I knew, you would be the last person I’d tell, Caleb,” I scoffed, yet everything in my body stilled.
He drew a small breath in, his eyes closed in a plea. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but—”
“You gave me no reason to trust you,” I seethed. “But you can do something for me and perhaps I will reconsider.” The wordsspilled out before I had time to think through what I was about to demand.
“What can I do?” Caleb’s eyes shone with enthusiasm.
“Bring us Royal steel weapons,” I dared him.
A frown painted his face. “I can’t.” He shook his head in disbelief. “You know there is not nearly enough at the palace, they haven’t made Royal steel in years.” Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose. “That is why we need to get into the vault.”
“Surely you can steal a few daggers, Caleb.” I rolled my eyes. “You stole a whole person before, you have experience,” I sneered. “Bring us the weapons, and then we will talk.”
“What you are asking of me is impossible...” Caleb’s lips turned into a thin line. “But I will try.” He nodded, passing me a small, wrapped box; I didn’t move. “Would you give this to Francis?” he asked. “Please.”
“He won’t accept it.”
“Please.”
I snatched the box, making sure our fingers didn’t touch. “Don’t come back without weapons," I spat out when Caleb turned around on one heel, heading towards the woods.
My heart still galloped when I studied the box. My gloved hands trembled; the red stone reflected the moonlight in the darkness—
