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  I didn’t have much time left. Panic chilled me to the core. This was happening. My curse was about to begin.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  A guard slammed open the tall blue doors of the Basilica. Like the rest of the warriors here, he wore black armor with his face covered by a full helmet.

  “Get in, you.” His voice dripped with contempt.

  As I stepped by, the man mashed his sword hilt straight between my shoulder blades. Not again. Hurt shot down my spine. I schooled my features into careful calm. These guards were brutal with their sword hilts. Showing any reaction or pain only made the next hit worse.

  As I stepped across the threshold, the noisy chatter of the crowd washed over me. I’d never seen the Basilica this full of people. Once I began walking down the center aisle, everyone fell silent. The quiet was almost a physical thing in how it pressed around me, making it hard to breathe. I’d never been in many crowds. The oasis and Sanctuary Fair were overwhelming to me, and I was only trying to blend into the mob.

  Now, I was the main attraction.

  As I stepped toward the back stage, all eyes locked onto me. No one needed to speak a word or cast a spell, and I could still clearly sense all the assumptions in their heads.

  Traitor.

  Whore.

  Viper.

  Liar.

  Walking dead.

  The worst part of them thinking I was doomed was that they had no idea of the real peril. Being drained by the Tsar would rob me of my power, but it wouldn’t free me from my curse. An eternity of flames still awaited me.

  There was an audible grinding of metal as the guards craned their armor, all of them turning to stare in my direction. Rage rolled off them in waves. Most of these warriors hadn’t seen any real battle other than the day I escaped from the Cloister. I’d made fools of them then with my plague-sign act. Now, they wanted revenge and in all likelihood, they’d get it. My back ached from the many bruises I’d gotten already.

  I stepped past Royals lounging in the back rows, fanning themselves and looking bored. Who wears ball gowns and long-coats to the desert, anyway? They gave me curious glances as if I were a dessert tray that had come out with soup instead. Not what they expected, but not something they particularly worried about, either.

  As I moved by the elder Sisters, they huddled more closely in their pews. Some fiddled with the ties on their robes. Others found the all-blue windows fascinating. None of them made eye contact with me. Neither did any of the Sentinel Spirits, for that matter. They’d all been here long enough to know what Marlene and the Tsar had in store for me. The thought made my insides squirm.

  You don’t know the half of it.

  The new Sisters weren’t as worldly. They stared at me as if I were a strange beast that had been brought in from a travelling circus. I was once a Novice, the same as them. Then, I had run away and returned in Caster leathers, trying to kill none other than their beloved Tsar. Their looks hurt most of all. These were the only girls I’d ever spent much time with. Once, they called their Sister. Now, they saw me as a doomed freak.

  I was half-way down the main aisle when I spied little Ada. She sat curled across Nan’s lap and stared at me with miserable, red-rimmed eyes. The happy-go-lucky girl who snuck through the Cloister on her secret adventures with Wulf was gone. Sophia’s worst fears had come to pass. I remembered the withered corpse on the Basilica stage. Sophia wanted this, for any of us.

  Up close, I could see the changes in Nan as well. Her once-bright eyes were sunken in with despair. Where was the sassy girl who’d teased Veronique while riding along in a prison wagon? Nan’s old self must still be inside her, somewhere. Ada’s as well. Anything else was unthinkable.

  At last, I reached the platform at the back of the church. The huge painting of the Tsar glared at me from the curved wall behind the altar. I wanted to chip the thing away with my fingernails. The small door at the base of the wall caught my eye. Ada told stories about sneaking through there with Wulf. It opened onto a maze secret passages inside the Basilica. My spirits lifted a little.

  Maybe that was a way to escape.

  The guards shoved me onto the right-hand side of the stage. A small troop of them lined up behind my back. I scoped out the distance to the door. It wasn’t a very long run. If I could find the right moment, I might just make it.

  The guards hauled Rowan onto the opposite side of the platform, right alongside the rest of the Casters. They were a bruised and bloodied group. Still, there was no missing the defiant gleam in their eyes. Maybe they would try to run with me.

