I suck in a sharp, panicked breath. For a dizzying moment, the room blurs and the floor tips. But then I dig my fingers into my thighs, finding a bruise I hadn’t realized was even there, and the pain helps recenter me. For her sake, I can’t break down. Saengo needs me to be strong and to come through on my promise to her.

“Sirscha.” Her fingers tighten around my hand until it’s nearly painful. I don’t pull away. Instead, I grip her back. “There’s a lot I would die for. My country. My family. My best friend. But I’m not going to die like this.”

Her words are a spark. Determination burns through me. “I’m not going to let you.”

TWENTY

Theyen gestures to the library’s broken window, now cleared of glass. “No one’s noticed?”

“I’m sure it’s been noticed,” I say, shrugging, “but no one’s come to me about it.”

I feel terrible deceiving Phaut by sneaking off, especially after what we endured together. But she’d never let me get anywhere close to the gardens, and we’re leaving for the north in the morning. There’s no time to waste.

“How exactly are you planning to get there from here?” Theyen asks.

“Over the roof,” I say, which earns me a raised brow. “If the guards spot me without Phaut, they’ll be suspicious. Once we’re in the garden maze, you can use your shadow magic to”—I wiggle my fingers—“conceal us. We need to get as close as—”

Theyen’s sharp eyes narrow. “My craft is not available for your illicit activities.”

I frown. “But—”

“No magic. Or whatever”—he mimics the motion I just made with my hand—“that is.”

“You’re being unreasonable. You saw what’s happening to Saengo. Shadow magic is perfect for this.”

I tried to heal her again now that I can summon my craft, but it didn’t work. Whatever’s causing the rot is too strong.

“Don’t try to guilt me. My personal healer cared for her, and now I’ve agreed to risk Ronin’s trust by accompanying you.”

I nearly snap at him, but he’s right. He’s already done more than expected. When I speak again, it’s through clenched teeth. “Fine. Then consider it an opportunity to flaunt your magical superiority.”

“Sirscha, every moment in your company is an opportunity to flaunt my superiority, magical or otherwise.”

“Maybe I’ll just bind and gag you and leave you back there as a diversion.”

“I would make irresistible bait.”

I rub my temple. “You do realize we might actually run into a Spinner? We could avoid being seen if you’d—”

“No. Magic.”

I huff angrily. “Fine. If we’re attacked by a giant spider, I’m tripping you and making a run for it. I’ll meet you out back.”