I’d also seen the light, but I couldn’t see it now in this dark place. Had it all been a trick of some kind? Was it true, or had I really just sacrificed everything for nothing?

In the darkness that came with night, I felt certain I would rot in this cell. Every time I closed my eyes I imagined the wraiths who’d torn through us all. Hooded, faceless ghouls with teeth and haunting eyes and long white fingers. Their shrieks. Eli said they weren’t demons, so what were they? Fear, he said.

The same fear that was now coursing through my blood.

I eventually gave in to self-pity and let myself sob there in the dark cell.

By the time the first signs of daylight peeked into the basement, my eyes were swollen and my throat was raw. My chest ached and my mouth was dry. I heard the door at the top of the stairs open and a single pair of boots descending. I stood on achy legs and hurried to the barred door. Tanner came into view, still avoiding my eyes.

“Please, Tanner,” I croaked. “What’s going on?”

“Step back. Turn and place your chest and forehead against the back wall.”

I did as he asked and heard him unlock my cell. A second later something clinked against the floor. Another click of the lock sounded, and then he left, his steps echoing. The heavy door at the top slammed shut and I was alone again.

He’d left a plate of food and jug of water in the corner of my cell. The water was lukewarm, as was the porridge on the plate. But I devoured it, thinking I needed nourishment for the baby.

Then I returned to my sulking. The light brightened outside and the day moved forward. It was eerily silent in the basement prison. I hadn’t slept all night and was exhausted. Empty. Numb. At some point I fell into a merciful sleep, dead to my troubles in Haven Valley.

VOICES WOKE ME. I REMEMBERED WHERE I WAS AND jerked up. Pain coursed through my neck and back. I’d fallen to my side on the wooden bench, and everything was stiff. The light had brightened. It had to be midday. Sylous had given the town until noon.

The voices were outside. Many voices. I stood and turned to the small window. The town was gathering next to the security building. Why? We’d never met here before.

We’d never had an execution in Haven Valley before either. Were they actually going to follow through?

Rose’s voice cut through the murmurs. “Family of Haven Valley, we have gathered here today to restore righteousness to our hearts. To right the wrongs of one of our own and to silence the deception of the wolf who comes in sheep’s clothing.”

Ice filled my blood, and I jumped up on the bench to hear more clearly.