Nova hesitated, unwilling to trust that things were as simple as he made them out to be, and even more reluctant to leave without Jinx by her side. “She was only trying to help me. And since you have now decided I was likely wrongfully imprisoned all along, her only crime is trying to right your mistake.”

The prince’s lips drew into a flat, hard line. “I suggest you take the generous offer I am making you, Novaya. Before I decide to investigate why someone with possible rebel ties was so interested in freeing you.”

She knew he did nothing out of generosity. He had an angle, of that she was certain. He likely hoped by releasing her, she would lead him to the rebellion. Maybe he planned to watch her and use her as bait.

“Go, Nova,” Jinx whispered, moving to stand beside her. “I will be fine. You know me.”

That was the problem. Nova had only just begun to know the other witch, and she did not want it to end now. She would rather face imprisonment in this room with Jinx than reenter the world of the palace without her.

Jinx caught a few of Nova’s fingers with her own, squeezing gently. The earth witch’s body blocked their connection from the prince’s view, but Nova felt her fires rise up in answer. They could fight; the two of their magics combined would give them a chance of making it out. But Jinx squeezed her fingers one more time and released them.

“Go,” Jinx whispered. “You have been locked up long enough. Be free. Get back to work. Reconnect with your friends. You will see. Everything will be fine.” The words were light, her tone careful and casual, but Nova heard the message behind them. Outside these walls, Nova could keep working on her magic. She could find Aurora, once she had found a way to slip the prince’s watch, of course. And together … together they would come back for Jinx, for Prince Cassius, for all the things left undone.

Finally, Nova nodded and let herself be led out of the room where she had been prisoner since her near escape. She did not resent that room, not the way she had the cell down in the dungeon. It was not a place of suffering for her. It was where she had been awakened. And she was going to miss it desperately.

She paused at the door to look at Jinx one more time. She already missed their nights together, and she had not even left the room yet.

“See you soon,” Nova told the witch, before stepping back and allowing the soldier to close and lock the door behind her, this time with Nova firmly on the outside.