Until the World Falls Down

Chapter 26

26

S heeting rain pelted down on me when I came out of the darkness, and I rolled onto my side to avoid it falling into my face. I wiped my eyes, ridding them of both raindrops and tears. My mind was reeling, the pendant still burning against my skin as I pushed myself to a kneeling position, glancing around me. It was dark, and the heavy rain made it nearly impossible to see anything until a lightning bolt lit up the sky, revealing a stone gazebo only a few paces from me. Thunder cracked, and I scrambled to my feet, deciding it would be good enough shelter as I got my bearings. Another streak of lightning flashed, and I made my move, nearly slipping on the damp and slick steps leading into the gazebo.

Soaked and shivering, I pushed my hair out of my face, waiting for lightning to illuminate my surroundings. Each flash gave me two seconds. One revealed a shadowy castle outline in the distance, and another lit up a stone path leading through what seemed to be a garden. Shrubbery wet with rain swayed in the storm’s wind, petals from flowers littering the grass and path.

I didn’t recognize any of it. My chest tightened as I accepted I’d entered my final challenge. Been forced into it. “Bring me back,” I whispered into the darkness. “Please. I don’t want to leave him alone.”

No shadows answered my request this time.

My lip trembled, and I bit it hard, clenching my fists as I fought back the lump in my throat. “I’ll fail on purpose.”

Thunder crashed so hard in response that it made me jump. I glanced over my shoulder as lightning once again provided vision, catching the sight of two men hurrying toward the gazebo. My heart lurched, and I slipped out the other side, keeping against its frame, my back pressed against a column as I hid.

“What nonsense do you plan to claim now?” a harsh, hushed voice asked as I heard the pair’s heavy footfalls climb up the gazebo’s steps. “You have wasted enough of my time. Must you do this during my daughter’s celebration, too?”

“You have to listen to me,” the other man responded, voice rising as he spoke. “He is up to no good. Your daughter is in danger with him!”

“They are to be married,” the first man snapped. “I cannot interfere with my daughter’s wedding on your baseless claims, Kayn.”

“They are not baseless,” the second one, Kayn, gritted out. “You are blind if you do not see the danger lurking in the shadows.”

“I have investigated your every claim, and there has never been one shred of evidence for your allegations.”

Kayn made a sound of frustration. “You are making a mistake. How can you marry your daughter off to someone who has a questionable background?”

“Did you forget you also have a questionable background?” the first man challenged. “Have you forgotten what your father did to this kingdom?”

“I…” Kayn fell silent for a moment. “I don’t trust him. ”

“I will not lie and say I trust him completely either,” the first man admitted. “But Evangeline trusts him. That is enough for me. He has done nothing to incur any of our distrust, either.”

“Yet. He hasn’t done anything yet . Your blind trust will get both you and Evie killed one day, Solomon?—”

“Enough, Kayn. Speak further, and you will be no longer welcome in my home,” Solomon interjected sharply, before his tone lightened as he spoke again. “I know you worry about Evangeline. I know you have protected her all this time. But she is an adult. She can make her own choices.”

“I understand,” Kayn muttered. “At least be cautious of him. Please. For both your sakes.”

“I will. I truly appreciate your concern. You have done more for our family than most would. But Verofer has shown nothing but loyalty and adoration for Evangeline. If they love each other, I will not be the one to stand between them.”

“Right,” Kayn responded stiffly.

“Rest assured, though, should your claims have proof, I will not hesitate to banish him from this kingdom.” A heavy sigh came. “Take your time in returning,” Solomon said, and then I heard one pair of footsteps walking away. “Evangeline will know something is wrong with you. I do not want to bother her with your accusations during such a joyful time.”

Silence fell, and I didn’t move, rain dripping down my face in rivulets. An itch in my nose was the only warning before I sneezed. I tried to stifle it, but it was too late. I froze, my eyes squeezing shut as I held my breath, hoping the rain covered the noise.

But when I opened my eyes again and looked up as a streak of lightning crossed the sky, a man leaning out of the gazebo came into sight.

He looked down at me, and I barely made out his hazel eyes and damp red hair before the night hid him again. I scrambled up from the ground, prepared to run, when a hand closed around my arm, hauling me back into the gazebo.

“Sorry!” I spluttered, stumbling after him. “I didn’t mean to listen in!”

He released me, and light filled the gazebo. I stared at the ball of white magic he held out in his hand for a moment, surprised. So, there was magic in this world, too. The man’s wet hair fell onto his face, sticking to his forehead. The top layer of it was pulled back into a small topknot while the rest fell to just above his shoulders. “Who are you? What are you doing here?”

