I ran through the threats in our path, the need to escape them, and my mind returned to the question from Tristan’slesson. Restless, unable to go back to sleep, I tried to decide which bear from my dream represented the different predators at Camelot Court.
Merle came to mind, but I couldn’t put my finger on him. He often acted bumbling and nervous. Other times, a sinister edge alerted me there might be more to him than met the eye.
Those thoughts led to Morty, another question mark.
I didn’t knowifhe was a bear yet, or harmless, given the knife he’d handed me during my session with Ben Devereaux.My old palSilkseemed like one to back down if I made a fuss, but he creeped me out enough to remain unsure.
None of the other Knights stuck out the way he did, but I hadn’t gotten to know them very well.
Except for Brad, who had small black bear vibes.
Then there was Drake D’Arthur.
From everything Kingston had told me, I would’ve labeled him as a polar bear. The tremor of fear that ran through everyone in Camelot Court suggested it, too.
But Kingston’s recommended approach for how to deal with him contradicted that.
Plus, he’d been absent most of my time here.
My interactions with him, while menacing, weren’t the source of my fears as much as his reputation.
Something about that struck me as ominous.
Maybe Drake D’Arthur wasn’t a bear at all, but the proverbial snake in the grass, waiting for a chance to strike.
Just like the Valencourts.
Left without answers, I fixated onwhythey were teaching us these lessons to begin with, and how they’d apply in the Final Trial. I highly doubted they were just offering useful tips on how to navigate the men at Camelot Court.
But I couldn’t put it all together.
Growing tired, I forced the thoughts from my mind.
But before I drifted off, I wondered which of the girlshadn’tpicked the bear.
And why?
Chapter Eighteen
The next morning, I skipped breakfast and tried to get answers out of Landon about the tension between him and Kingston. Again, he reassured me nothing was wrong before taking off.
When we finished, I tried again, and still, he placated me instead of telling me the truth.
I put my foot down. “I’m not saying you need to give me all the details, but don’t treat me like I’m stupid.”
Guilt flashed across his face. “You know I don’t think that.”
“Okay, well, then admit something is going on, and say you’re not ready to talk about it. Because telling me everything ishunky-dorywhen something is clearly weird between you two treats me like I’m too oblivious to notice.”
His expression softened. “You’ve had a lot on your mind with Max, Quinn. Between him and the Scavenger Hunt, I didn’t want to add to it.”
“Thank you. That’s not exactly what I said, but it’s better,” I said pointedly. “But regardless of what’s going on with Max, I’m aware of you and Kingston. I can tell you two are sorting through something.”
Landon sighed, running a hand through his hair, frustration evident but not directed at me. He stared up at the house, his brow furrowing. “My memory is returning more frequently.”
My eyes widened. “Since when?”
“The third escape room. Max and I—” He looked away guiltily. “We fought. He said something that triggered a panic attack, and he had to pull me out of it.”
