Doors were opened, and I heard movement as girls filed out of their rooms. I knew this would be the best time for me to make my exit. A quick glance around the room confirmed there was nothing for me here anymore. The last thing I did was remove the ring Calla had given me. The trust and love she felt for me had been born from a lie. I had no right to call her sister. I kissed the ring, then placed it on her dressing table.

After opening the door, I stepped into the crowded hallway. While everyone else made their way down to the ballroom, I headed for the back flight of stairs. Every creak in the floor was screaming my name—my real name—alerting everyone to my escape. I forced myself to slow down, taking one step at a time. Waiting, I strained my ears to hear if anyone was coming for me.

Freedom was in front of me in the form of a short hallway with a window-paned door that led to the back garden. I allowed myself to relax just a little when my feet hit the hallway. Just a few steps more and I’d be gone.

“Penny,” said a quiet voice.

I turned to see Sarabeth emerge from the shadows of a hidden door. “You can’t stop me,” I said.

“Nor would I try,” Sarabeth said. She held a canvas bag toward me. “I’m here to help. You’re going to need some things.”

I took the bag from her, keeping a tight grip on the Bound Book still hidden in the pillowcase.

“And take this, too,” she said, putting a heavy coat around my shoulders. “There’s a blanket in the bag and some thick socks. It gets very cold here at night. I was able to toss in a few other odds and ends. I’m afraid it’s not much, but I hope it helps.”

Sarabeth had always struck me as a no-nonsense type of teacher. It surprised me that she aided in my escape. “Why are you doing this?” I asked.

“In the end, sisters are all we ever have,” Sarabeth said.

I remembered how Calla had responded when Sarabeth had said that very thing to me on my first day here. “Aside from our One,” I said.

“In spite of our One,” Sarabeth said.

It dawned on me that she had been trying to tell me something from the moment we met. “Who is your sister?” I asked.

“Parisa was my sister,” Sarabeth said.

Was.

Since no one left Judaculla, I guessed her sister had died. I slipped my arm through one of the sleeves of the jacket, then transferred the Bound Book to my other arm.