“Why have you trapped me in here? Magically imprisoning a minor without parental consent is against the gifted council’s code of conduct,” I warn, pushing through the quiver in my voice. “If you don’t let me go this instant and tell me where you’re holding my friend, I will report you—and I’ll have you know, my auntie is an elder on the council!” I really wish I could stand up to make these threats.

The man cocks his head slightly as he studies me. Then one side of his mouth quirks upward.

“You think this is funny?” I spit out the words, feeling my emotions unravel like a ball of yarn. “This is a matter of life and death! That heart you’re holding belongs to my sister, and if I don’t find what I’ve promised to find, I will lose her forever. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

A weird heat flares in my gut. And for a moment, I feel like I’ve caught on fire. As if my four elemental fires have been switched on. “I’m not messing around, Mr. Fancy Suit. I’m going to ask you one last time. Release me, and tell me where you’re holding my friend, or else!”

Something changes in the man’s face. His features soften, and he looks at me with an expression that seems kind of like recognition, or maybe even…respect. As the heart vial hangs down from his fingers, he opens the copy of The Loyal Tales of the Haetae.

“Have you read the story about how the Haetae came to wield time-manipulation powers?”

I stare at him in disbelief. Does he really think this is the time to be making small talk?

He continues. “The Haetae once helped the six goddesses commit a crime. He then became so guilt-ridden that he condemned himself to relive his mistake over and over again, because he believed that was the punishment he deserved. Although he was never able to rewrite history, his return to the past granted him the ability to manipulate time. And with his new power, he was able to help many people in need.” He strokes his beard and looks me right in the eye. “To find that which you seek, you must also turn back your clock. You must return to the very beginning—to where you first started. Because, like a coin, there are always two sides to every story. Without the two sides, it cannot be whole.”

I scowl like I’ve never scowled before. “I didn’t ask for a lecture,” I start, channeling my inner Boss Hattie. “I asked you to let me go!”

He nods simply. “As you wish.”