This is not the time for jokes.
I’m fine, Serena. Promise me you’ll stay with him.
No, I’m coming for you.
Serena.The sudden command packed into my name takes me aback.I said, promise me. We have a plan.
That seems to be the company line.
I can’t do what I need to if I’m worried about you.
Okay. I’ll stay with him. Zadyn?—
Yes?
I—nothing. I’ll tell you later. Just don’t be the hero, okay? Come back to me.
Always.
“Jace, whatever this is can wait. Zadyn is out there, we need to?— ”
I reach the landing as he swings open a door and holds it open for me. Casting him a concerned glance, I step inside and look around. It’s empty except for a cot and a blanket that look about a thousand years old.
“Jace, what?—”
The door slams shut behind me. My blood goes cold as the lock turns.
“No,” I breathe. “NO!”
I fall on the door, pounding against it with all my might.
“I’m sorry, Serena. It’s for your own good.”
“Let me out of here, Jace! Right now!”
“I can’t let you do this.”
“Let me out! If you don’t open this door, I willnever forgive you!”
“It’s spelled, Serena. Stop trying to fight it. I’ll come back for you. I promise.”
“JACE, DON’T YOU DARE DO THIS TO ME!JACE!”
“Forgive me.”
His footsteps fade as I rail against the barrier. My screams chase him all the way out.
82
SERENA
7 DAYS
Hours.
That is how long I’ve been locked in this fucking tower.
I’ve tried it all. Blasted the door with fire. Rammed it until I thought my shoulder might dislocate. Screamed until my voice went raw. There are splinters in my nail beds from where I clawed at the door. But I gave as good as I got. The gouges in the wood are proof of that.
