I absorbed that, my mind racing. “And?”
“Every Timebound,” Lee went on, “is born with a necklace that’s unique to them. It looks like a sword—a key of sorts.” He exhaled. “It fits into the hilt of a Timeborne’s dagger. That’s what opens it.”
I processed the information, tension coiling in my chest.
“So, you’re telling me,” I said, “that Tristan—that idiot—has one of these necklaces?”
Lee nodded grimly.
“I didn’t see any necklace on Tristan.”
“I have it,” Lee said, pushing away from the wall. “Took it from him while he was unconscious.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled a small charm from a gold chain.
I frowned. “Emily has a necklace just like that.”
Lee nodded. “She does. Because she, too, is a Timebound.”
Lee extended his hand, palm up. “Where’s your dagger? I can show you how it works.”
I hesitated, then unsheathed my dagger and handed it to him.
Lee took it carefully, gripping the hilt, then gave a gentle tug. The blade clicked open, revealing a small keyhole inside.
He slid the pendant into place.
The dagger began to glow.
I breathed as the golden light pulsed, illuminating the intricate markings along the blade.
“For the necklace to work,” Lee explained, “the Timebound has to cut their hand, just enough to draw blood. Then, they spread it on the pendant before inserting the charm into the dagger. After that, the Timeborne—the time traveler—must do the same, say the ancient words, and then…” He paused.
“They travel,” I murmured, staring wonderfully at the shimmering blade.
Lee pulled the pendant free, the glow fading instantly, and handed me back my dagger.
“There’s a catch, though,” he added, his voice darkening. “If a Timebound loses their Timeborne—if they get separated—they’ll be trapped in that time.” His expression was grim. “Possibly forever.”
I grinned, tucking my dagger away. “That would serve Tristan right. Maybe he’d end up as some lord’s scullery maid.”
Lee chuckled. “Doubt that. Women were the only ones employed for that.” His smile widened. “But he would make an excellent stable hand. Sleeping in barns. Keeping warm with the pigs.”
The thought of Tristan mucking out stables for eternity made us laugh.
It felt good to laugh for the first time in far too long.
Then Lee’s expression sobered, the lightness of our laughter vanishing like smoke.
“So,” he said, his voice grave. “You have to do it. You have to take Tristan with you to Italy.”
I scowled. “Bloody hell.”
“If Malik isn’t there yet, find a man named Giovanni Zampa once you arrive.” Lee’s eyes bore into mine. “He has the Sun Dagger. Alina gave it to him before her death.” He exhaled, his jaw tightening. “And when you find Malik, you must do as he says.”
I squinted at him, suspicion curling in my chest. “What choice do I have?” My voice dropped. “But how do you know all of this?”
Lee’s jaw ticked. “I can’t tell you.” His gaze shifted away, his entire stance tense. “Right now, we all have parts to play.”
