They dumped me behind the horse without another word. No one spoke as Jean Luc tied a length of rope around my wrists, as he hoisted himself into the saddle. I watched him in disbelief. “You all can clear off now.” He kicked his horse into a trot, and my body rioted with pain as I staggered to my feet. At the last second, Jean Luc called, “Thank you for your service in apprehending this criminal. I shall inform the king of your”—he craned around to look at them—“what is the name of this foul place?”

“Montfort,” the bearded man called back angrily.

“What about our reward money?” someone else shouted.

Jean Luc ignored them both, dragging me into the forest.

“You enjoyed that too much,” I said darkly.

Rougher than necessary, Jean Luc untied the rope from my wrists outside the village. “Entirely too much.” He didn’t smile, instead shoving my chest with a murderous expression. “What the hell is wrong with you? Where’s Célie?”

I rubbed my wrists, instantly alert. My head still pounded. “She’s with the witches.”

“What?” Jean Luc’s roar shook the birds from the nearest trees, and he advanced on me again. “What witches? Who?”

Under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have retreated. As it was, however, I’d sustained two broken ribs, a concussion, and a shattered nose. My pride was bruised enough already. It needn’t suffer another defeat at the hands of Jean Luc. “I don’t know. Two of them.” I started north, careful to navigate around Montfort. “Coco and—and Lou. The crown prince was there too. I tried to bring her with me, but she refused. She likes them.”

“She likes them?” Jean Luc hurried to catch up. “What does that mean?”

“How did you know I was here?” I asked instead.

“I didn’t. I’ve been tracking Célie since she hatched this demented scheme. Did you know she stole her father’s carriage?”

“After robbing his vault,” I added, surprising even myself.

“She robbed him?” Voice faint, Jean Luc shook his head. “You’ve been a terrible influence—you and that witch. I can’t believe you left Célie.” He flung his hands in the air, outpacing me in his agitation. “You are the only reason I allowed her to go. This place—this entire fucking kingdom—it’s dangerous. You were supposed to guard her. Now she’s God knows where with only an idiotic prince for protection.” He exhaled hard, shaking his head frenetically. “This just might be the stupidest thing you’ve ever done, Reid. I shouldn’t be surprised. You haven’t thought straight since the moment you met—” He clenched his fists midair, apparently overcome. He took a deep breath. Then another. “Whenever she’s around, it’s like every single coherent thought flies out of your head.”

“Who? Célie?”