‘No, it’s fine,’ Llinos says, drawing in a long breath to steady herself. ‘We asked. So what is it you’re looking into? The properties?’
‘No. Well, yes. But no. I was given a knife by a friend when I got accepted here. I’d never seen anything like it before but … well, it’s the same as the one the High Priestess used.’
Both pairs of eyes widen. ‘Seriously?’
‘Yep. I was looking to see if I could find out anything else about it, but I’ve not had any luck. It doesn’t help that I’m struggling to read at night like I normally do, what with all the early morning training with Zelle. Still, I’ve at least scanned through all the books I got from the library, and I’ve not found anything yet.’
‘You got books from the library?’ Llin says, latching onto a different part of the conversation. ‘We can go to the library here? I thought we could only stay in this arc, unless it was for the balls or trials.’
‘Yeah,’ I say. ‘The library is down in the basement and there’s access from the guards’ temple. Zelle knew I was heading there and didn’t say anything, so I don’t think it’s a problem.’
‘Can you take me there after morning training?’ she asks, her eyes lighting up. ‘Or just tell me how to get there, and I’ll go without you.’
‘I’ll come with you,’ I offer. ‘Although I was planning to go this morning after breakfast. Caroline was going to look for something for me and said that was the best time to catch her.’
‘Caroline?’ Llinos’s smile drops as her posture stiffens. ‘What does she look like, this Caroline person?’
‘Umm … similar age to us. Maybe a bit older. Warm blonde hair. Dark skin. And she was tall.’
‘Blonde? And how tall? Like a little taller than you or actually tall?’
I feel the blood drain from my cheeks. I got so wrapped up in lookingfor books that I forgot about the questions Caroline had asked me before we started the search. About whether I knew any Rettlings from the Eastern Isles. Gut churning, I realise that they almost certainly know each other, though it’s a moment later when I realise quite how well they might.
Caroline.
Caz.
‘I think I should take you there. Now,’ I insist.
Chapter 24
‘How could you not have said you know a Caroline?’ Llin huffs, hot on my heels as I lead her and Benny through to the guards’ temple.
‘It wasn’t deliberate, I promise. I spoke to her just after the vows and everything was a mess. She only asked me once about the Isles, but then she said she didn’t want to know any more and I didn’t make the connection …’
‘Did you know? Did you know she was here?’ Llinos asks Benny.
‘No,’ he replies. When she responds with a withering glare, he stresses his answer with a little more force. ‘I promise, Llin, if I had known, I would’ve told you. Besides, we still don’t know if itisher.’
‘It’s her. I know it’s her. Honey-blonde hair with dark skin, that’s what you said, wasn’t it, Rose?’
I nod.
‘And her eyes. They’re brown-flecked with green, right? Like little green freckles.’
I didn’t think it was possible to look so closely at someone’s eyes as to see the colour of the freckles within them. But then I remember the way Kyor’s icy irises held me completely entranced in Etta’s temple the night of my offering.
‘I’m not sure,’ I admit.
As I reach the doorway past Aitara’s temple that leads down to the library, Llinos pushes straight past me.
‘Caz!’ she calls down, thundering so fast I’m surprised she doesn’t slip. ‘Caz, are you here? Are you fucking here?’
‘It’s a library,’ I hush from behind her as I try to keep up, but I know there’s little point.
‘Caz, are you here?’
‘Llin, you need to slow down,’ Benny repeats, but she doesn’t listen. She just keeps running and calling Caz’s name. I quicken my pace as much as I can, only to almost slam into her back when she suddenly stops.
