Suddenly Sebastian is knocked flat, struck on the shoulder by a rock, probably flung by Melanthe, though I can’t see her from where I’m standing. The chain on Sebastian’s necklace, old and brittle, snaps and the obsidian arrowhead slips out of his reach. I try to get to him, but Kalia blocks my path. She’s older than me and bigger; I could never hope to force my way past her. Sebastian scrambles to his feet, desperately casting around for the arrowhead. It landed not far from me, and I might be able to throw it back to him if I can find it in the darkness of the cavern.

Simone! Where is it? Do you see it? His frantic cries resound in my head.

It’s here! I’ll get it to you! I dive for the talisman, but no sooner do I get my hands on it than Sebastian’s pleas cease. Maeve stands next to him with her hand on his shoulder.

I’m terrified to look in his mind for fear of what I might find.

I cling to the arrowhead for dear life as I send my talent toward my friend who now gazes at me blankly.

Hello, Simone, Maeve says inside Sebastian’s head. I let out a wail, then quickly shove the arrowhead in my pocket.

I must not be captured. I must leave here and get help. Almost every friend I’ve ever had is in this cavern and under a body walker’s control.

And I’ve just become their only hope for freedom.

I run headlong through the stalagmites, then down the tunnels. I don’t stop running until I can see the moon overhead and the stars glimmering above.

Chapter Twenty-One

I race headlong through the woods, heading—I hope—in the direction of the Archives. Tears stream over my cheeks. I can’t believe I had to leave Sebastian. My best friend. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget the terror in his head and heart just before Maeve took him over.

Her betrayal is nothing if not complete.

My steps begin to slow, but I can feel the press of many minds ahead. The library must be nearby. I just have to go a little farther. The only question is: Will I really be safe there? Will they welcome me back? I lost Sebastian. It’s my fault—I’m the one who insisted we go. He didn’t even want to, but he took the risk for me. So I wouldn’t have to face the body walker alone.

And now I’ve left him behind, his greatest fear realized.

I swallow the rocks in my throat, even as my feet falter. I catch myself, and when I glance up again, I can see the gray stones of the Parillan Archives between the trees. A new burst of energy fills me, even though I know the other hollow dolls are far behind. When I reach the imposing front door, I bang on the wooden planks as though my life depends on it. To my relief, Rachel opens the door. I throw my arms around her waist and begin to cry.