“Because he took over my contract to free me.” Her voice was barely a whisper and riddled with guilt. He’d done it for her, sacrificing his own freedom to give her a chance at a full life with her loved ones.
She swiped at a tear running down her face. “Not only that, but my mother’s prophecy was true.”
Everyone sat forward, listening intently. “In what way?” Dume asked.
“Caius and Gedeon are identical twins. ‘Two were one, and one is yours,’” she recited. “Caius is my mate, and he and Gedeon were once one egg in their mother’s womb.”
Kordie’s mouth hung open, Dume looked down at the table, and Keith stared at her. “The end of that prophecy says you’re in danger.”
Sera still sat silently, looking perplexed.
“Who is the golden child?” Dume asked. “They’re the only one who can save you, according to the prophecy.”
“Caius,” Lauren said. “Lenora’s head is clear in Vincula, and parts of visions are coming back to her with more clarity.”
Rory’s stomach clenched at the mention of her mother.
“Lenora claims if Caius can’t break out of Vincula in time, Rorywill die. If the golden child saves her, and Caius also saves her, either he’s the golden child, or she’ll be in danger twice.” Rory hadn’t thought about that.Great.
Sera chugged the rest of her drink and set the glass down with a loud clunk. “Is Gedeon trying to kill you?”
“Yes,” Lauren answered for Rory. “If Caius cannot get to her in time, Gedeon will kill her.”
“Then why is she going to Vincula?” Kordie asked. Her already pale face had leeched of what little color it already had.
“Maybe I’m the key,” Rory guessed. “Or maybe my mother misinterpreted her vision, and we need to be together, not necessarily in Erdikoa.” From the corner of her eye, Rory saw Lauren press her lips together.
Dume glanced between theAngeland Rory. “How do you plan on getting back to Vincula?”
She took a drink to stall. Her plan was shotty, but what other choice did she have? “I’m going to ask the Scales of Justice to send me back.”
Dume’s face twisted in disbelief. “Are you out of your mind? You can’t go before the Scales of Justice and ask for a ticket to Vincula. You can’t go before the Scales of Justiceat allunless you’re an enforcer or on trial!” He was on a roll now. “You can’t even walk into The Capital without reason, Rory. You’re smarter than this.”
“Lauren can get me in,” she said defensively. “I know it’s a shitty plan, but it’s the only one I can think of. I’m going to die if I can’t get to Caius. What have I got to lose?”
“Us,” Sera said, making the table fall silent. “You have us to lose.” The small woman released a loud breath. “But you’re in danger either way.” Her pale eyes met Rory’s. “What can we do to help?”
Gratitude overwhelmed her because Sera understood her on some level the others couldn’t. “I don’t want you all involved. I wanted to let you know so we can say proper goodbyes this time.”
“Rory, please don’t do this,” Kordie begged as she grabbed herhand. “We just got you back, and it’s too dangerous for you to be in The Capital with the Lux King. What if you’re delivering yourself to him on a silver platter?”
“If it was Keith, what would you do?” Rory challenged.
Kordie’s lip trembled. “Caius is not the one in danger. You are.”
She couldn’t deny what Kordie said, and she knew they would never agree. How could they? Her love for Caius was unlike anything she’d ever known. He was like a phantom limb; there, but not, and all she wanted was to have him back.
But it was more than that; she couldn’t shake the notion that he was in danger too.
“It’s not up for debate,” she said with finality. “I promise to send letters and videos back and forth through Sam and Lauren.”
Lauren turned to her with a look she couldn’t decipher but said nothing.
“There’s no talking you out of it,” Keith guessed ruefully.
“No.” She looked around at her friends. “I’m going, and I’d like to leave on a happy note, unlike last time.”
“It’s not just her life on the line,” Lauren added, surprising Rory. “The Lux King is up to something. He is hiring non-Aatxeguards in the palace and removing anyone who asks questions or speaks about the changes.”
