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Pushing all thoughts of Alaric from my mind, I stashed the vials with all my other things in my bag. This bunker wasn’t far from the witch encampment, so I would have to be careful. And I tended to get lost in the woods so easily.

With a shake of my head, I rose to my feet, shouldered my bag, and climbed through the tunnel. The hatch was so heavy it took me several tries before I could ease it open. The loud clanging of metal made me wince, and for a moment, I held perfectly still, waiting to see if there was anyone nearby who might have heard it.

Nothing made a sound, save for the distant birds and insects that chirped in the forest.

I carefully stepped out, my feet crunching on leaves. The sun was low in the sky, winking at me from between the trees. It was directly in front of me, which meant I was facing east. Tollino was west, as far as I recalled.

And the witch encampment…

I cursed under my breath. I hadn’t been paying close attention while traveling with Alaric. His presence had been so distracting.

I pointed to my left. The witch encampment was in that direction. I was almost positive.

With resolve coursing through me, I set off in the opposite direction, trying to ignore the knots in my stomach.

Find him, whispered a voice inside me. Go to him.

I can’t, I whispered back. He deserves more than a broken soul like me.

Though my heart twisted in agony, I forced myself to move forward, determined to put Alaric and everything I felt for him behind me.

Twenty-Five

THE WOLF

Itracked Geraldine back to the witch encampment, which was now completely protected by the enchanted green dome. After lingering for a few hours to see if she would emerge, I had to resign myself to return to Kenibore and try again later.

The moment I stepped through the portal and returned to the Isle, the devastating reality set in.

Cerise was gone.

My chest caved inward at the thought, and it felt strangely empty to be on the Isle without her. I glanced down at the dusty journals in my grasp. Deep down, I knew they were important and could greatly benefit our kind.

But the sight of them brought a mixture of grief and regret spiraling through me.

The Rogue tortured by Elvira for so many years…

The pain on Cerise’s face when she’d learned the truth…

“Tavik, are you well?” I asked. For the past several hours, I’d been calling for him to see if he’d awoken.

But Tavik made no response.

Terror gnawed at my gut, but I had to push it aside for now. Surely, Tavik was merely resting while he healed.

He had to be all right. He had to.

I resolved to see Dulsa today and ensure Tavik was all right. She would know what to do.

I shook my head and tucked the journals under my arm, knowing there were more important matters at hand. With a sigh, I made my way down the road toward the castle. When I reached the outer gate, the line of soldiers standing guard immediately dropped to their knees.

I froze, scanning the row of guards, my heart thundering madly in my chest.

“Your Majesty,” said the soldier in front as he pressed a hand to his chest.

Oh, shit. I sucked in a breath, my pulse roaring in my ears. How? How did they all know? Had the chiefs told everyone while I was gone?

“I—don’t—” I sputtered. “Rise. Please rise, all of you.” I waved my hands, indicating they stand. The soldiers did so but continued to watch me with awe in their eyes.