  The door at the base of the mural swung open. The Tsar, Marlene, and Gaspard all stepped out onto the stage. I’d be close enough to kill them, if only I had a sword in my hand. Perhaps I’d find one in the passages beyond the door. A girl could hope.

  Viktor stepped forward and raised his arms. “Welcome to the Examination Ceremony for the Harvest Equinox.” Some polite applause followed, mostly from the Royals. I guessed that they must have attended these events before and knew when to clap. Yet another reason to hate them.

  “New Sisters have recently been initiated into the Midnight Cloister,” continued Viktor. “I am here to select some of them to join in my personal entourage.” He paused for dramatic effect, and it made me ill to see the younger girls share excited smiles. Viktor set his hand on Gaspard’s shoulder. “Others of you will be sent off with the Vicomte for further training. This is a great honor.”

  Gaspard straightened the lapels of his yellow jacket and bowed slightly at the waist. “The honor is all mine.”

  Conniving bastard.

  Viktor then turned to Marlene. “And a small number of you may stay here to serve this Cloister. You’ll be blessed to live under Marlene’s wise and gentle leadership as Mother Superior.” Marlene fluttered her lashes and blushed. I supposed it was an attempt to show her humility, gentleness, or wisdom. I wanted to kick her teeth in.

  “And there are unpleasant topics for us to review today, as well.” Viktor gestured between Rowan and me. “Here, you see two master assassins. They came to our Cloister with murder on their minds and evil in their hearts. Along with them came a league of rogues and thieves, one of whom was posing as the great Genesis Rex.” He raised his pointer finger. “And although every last one of these fiends are bloodthirsty killers, not a single member of my company was killed.”

  Only because your friends the Sire and Lady said I’d fry in flames if I laid a hand on you. It wasn’t worth the risk to use kill spells on the guards. Although knowing what I know now? I’d have suggested poisonous tarantulas.

  “As you all witnessed, I was able to completely foil their plans with ease.” Viktor stared at me in open contempt. “To atone for their foul actions, the Casters have volunteered to participate in my latest experiments.”

  I can’t let that happen. I stared at the platform door. It’s such a short distance…

  Viktor raised his arms once more. “It is time for the principal announcement of our ceremony. I know how the young Sisters dream of joining my entourage. Today, I have spent time reviewing each of your qualifications. It was a hard decision, but after much deliberation, I have made my selection. Only one girl will be chosen.” Viktor paused again. A few new Sisters trembled with excitement. Others held hands, their eyes wide with anticipation. The sight made me ill. “This time I choose… Sister Nan.”

  I knew he would say this. Didn’t make it any easier to hear, though. It was as if a vise clamped down on my heart. Nan would be squeezed out of my life.

  Viktor pointed to the spot beside him on the stage. “Come forward, Sister.”

  With that bone crawler inside her, Nan had no choice but to obey. She slowly rose from her pew and shuffled over to stand beside the Tsar. The whole time, Ada watched with tears streaming down her cherub-sweet face. I kept reminding myself that Ada was safe here until next season. She had time.

  Viktor set his hand on Nan’s shoulder and looked down on her
indulgently. “I shall accept you into my inner circle. This ceremony is something that very few of my followers have been privileged to witness. Therefore, I invite Vicomte Gaspard to announce who he has chosen for his training program. After that, the rest of you may leave.”

  More lies. Viktor just wants to kill Nan with as few witnesses as possible. I tried to catch her gaze, but Nan only stared forward, her features slack with shock. I glanced at the door. Should I run now?

  Rowan caught my eye. He carefully scanned the distance between him, me, and the doorway to escape. His brow furrowed for a moment before he tilted his head to the side. I knew the movement was his way of asking ‘are you planning to run?’ In another situation, I might worry about the fact that Rowan and I were guessing each other’s thoughts, but for now, I was thrilled.

  I gave him the barest of nods. Rowan returned the gesture. He would help me. My body felt a jolt of hope and energy. With Rowan along, there was a far better chance.

  Viktor motioned to Gaspard. “Vicomte, if you’re ready.”

