“I don’t suppose anyone knows how to pick a lock?” I say, trying not to let despair creep into my voice.

But Bram is already hunched over, poking at the mechanism. I glance around to see if anyone is watching us. We can’t just break in. What if someone catches us? What if we find Latham inside?

I grab Tessa and Jacey and the three of us move in front of Bram to hide him from view in case anyone strolls by. I try to look casual, but I’m certain I don’t. “Maybe this was a bad idea.”

Talon snorts. “It was most definitely a bad idea.”

“Got it,” Bram says as the door swings open.

“Where did you learn to do that?” I ask.

Bram shrugs. “I have many hidden talents.”

“Impressive,” Talon says, clapping Bram on the back.

“Someone should stay out here and keep watch just in case,” Jacey says. “Anyone want to join me?” It’s a good idea, but it’s not going to help us if Latham is inside.

“I will,” Niklas says. The two of them walk to a stone bench on the other side of the street, where they’ll have a good view in every direction, while the rest of us enter the shop. My gaze sweeps over the space—empty shelving, glass cases covered in dust, cobwebs gathered in the corners. It doesn’t look as if anyone has done business here in years. I run a finger over the wooden partition that separates the customers from the shopkeeper, leaving a trail through the dust. But then my gaze is pulled downward.

“We didn’t leave footprints,” I say.

Talon gives me an odd look. “What do you mean?”

“This whole room is covered in dust,” I say. “Shouldn’t the floor be filthy too?”

Understanding dawns over Bram’s expression. “Someone is trying to cover their tracks. Literally.”

My pulse speeds. “Let’s split up and search.”

“What are we looking for?” Tessa asks.

“Anything that looks out of place. Seams in the wall. Trapdoors beneath us.”

We start exploring and it feels just as if we’re back in the Fortress, only this time we’re trying to get into a space instead of escape one.

“I think I found something,” Bram calls. I join him at the back of the shop, where a row of bookshelves rests against the wall. “Notice anything unusual?”

I examine the area carefully. Most of the bookcases come all the way to the floor, but one ends just a fraction above it. “You think it’s a door?”

“After what Avalina said? I think it’s possible.”