My gaze shifted back to his face, and I gasped as my eyes roamed over his white skin, up to pointed ears. “Are those real?”

His brow furrowed, then his gaze went to my ears. “A human? Here? How?”

I hesitated a moment. The past times, I’d been brought straight to the one doing the labyrinth, but for some reason, it didn’t feel right this time. As if Kayn was not the one I was here for.

Or maybe that was because I didn’t want to be here.

I understood why Enver forced me to leave. I knew this was for my own good, but it didn’t mean it hurt any less. Didn’t stop the longing from making it feel like someone had ripped my own heart out. I understood Enver more now than ever before, which only added to my ache for him.

“Do you desire something so much you would do anything to have it?” I asked, forcing myself to speak.

He tensed, eyes narrowing in suspicion. “Are you a witch?”

“No!” I said quickly, the accusation distracting me from my sorrow for a moment. “I’m just a normal human! Here to help someone. I just don’t know if it’s you or someone else. Are you challenging the labyrinth?”

He pursed his lips, taking in my soaked form. “The only thing you’re helping at this moment is yourself catching a cold. Here. Come with me. You’re obviously not from around here. I should be able to find something dry for you to wear.”

I nodded, shivering, following him out of the gazebo, the ball of light in his hand lighting up a path for us. I wouldn’t turn down dry clothing. I didn’t know how long I’d be stuck here. “Is what you want so desperately, Evangeline?”

Kayn glanced back at me, his expression guarded. “You know of Evie?”

I shook my head. “No. I overheard you.”

He faced forward again, and I had to hurry to keep up with his long strides. “Yes. She is the woman I desperately crave. It might sound pathetic to you?—”

“It doesn’t,” I said immediately. “I know what it’s like to want someone so badly it hurts.” My throat tightened. “Knowing you can’t ever have them. It’s not pathetic. It’s terrible and cruel.”

Kayn slowed his pace as if noticing I struggled to keep up, but didn’t respond. We veered off to the left, the stone path turning into dirt. I looked up at the castle in the distance as we approached a secondary, much smaller structure. Although not as grand as the neighboring stronghold, it was quaint and well-kept. We approached an oak door, and Kayn opened it, gesturing for me to go first.

I did, and warm air and the scent of cedar surrounded me. A fireplace in the room’s corner roared to life with no one around to kindle it. Startled a bit, I stopped, but Kayn brushed past me. “I’m aware my place isn’t as resplendent as the main castle, but my circumstances aren’t as noble, either. I am fortunate I was given a place to stay, to begin with.” Curious, I turned to him, but he crossed the room, heading up a wooden staircase. “I’ll return with clothing for you.”

“Thanks,” I said, looking around the room. It was mostly bare, with the furniture added as if on a second thought. I moved into the next room, peeking into what I assumed to be his bedroom and finding it in a similar state.

I heard Kayn coming back down the stairs and I backed out of his bedroom, blushing a bit at being caught. He frowned at me. “This is all I have, but it should fit,” he said, handing me a bundled up dress and a towel. “And here, use this to dry off your hair.”

I smiled wryly. I was sick of wearing someone else’s dresses. “Thank you,” I said as I took them, looking for somewhere private.

“You can change in my bedroom. I’ll wait out here.”

Nodding, I did as he said, closing the door behind me and peeling off my soaked dress. I used the towel to dry myself off as much as possible before unraveling the new dress. It was beautiful. Pure black and floor-length with long sleeves made of scalloped lace. The bodice was a corset with a built-in bra and boning, also made of lace, but embroidered with black beads in swirling patterns. I almost didn’t want to put it on. It looked expensive. But I also didn’t want to stand around in a strange man’s home nearly naked, so I stepped into it. Strangely, it fit me perfectly. It clung to me like a second skin, not the slightest bit too big or too small.

I tried to comb through my hair with my fingers, but gave up, picking up my shoes and returning to the adjoining room.

Kayn was shirtless now, drying his hair with a towel, muscles rippling as he moved. His head tilted toward me as he heard me approach, his eyes raking over my body. A hint of a smile crossed his face. “Perfect fit.”

I tried not to feel self-conscious. “Is this dress yours?”

“It was a gift for Evangeline,” he said, tossing his towel onto a small table, picking up a dry shirt, and pulling it over his head. “It’s fine, though. I can buy her something else. That looks like it was made for you, anyway.”

“Is she your ex-lover or something? ”

Kayn frowned. “We have never been in a relationship, although I have admired her since we were teenagers.”

“Has she ever had feelings for you?” I asked, feeling awkward. I didn’t know how I was supposed to help someone with an unrequited love.