  Gaspard fingered one of the watches dangling from his pockets. “This is a remarkable class of initiates. So many fresh faces that—with a little more training—may be suitable to join the Tsar’s inner circle. I am happy to say that I have accepted all of you into my training program.” The girls actually cooed with excitement. It made me want to scream.

  Viktor nodded. “You may take them all now.”

  Gaspard waved at the Basilica entrance. “Up and out, everyone. Exit through the front door. My people will help guide you to your carriages.” The new Sisters rose and strode away. Veronique stood still as a statue in the middle of the group. Her eyes blazed with rage as she glared at Gaspard. I’d seen her peevish and whiny before, but nothing like this.

  Viktor waved his hand absently. “The ghosts may go as well.”

  My hands curled into fists. They’re called Sentinel Spirits. These women dedicated part of their souls to this Cloister. It was nothing like a haunting. For a moment, the Sentinel Spirits looked around with sad eyes and stooped shoulders. After that, they disappeared entirely. What a disgrace to treat them this way.

  Viktor stared at the elder sisters before letting out an exasperated sigh. “Must I spell out everything for your bovine sensibilities? The older Sisters may go. You’re no longer needed.”

  It didn’t hurt that the Tsar compared these elder Sisters to cows. What pained me was they didn’t even flinch at the words. I was used to older women being treated with respect. Here, they kept their eyes down as they shuffled out a side door. Infuriating.

  Suddenly, Ada was racing down the main aisle. “I want to stay with Nan and Elea!” An elder Sister tried to quiet the child, but the damage had already been done. Gaspard had noticed.

  He pointed directly at Ada. “What about that one?”

  On reflex, I shook my head. Please, not Ada.

  “She isn’t a Sister,” said Marlene.

  Gaspard shrugged. “I’ll take her anyway.”

  Viktor pursed his lips. “Aren’t you concerned about discipline, Gaspard?” Discipline, my eye. Ada didn’t have the mark, so she might not be so easy to control.

  “Not at all,” said Gaspard. “My training program enforces complete obedience.”

  Viktor stared at Ada for a long moment. I twisted my hands so hard, the manacles drew blood from my wrists. Let her be. Ada can stay here safely until next season.

  Viktor waved at the door. “Take her, then. Go.”

  Mindless rage roared through my soul. Somewhere in the back of my thinking mind, a small voice warned me about zuchtlos. It sounded a lot like Petra. But Ada raced toward me with a smile of pure joy. The innocent love in her eyes crushed any thoughts of control.

  In that moment, I made my decision. I’m taking her. Now.

  I glanced over to Rowan, who gave me another nod. Ada raced closer.

  Twenty feet…

  Ten feet…

  Five…

  I leapt off the stage and scooped up Ada into my arms. Rowan and his people sprang into action as well. They picked up prayer benches and slammed the wooden frames into the nearby guards, clearing our path. Even Nan grabbed a prayer bench and jumped into the battle. A fighting light was back in her eyes. It was beautiful.

  With Ada in my arms, I raced to the back of the stage. Guards were everywhere but I only focused on the exit door. Ada was in my arms and Rowan ran at my side. We had to make it.

  The three of us sped across the stage. Ada’s little hands gripped me tightly around the neck as she buried her head in my shoulder. Rowan pulled daggers from his leathers and whipped them at the guards. His accuracy was deadly despite the manacles weighing down his wrists. Blade after blade embedded directly in the guard’s helms. They all fell over dead.

  We were almost at the door. Nan tore a dagger from a dead guard’s helm and jumped back into the fight. Rowan gripped the handle and whipped the door open.

  Almost there.

  Something slammed into the base of my spine, heavy as a boulder. I fell forward and landed on my side. Agony seared up my rib cage. All the air was knocked from my lungs as the armed guards grabbed Ada and pinned me to the floor. I heard a small voice crying for me. “Elea!”

  “I’m coming for you, Ada!” My voice was a rough wheeze as I struggled to pull any air into my lungs. That vise in my chest pulled in so tight, I thought my heart would burst with sorrow. I had to get her. With all my strength, I tried to wriggle free from the guards, but it was no use. The most I could do was twist my head and watch Ada be dragged away.

