Rein processed the conversation she’d overheard, and hundreds of questions ran through her mind: What was Martalitas? What was a Facio Ritus? How could she find out? When did they plan to kill Renée, and how? Rein tried to shake the questions from her head. From what she’d just heard, she would be an unintended guest in the White Castle for the rest of the month, and there were still thirty days left in the month. She should focus on getting as comfortable as possible. There was plenty of time to answer these questions later.By the time the rest of the White Castle had gone still for the night, Rein had found a quiet, shadowed space low in the kitchen wall, just behind a massive cupboard. It was the perfect spot to disappear. But first, she needed to clean herself. She crept through the hushed corridors to the bathhouse, her steps light, her limbs aching. The water stung where it touched open wounds, but she scrubbed away the blood and the sour, fishy smell clinging to her clothes. Wh

Rein climbed down the castle walls, her boots skimming the stone as ivy brushed her shoulders. The mysterious man watched from afar as she weaved about bushes and swaying stalks of wildflower, sneaking up to the ceremonial stand as quickly as she could without wings. Once she reached it, the mysterious man lost sight of her and was forced to find a new hidden vantage point. Fortunately, the city’s residents were currently gathered in either the town square or the Grand Master’s courtyard, so sneaking about wasn’t too difficult for him. He tucked himself away behind a tree flanked by brambles where he could watch Rein execute her mission.Rein, meanwhile, grasped one of the thinner support posts of the stand and began climbing. She drew her sword and pressed its edge to the wood, teeth clenched as she sawed through the grain. Not all the way—just enough to compromise it. Above her, Cloid and Lazar hoisted the cauldron into place, securing it above the growing fire. Smoke twisted into th

Now the sound came from behind. Rein stiffened as goosebumps rippled across her skin. She didn’t move, barely breathed. Something loomed tall behind her, casting a shadow she hadn’t noticed a moment ago. She spun on her heels, then froze. A king cobra towered above her, hood flared wide, eyes gleaming like polished stones. Their gazes locked. Then it struck.Rein leapt aside just in time, the wind of its lunge brushing her cheek. Her blade slashed across its face as she landed. The cobra hissed, venom glistening at the tips of its fangs. It struck again. She pounced onto its head and tried to slide down its body while dragging her knife across its scales. But the serpent writhed violently beneath her, throwing her off its body. Rein hit the ground hard, her knife flying from her hand into the ferns. Before she could rise, the cobra lunged again, mouth wide, fangs bared, but she managed to roll away and jump to her feet. This time she drew her sword. The cobra twisted and curled, watchi

The Mystery Miracle Worker retrieved two copper cups from a high cupboard, their muted gleam catching the dim candlelight. She set them gently on the stone counter with a quiet clink that echoed faintly in the still room. Behind her, the mysterious man sank into the chair nearest the hearth. The hood of his silver cloak shielded his face in shadow as the firelight shivered, unable or unwilling to touch him.“You knew I was here all along,” he said, cutting through the heavy silence. “And here I thought you would be surprised to see me again.”“The only thing that surprises me is that you stayed for so long,” replied the Miracle Worker. “I thought you would surely leave after I convinced my last clients to stay. You must really want what you came for this time.”“Indeed, I do.”“So, what is it now?” The Miracle Worker turned to face him. “My instructions failed you?”“You remember everything, don’t you?”Stephocra slithered up the chair across from the man. “How could we forget?”“I eve

Not long after Ravan had vanished beyond the edge of Roznova, the Mystery Miracle Worker moved with quiet purpose through her lair. She packed lightly with just a cloth-bound bundle of food, a couple of canteens, and two medium glass bottles. She held each one up to the candlelight, examining their strange curves, watching their colors shift like oil in sunlight.Then she wrapped them carefully in a thick swath of velvet, and nestled them deep in her satchel where no jolt could crack them. She draped a gray shawl across her shoulders like a protecting shield, then tugged her wide-brimmed hat low over her brow. Finally, she approached the gnarled black tree in the corner where Stephocra coiled in lazy elegance around a branch. She reached out her hand.“Are you ready, Stephocra?”“I couldn’t be more ready, Miss.” Stephocra slithered up her arm.The Miracle Worker extinguished every light in her lair, plunging the room into darkness. Without a backward glance, she slipped into the smoky