When we finally arrive at the Isle of Baxter, we find it is indeed nestled within the chain of Channel Islands. As we approach, we separate from the boat carrying Lady Azure, Amelia, Cleo, and Anwar. Seidon says it’s to reach a secondary dock, but Logan and I eye each other, sensing there must be a different reason.

Still, it’s hard to feel anything other than amazed once Seidon piles us into a golf cart and drives us up a winding path to Baxter Manor. It turns out to be a sprawling Victorian mansion, complete with turrets and stained-glass windows.

Right now, as Logan and I step out of the cart and up to the mansion’s grand staircase, we share another awed glance.

“Shouldn’t we be meeting the others?” I ask, despite my excitement.

“We will,” Seidon answers. “But Mom said I should take you to Dad’s office first to unlock Uncle Carson’s final deck file.”

That’s logical enough, but it still doesn’t feel quite right. Could there be a deeper reason Lady Azure wants us separated, or am I just being paranoid? Either way, I remind myself we are guests here. Which means, for now, we have to play by the Baxters’ rules—at least until we know what game is really being played. It’ll be tempting to get caught up in the grandeur of this place, but I need to remember that we are also now effectively trapped here.

“So, Seidon,” Logan says, pacing beside him a little cozier than I’d like, “I thought the Channel Islands were all national parks?”

“Most of them are. My family likes everyone to keep believing they’re uninhabited,” Seidon answers as we climb the central staircase. “You’ll find that, here, fortune makes the impossible possible. Just like my mom’s precious tarot.”

“Forgive me,” Logan says, “but it doesn’t sound like you buy into all this.”

“‘This’ being all the money, or the tarot?”

“Both.”

Seidon sighs, looking at each of us—though the full weight of his gaze falls on Logan. I suddenly feel invisible, a sensation I’ve grown used to standing beside Logan all these years. What I’m not used to, however, is feeling like a third wheel.

Seidon and Logan probably have way more in common, at least on the surface. Logan is Trinidadian of African, Indian, and French descent, and from what we’ve seen of Seidon’s parents, he has African and European genes as well. Logan and Seidon also both appear outwardly athletic—actually, I bet someone seeing the three of us would assume Logan and Seidon are the couple.

“I’ve never really known what to make of my family,” Seidon says. “But doesn’t everyone feel that way?”

“I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think your family is much like anyone else’s,” Logan laughs.