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Kill them. Kill them all. Destroy them.

“Shit,” I whispered. My head swam as I dug into my bodice. I removed a vial of my tonic that was wedged between my breasts. With shaking hands, I uncorked it and downed it in one gulp.

All at once, the heat left me, and the golden glow diminished. The voice was silenced, and I let out a breath of relief.

I placed the empty vial on the ground and peered down my tunic. There was only one more left, wedged between my breasts.

Storms, this was bad. Without Gran and her habit of placing my vials of tonic on the windowsill, I kept forgetting to take it.

And what would happen when I ran out of it? What was I supposed to do?

I shot a glance at the sky through the barred window in my cell. The moon was back, but I had no idea how to measure how high it was. Was it Forenoon yet? How soon before Alaric returned?

Before long, heavy footfalls sounded on the stairs. My heart lurched as I realized it wasn’t just one set of feet. At least two Mages were descending to the dungeon.

I was already scurrying to the back corner of my cell when Alaric's huge frame came into view. He wore a tight black tunic with strings crisscrossing over his toned chest and a loose pair of olive green trousers. Behind him was Reid, who cast me a look full of pure loathing and distrust. He wore chainmail and a spaulder on one shoulder, along with an armored skirt. Daggers were belted at his waist. It seemed like he was dressed for battle.

I took in the wary look Alaric was giving me. He appraised me like I was some wild creature, as if he were trying to determine how dangerous I was.

Something had changed with him. His arms were stiff at his sides, his golden eyes boring into mine as if he were trying to peer into my soul. I shifted uncomfortably under his scrutiny.

“Well?” I asked. “Is it time?”

Alaric blinked as if I had startled him from his thoughts. He cleared his throat and glanced at Reid. “Yes,” he said. “It's time to learn the truth.” He reached into the pocket of his trousers and pulled out a ring of keys.

I was already climbing to my feet when he swung open the cell door. The chill of his shadow cuffs bit into my wrists as I held them out for him to remove.

But Alaric shook his head. “They must stay on.”

Dread coiled in my chest. “Why?” I asked. “I’m coming willingly!”

“The Oracle is a sacred place,” Reid said in a sharp tone. “We cannot allow your magic to roam freely.”

I blinked, momentarily surprised to learn the Oracle was a place and not a person. “I have enough self-control not to unleash myself in your sacred places.”

“Do you?” Reid challenged, and I flinched, recalling how my uncontrollable powers had risen to the surface only moments ago.

“Even if you could control your magic, we still do not trust you,” Alaric said firmly. “This is a necessity.”

I scowled at him, rage simmering in my veins.

“If the truth spell reveals your innocence,” Alaric said, “I will remove the cuffs. You have my word.”

I didn't bother mentioning that his word meant little to me. I still suspected he and Reid had killed Gran. But I was no match for their strength. They had proven twice now that they were powerful enough to drag me by force. So, I offered a stiff nod.

Alaric and Reid led me up the stairs. I followed on bare feet crusted with dirt and blood, trying not to wince from the pain. I smelled filthy, and I yearned for a long bath and a change of fresh clothes. No, what I longed for more than anything was to be back home at my cottage with Gran.

But that could never be.

We reached the top of the stairs, and the brilliance of the moon nearly blinded me. Perhaps it was because I had been underground for so long, but it seemed nearly as bright as the sun as it hung in the sky above me. The inner bailey was completely illuminated as if it were midday. Like before, servants and attendants bustled about. I wondered if this was normal behavior for them—perhaps this place was always in motion. A few Mages paused to glance at us—me, cuffed and dressed in dirty rags, being escorted by two intimidating Wolven Mages. Several nasty looks were thrown my way, and many attendants gave me a wide berth as if afraid my close proximity would infect them with some horrid disease.

“Where is this Oracle?” I asked, trying to ignore the hostile glares around me. My shoulders squared as I prepared myself for one of them to attack me. I didn't necessarily trust that Reid or Alaric would stop anyone if they did.

And I was still without my magic. I felt naked and exposed in a place full of people who would love to see me dead.

“On the edge of the Isle,” Alaric supplied. “Near the cliffs. It's about an hour's ride away.”

I blanched at that. “Ride?” I repeated.