Cleo moves first, darting toward the platform. With all eyes currently on the revealed King, Cleo is able to grab the deck off the platform before anyone realizes what they are doing. By the time everyone does, Cleo is halfway to the door.

“No!” Rosa screams, scrambling to her feet.

“Run!” I scream at Chase. He freezes for a split-second of shock, but then takes off at a sprint after Cleo.

I take advantage of the chaos to make my move. Rosa must expect me to follow my friends, but instead I rush directly at her. I use my momentum to knock her sideways off the platform, sending her falling into a bed of nearby flowers. It’s petty, but I have to admit—it feels good.

I then snatch the King of Pentacles out of the lockbox and make a run for it. I don’t know if the coven kids are too shocked or too afraid of me after my visible hip-check, but none of them move to stop me.

“Go after them!” Rosa shrieks from behind, just as I slam the door shut.

We have a head start, but not by much. As I begin sprinting, I realize the sun has just begun to set. Which means we don’t have to worry about being chased through the woods in pitch darkness, at least. I stride to catch up to Chase and Cleo and suddenly see Cleo topple forward, their foot probably catching on some unseen root. Immediately, I flush with an instinct: I must help Cleo.

But Chase makes it there first. “Are you—”

“Totally fine,” Cleo interrupts. “Let’s move.”

The three of us begin running again, panting as our legs churn. Adrenaline surges in my system, but unlike before, I welcome it—my body should be feeling some urgency right about now. I hear a branch crack behind me and realize the coven kids must be following us, after all. Probably even Rosa herself, since she changed into sensible sneakers before we trekked out here. I think of what she’ll do to us if she catches us… Far worse than that fear, however, is the prospect of losing this chance to take back the deck.

It’s a careful dance, letting the fear fuel me instead of freeze me. Moving as fast as possible, but not so fast that I fall into the dirt. Branches slap against my body as I sprint behind the others, scratching my cheeks and clipping my arms. I clutch the King of Pentacles in my hand, hoping I don’t damage it in our chase.