Gorbon stood over James for a few seconds. Without taking his eyes away from the injury he’d inflicted, he said, “Maybe this boy’s girl is here after all. Go check that out.”

Zander bent to lift James, delivering a punch to his face. I flew off the porch and into the woods. It was awkward running with the Bound Book in my arms. If Zander had any tracking skills at all, it would be quick work for him to catch me with all the branches I’d snapped. I paused long enough to throw the tin cup as far from me as possible, hoping it would lead Zander off my trail. After I hid behind a tall oak, I peered around the edge. I stood fused to the tree trunk for what seemed like ages.

I watched the top of Zander’s head bounce through the woods. Seconds later, he double-backed to the house. He bent to pick up the tin cup, then turned to survey the area in a wide circle.

“The Fringer’s coming around, Zander,” Gorbon called. I could see his stout frame on the porch. “Get back here before he hurts Arthur.”

Before James kills you both, I thought.

“But she’s just up a little further,” Zander said, cocking his thumb in my direction.

Crouching low, I ducked back around the oak.

“She can’t leave Judaculla,” Gorbon said. “And even if she is a Fringer, I doubt any of them will help her now. Not when word gets out about what’s happened today. Come clean this mess up first before you make another. You can tend to her later.”

I risked anther glimpse around the tree. Zander shrugged, carelessly tossing the cup to the ground. I watched him jog back toward the cabin, and I allowed myself to breathe again. Blinding fear returned in a wave as I wondered what they were going to do to James. I was rooted to the spot, each second that passed mocking me for my indecision and cowardice.

A branch snapped, and I thought I would die of fright.

“Get up, Leath,” Ever said. “It’s over.”

“Ever, what are you doing out here? Never mind. They’ve got James,” I cried, turning toward the cabin. “We have to get him out.”

She was on me in two steps, roughly slamming me backward against the tree that had just been my refuge. “Shut your mouth and do what I say.”

“Let me go, Ever,” I said, struggling against her. I raised my hand to strike, and she easily deflected my blow.

“Yes, they have him,” Ever said, holding me against the tree. “And he’s got you to thank for what’s happening to him right now. If you don’t shut up and come with me, they might possibly kill him. You could be the first person who actually loved someone to death.”