“What does it say?” Roxanne pressed, reaching for the parchment.
Francis crushed the parchment in his fist.
“Whatdidit say?” Roxanne’s brow crooked.
Francis shook his head before raising his gaze to her. “Caleb is behind the burn.”
“What?” Roxanne’ brows furrowed.
Francis disposed of the letter into the chimney. "Kane learned we’ve been lingering around the palace, and wanted to send us the message,” he said, sitting back on the cushion. “He ordered Caleb to destroy it.”
“He didn’t think to mention it when we saw him last night?” I seethed.
“He knew that dagger would’ve been in his heart instead of his shoulder, were he to confess to my face,” Francis scoffed. “He didn’t know we would come to the palace tonight.”
“Whyare youhere?” Gabriel looked around the room, meeting our silent glares.
“What else do you know of Caleb’s whereabouts?” Francis asked instead, his eyes darkening.
“Nothing!” Gabriel blurted, putting his hands up in surrender. “I swear, I know nothing. I saw him last week for the first time in years.”
“It’s safe you don’t know,” Roxanne insisted. “For us, and for you.”
“What if I am able to help?” Gabriel wouldn't give up.
“I doubt it,” Roxanne scoffed, leaning against the wall on her stool.
“Try me.” Gabriel challenged.
“Don’t,” I said before anyone could reply. “He is not very good with secrets.” I glared at him.
Gabriel laughed, rolling his eyes. “Who would I even tell around here?”
“Apparently you keep Wurdulacs as company.” Roxanne shrugged.
“Wurdulacs?” Gabriel’s brows furrowed. “I had no idea Caleb was a Wurdulac until he showed up here. And when I confronted him, he reassured me he is working as a spy, to destroy their forces from within,” Gabriel protested. “Why are you going to the palace?”
“It matters not if he knows.” Simon’s words cut through the air as he looked around the room. “Tomorrow we either come out alive and get far away from this place, or we don’t.”
“I like you, ginger man.” Gabriel nodded at Simon, earning an eye roll from me.
Francis and Roxanne glanced at each other, locked in their wordless conversation. Silence fell upon the room before Roxanne offered a barely visible nod.
“We need Royal steel to stand a chance against their army,” Francis spoke, meeting Gabriel’s gaze. “We are here to break into the palace’s vault and find archives on how to make it for our army.”
“I’ve made Royal steel before.” Gabriel’ brow crooked slightly. “Is that it?”
“No, you have not,” I scoffed, shaking my head.
“Brian taught me.” Gabriel shrugged.
“Nonsense!” I laughed at his foolishness. “He couldn’t have!” My voice cut through the space.
“And yet he did.” Gabriel’s lips turned into a small smile.
“Do you still remember how to?” Simon asked. “Can you make it?”
“He is lying.” My hands shook.
