“But prior to their leaving,” Keir continued cautiously, “they have expressed a desire to thank you for your accommodations, and to thank Skye for her help with the child. However, she cannot be found and they uh…didn’t want to leave without the chance to tell her—in person—and bid her goodbye.”
The Keeper was silent for several moments, clearly evaluating Keir’s words as he slowly set down the object he’d been examining and addressed the group as one. “I accept your thanks. However, it will be impossible for Skye to do so in person. I’ll pass your sentiments on to her.”
“It would mean a great deal to us if we could tell her in person,” Noah pressed.
The Keeper’s piercing gaze settled on him, the weight of it like a physical thing as several long seconds drew out and his face hardened to an icy mask.
“I’m going to allow you this much since you seem to have had a hand in the outcome. My daughter is currently engaged in learning a valuable lesson about loyalty and obedience. She’ll emerge when she’s ready to be reasonable. And you—most certainly—will already be gone.”
Noah swallowed a surprised gasp. There was no pretense in The Keeper’s demeanor, no attempt to hide that he was responsible for her disappearance, or that she was being punished and the fault lay directly on him.
He stepped forward, unable to contain himself any longer. Every instinct screamed that Skye was being held against her will. “What have you done with her?”
The Keeper’s gaze narrowed. “I don’t owe you any manner of explanation. However, I will humor you just thisonce,so we are clear. I’ve ensured she won’t make any more foolish decisions based on her temporary emotional weakness.”
His voice was perfectly level, perfectly controlled and unmistakably ominous. “She allowed herself to be influenced by outsiders, byyou, to question truths she’s always accepted. She needs time to remember where her true values lie. Where herloyaltieslie.”
“If you’ve hurt her?—”
“You’ll what, boy?” The Keeper stood and leaned forward, his tall frame imposing even across the width of his desk. “You’re inmyfortress, atmymercy. Your sister is dying, and I’m the only thing standing between her—betweenallof you—and the grave. I suggest you remember that.”
The threat was clear, and Noah felt Taran’s hand settle on his shoulder, a silent warning not to do something they’d all regret. But the rage building in Noah’s chest made it hard to think clearly.
“You would let a child die?” he growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Just to prove a point?”
“I do what’s necessary to maintain order.” The Keeper moved around his desk toward them. “My daughter will learn that her place is here, at my side, continuing the work I’ve built. Your presence has disrupted that, along with her imminent nuptials.”
Satisfaction filled his eyes as he watched the horror Noah couldn’t mask as he helplessly gaped at him, unable to process what he’d just heard.
“So as ordered, your entire party will leave at dawn.” The Keeper swept his gaze across the three men, his voice like steel. “And let me assure you, any attempt to return would be fatal.”
Noah barely heard him.Skye was to be married?
No! He couldn’t—wouldn’t—accept that. “If Skye wishes to leave with me, I will not leave her behind.”
The Keeper moved closer to Noah, regarding him with open disdain. “What a foolish, weak-minded man you are. I’m told your sister has very little time left. Which makes every minuteyou waste with your useless prattling about my daughter, time you steal from being at your sister’s side in what could be her last moments.”
The words hit like a dagger in Noah’s chest. Choose between Emily and Skye? His sister, or the woman who’d risked everything to help save her?
The woman he loved.
“Choose your final actions wisely,” The Keeper added, settling back behind his desk as if the conversation was over. “Dawn comes quickly, at which time I assure you, you will all be outside the gates regardless of the conditionanyof your party might be in.”
He gave Keir a menacing glance. “Youseem to have lost your bearings. I suggest you consider reevaluating the direction you have taken.”
Keir dipped his head in a show of both respect and acknowledgement, but as the four of them turned away, Noah saw the fury in his eyes.
The door closed behind them with a finality that echoed through the corridor. Noah felt frozen, his mind reeling as the guards resumed their positions on either side of the entrance.
“He’s a monster,” Finn breathed, his voice thick with disgust.
“Aye,” Taran agreed quietly. “But he holds all the power here.”
Noah struggled to speak as the weight of impossible choices pressed down on him. “There has to be another way,” he finally managed. “There has to be.”
“Not here,” Keir grunted a soft warning, glancing at the guards. “Come.”
They returned to Emily’s room, checking to ensure they weren’t followed. No one spoke until they were inside, with Finn standing guard again at the door.