  Of all people, Veronique walked over to Ada and calmly plucked the child from the guard’s arms. The man seemed to stunned to fight back. With gentle words, Veronique comforted Ada, hoisting the child onto her hip. After that, Veronique then turned to me.

  I had no illusions about this girl. What game was she playing?

  Cold determination shone in Veronique’s eyes. “Amelia,” she said clearly. With that, Veronique and Ada walked away, along with all the other Sisters.

  Amelia. It was one word, but held a world of meaning. Veronique believed that I could get out of this alive and would return to save Ada. Of course, Veronique wants me to save her favorite person as well… and that would be Veronique. Watching over Ada was the best way to ensure her own safety. It was an odd mixture of Veronique showing confidence in me, while still trying to save her own hide. Still, if it helped Ada, then I’d track whoever this Amelia person down. That is, if I lived to see the morning.

  The guards dragged me to the right side of the stage. Rowan and his people were set back on the left. They all looked worse for the wear. Fresh lines of blood dripped down the side of Rowan’s handsome face. Nan was in pain as well. She clutched her shoulder and looked away. So many brave souls, and we’d tried to do the right thing. It simply hadn’t worked. Sadness wrapped around me like a shroud.

  Viktor rounded on me. “What an amusing display, my little assassin. Do that again and I’ll bring the little imp back. You can watch as I slice off her fingers.” He stepped closer. “Am I clear?”

  How I hated saying this. “Clear.”

  Next, Viktor turned to Nan. “The same goes for you. No acts of defiance or I’ll disembowel both of your friends for my own amusement.”

  I couldn’t believe what he was saying. I knew Viktor to be evil, but pulling out fingers and disemboweling children? Where did this fiend come from?

  Nan kept her gaze steady. I was so proud of her right now, I could burst. “Clear.”

  “Then, we come to the most important part of the ceremony,” said Viktor. “Sister Nan shall join my entourage.”

  Nan lifted her chin. “Get on with it, then.” Even though our escape plan failed, I was happy to see the old spark had returned to my friend.

  Viktor stepped up to Nan and grasped her throat in his meaty hand. His grip was so tight, her head flipped back in pain. On reflex, I stepped forward to help. A guard slammed his sword hilt int
o my tender ribs. A riot of pain broke out over my torso.

  “Stand back, little assassin. No more trouble from you.”

  I barely heard his words. All I could do was focus on how Nan gasped for air while the bone crawler slowly twisted up under the skin of her neck. Once the creature was parallel with her throat, it flared a violet hue under her flesh.

  “Stop it!” I cried. “What do you want? I’ll do anything.”

  Viktor ignored me. All his focus was on Nan’s writhing throat. “Come out, my pretty.” The insect punched a hole through her neck, its body glowing purple as it wrapped itself around Viktor’s wrist. A horrible gurgling sound came from the wound.

  I screamed. “No!”

  The skin on Viktor’s arm shone violet-bright as he drained Nan’s energy into his body. In this moment, I would give anything to spare my friend this horror. Nan’s flesh withered while her hair turned white. Her healthy young body wasted away into an empty cadaver before my eyes.

  “You bastard! I’ll make you pay!” This was my Nan, who’d chased Ada around the storehouse. Who’d told happy tales of avoiding the hangman’s noose. Who approached any tragedy like an adventure. Her withered form lay on stage. That light that was only Nan had now been taken from the world. We all lived in a darker place.

  The Tsar tossed Nan’s limp body to the floor like trash. I hated him even more for that. Nan’s skeletal frame lay on her side with her arms arched over her face. A defensive pose, even in death. Her whitened braids fanned out behind her like a halo. That bastard had taken all her energy and life.

  Viktor stepped up to me. “Your turn.” Bands of icy fear tightened around my chest. “But first, I must prepare you.” Viktor clenched and unclenched his fingers, making his totem rings glisten in the dying light. “Bonding Animal,” he said. One of his totem rings flared blue. A moment later, a bone crawler squirmed on his palm. The slimy beast was just as disgusting as I remembered. My heart pounded so hard, I could hear the blood whoosh in my ears.