Wren could not hide her astonishment. Even Una drew back in surprise. My niece. Each syllable was a hook beneath Wren’s skin, tugging, tugging. How desperately she’d once yearned to hear those words.

Isabel crossed the room and placed one cold, delicate hand beneath Wren’s chin. “You’ve done me an immense service. I’ve never been so pleased.”

“Really?” It came out small and childish—barely a squeak.

Isabel was pleased.

Isabel was pleased with her.

That rush was enough to drown out any voice of caution. Suddenly, Wren was that newly orphaned girl in the abbey again, confronted by all of her fantasies made real. How many nights had she lain awake, praying that Isabel would change her mind and come to get her? How many missions had she returned from, certain—so certain—that this time Isabel would recognize her talent?

After so long, it was finally happening.

“Not only did you save Lowry’s life, but you’ve given me a gift of immense value,” Isabel said, her voice windchime soft. “You must tell me how you ensnared the Reaper.”

Una stiffened, and all the crisp edges of her pressed uniform went jagged. The glare she cast at Wren was enough to make her shrink. Over the course of the evening, Wren had grown accustomed to that look, almost inoculated herself to its sting. But now, something new shone through Una’s anger, dark and aching as a bruise.

Jealousy?

“She slipped beneath his guard,” Una said. “I saw him at the ball, although I didn’t recognize him beneath the mask. Wren’s sway over him was obvious. The way he looked at her, I’d say he was besotted.”

“Besotted.” The queen’s voice oozed disgust—and admiration. “Is it true?”

Was it? Guilt raked through her, and Wren lowered her eyes. “I’ve earned his trust over the past couple weeks, but—”

“Remarkable.” Isabel’s eyes flashed with a hunger Wren had never seen before. They were as silver as knives. “And you stabbed him in the back. How ruthless.”

The inside of Wren’s mouth tasted like ash.

“I didn’t think you had it in you. I was wrong to doubt you,” Isabel said. “I’m reinstating you to the Guard under Una’s command. You’ll resume your duties as soon as we return to Knockaine.”

Wren opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She waited for the excitement. The thrill. The relief. After everything she’d endured these past few weeks, she had what she wanted. But all she could see was Hal, blindfolded, his head hung low.