With a crack like thunder, the windows of the mansion exploded. Glass rained down on the lawns, and Rhyanon and Millie both flinched, shielding their heads.

“Why would he say that?” I shouted.

My skin felt cold, but inside I burned. A buzzing filled my ears like a furious swarm of winged insects, and the dark twitching silhouettes of visions flickered over the grass and across the sky.

Rhyanon grabbed my wrist.

“Elfreda, listen to me. Listen to me!” Her voice came out harsh. “You have to calm down. We can work this out, but if Celane’s people discover you’re here, then we’re all as good as dead.”

I pulled my arm away. “You told me Finn would be safe!”

“Saskia is there to protect him, she won’t let—”

“Commander Asan already tried to stop the sentencing,” interrupted Millie. “She wouldn’t let the guards take him away, so the other Councilwomen arrested her.”

The blood drained from Rhyanon’s cheeks, and I saw her swallow. Behind her, Osan hurried down the path toward us.

“Even so,” Rhyanon managed. “Even so, it’s still my duty to keep you safe, Elfreda. Come back inside. Let’s figure this out together.”

I shook my head.

“Please, you’re smarter than this,” she begged.

“I’m sorry.” I turned from her.

“Elfreda!”

I had barely gone ten paces before Rhyanon’s lace coiled around my shoulders and brought me to a stop.

“They’re going to cut you apart,” she said desperately. “If they catch you, it’s over. We won’t be able to save you again.”

I sliced through the bindings with my own lace, and stumbled onwards.

“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice raw. I reached the gate and set one foot on the metal bars to hoist myself up. “I’m so sorry.”

Osan caught up with me. He grabbed my waist roughly, pulling me back down, and his face twisted in pain when the movement jolted his shoulders.

“Stop it,” he said.

I pushed him away. “He needs me.”

“Would he want this? Would Finn want this? Running straight to his rescue is exactly what they’re expecting you to do.”

“Osan,” I said in a low, dangerous voice, reaching for my lace, “if you believe you owe me anything at all, then get out of my way. Now.”

He opened his mouth to argue, but something about my expression stopped him. He glared at me, then cursed instead.

“Fine,” he said, “but I’m coming with you. Two streets east there’s a stable with a cab ready for emergencies. It’ll be faster than running.”

“No!” said Rhyanon.

He turned to her. “Take Jaylen and get out of here. Kamillian, help her.”

Millie shook her head. “Finn needs—”

“Just do it! Elfreda and I will deal with your brother.” He turned back and pulled a ring of keys from his pocket. He shoved one into the lock on the gate, and it swung open. “Major East safehouse, Rhyanon. I’ll find you there.”