“Please stay, Simone.” Please don’t leave me alone. You’re the only one who understands.

Jemma straightens up. “You know that’s not necessary, Simone. Her magic was removed for good by a talent taker. Besides, she’s in a prison, being guarded night and day. If she had her powers back, someone would know.”

Sebastian doesn’t say anything, but his thoughts are a mess of swirling fear.

“I won’t be able to sleep again until I’m sure.”

This time, Jemma puts an arm around me, too, and I lean into the warmth of her kind thoughts. “All right. But you’re not going alone. We’ll all go together.”

Chapter Three

I do not sleep much at all. Sebastian’s anxious thoughts in the next room keep me up. His sister may be sure that our former mistress is no longer a threat, although Sebastian and I don’t feel as confident.

But when the sun crawls over the sky, I let my talent stretch for a few moments just to feel the stirrings of minds in the village. Soft echoes of dreams bounce through my head, painting strange pictures. Sometimes, when the Lady wasn’t actively using me, I’d sneak away and wander for a while. The garden looked lovely, but was loud. All those minds trapped and confused, and too many that had lost all hope. It was enchanting on the outside, but a nightmare underneath.

I squeeze my eyes closed, trying to shut out these thoughts.

I sit up straight in bed. My fitful dreams last night have only made me more determined to see Lady Aisling for myself. The need prickles under my skin. It won’t go away until I know for certain that she can’t hurt us ever again.

But there’s something else I must ask her. She’s the only one left who might know where I came from.

I throw off the covers and slip out of my room to wake Sebastian. The sooner we can leave, the better.

* * *

An hour later, we’re loading the family carriage. It’s a carved wooden and metal contraption, similar to the ones Lady Aisling owned, but not as extravagant. It’s simpler, and I like it all the better for it.

The horse leading the carriage, Red, huffs as we approach. Hello. I place a hand on her soft mane. Thank you for taking us.

She huffs again and nuzzles my hand. I pull an apple out of my bag and let her eat it. Her approval surrounds me like a warm blanket.

“Come on, Simone,” Jemma says. She and Sebastian are already settled, Sebastian in the back of the carriage and Jemma on the driver’s box. Sebastian’s family is not rich; they have a few comforts like this carriage, but not enough money to pay a driver. Fortunately, Jemma is an excellent horsewoman. I’ve seen her taking Red out to the fields near the village many a morning.

I climb up after Sebastian, and we leave the village behind. I sit up on my knees, watching it get farther and farther away. With every beat of the horse’s hooves, the tightness in my chest unwinds.