“Yes,” he said, his jaw flexing. “Until he came along.”

“Who’s he?”

“Verofer. The one she is supposed to marry. But I plan to stop it. No matter what.”

Any doubt that Kayn was not a participant in the labyrinth disappeared. I recognized the pattern now. Wanting something so desperately but going about it the wrong way. I needed to guide him on the right path for him to succeed.

Unless…

My pulse quickened, remembering my earlier threat to the shadows. If I sabotaged this challenge, would I return to Enver? Although Isla’s failure hadn’t caused me to fail, her challenge hadn’t been my final one. Kayn’s was .

Which meant there was a chance I would return to Enver if I ruined this.

“How can I help?” I asked.

Kayn folded his arms over his chest, regarding me with a suspicious expression. “Who are you to want to help me?”

“It’s what I’m here to do,” I told him.

“What do you get out of it?”

My heart skipped a beat. “What I want.”

It was what I wanted. Enver was what I wanted. I was sure of it. He believed I would regret it if I stayed with him, but I knew I wouldn’t. I would regret not trying to get back to him. I would regret not being by his side. Not being his.

But… failing also meant dooming Kayn to an eternity of being Enver’s servant. Could I do that to him? Condemn him to something I was so afraid of? Just so I could be with Enver?

“For some reason, I believe you,” Kayn said, relaxing his posture, unaware I was plotting his demise. “Fine. There is something you can do for me.”

I pushed away any guilt that tried to settle into me. “What is it?”

“I need your help in getting Evie away from under her father’s watch,” he said. “The wedding is supposed to be in a few days. A ball is being held tonight to celebrate the auspicious couple.” He spat out the word auspicious like an insult and began pacing the wooden floor. “It will be crowded and the perfect chance for me to try to convince her not to marry Verofer one last time.”

“And if she still insists on getting married?”

A flicker of anger crossed his expression, but he quickly schooled it. “Then there is nothing more I can do. I will fall back and stay silent. All I want is Evie’s happiness. I have to try to protect it.”

Sympathy flooded me, and the self-reproach I felt at what I planned to do grew heavier. He seemed to really care about Evangeline. Enough to give her up if it meant she would be happy. I swallowed, thinking of Enver. Was that how he felt about me? Was that why he pushed me to complete the labyrinth and escape? Did he truly believe my leaving would lead me to happiness?

Tension laced the slope of Kayn’s shoulders, making his movements stiff. I reached out and touched his hand softly. “I’ll help you. Don’t give up. She might see reason yet.”

Kayn went still, his gaze shooting to where we touched and then to my face, the intensity in his eyes causing me to draw my hand back. Before I could open my mouth to apologize, he gave me a curt nod. “Thank you. Then we must fix your hair. I believe I have some makeup around, too, if you want it. Evie tends to leave her belongings wherever she flits about.”

“You want me to go to the ball?”

“Yes. You will attend as my guest. ”

I blinked. “What if that gives Evangeline the wrong idea about us?”

“Perhaps a little jealousy will help move things along,” Kayn said with a smirk. “Besides, this is a good way for you to get close to her without arousing suspicion. She’ll be curious who my guest is.”

“Okay,” I agreed, grimacing inwardly. Aki’s ball hadn’t left the greatest taste in my mouth about them.

And Enver’s…

I didn’t think anything could compare to his.

“Come,” Kayn ordered, crooking a finger at me. “You will already stand out with that odd hair color, but let’s make sure you don’t stand out because you still look half-drowned.”

“Right…”

I followed Kayn back into his room, allowing him to sit me in front of a desk with a mirror. I stared at my reflection and had to agree I looked drowned. My eyes were still red-rimmed from crying, my hair was lifeless and damp, and my skin was devoid of color. Kayn dug through a dresser drawer before pulling out a comb and ribbon.

I stayed silent as he manipulated my hair into a bun, pulling out some strands to frame my face, and then tied it in place with a ribbon. “How did you do that so easily?” I asked, surprised.

He pointed to his own hair. “Experience. And Evangeline used to make me do her hair all the time when we were younger.”

I smiled. “Her own personal stylist.”

Kayn chuckled. “You could call it that. I’d say more like her manservant. Now, I believe I have some rouge. It should add a little color to your face. One moment.”

I had no idea what that was, so I nodded as he disappeared and returned with a small pot. I sat still as he applied a red shade to my lips and then applied some to my cheeks with a lighter hand. “Did you also do her makeup?” I asked when he finished, admiring how the makeup did bring back some color to my face. I looked way more put together. More than I had since the night at the club.

The thought made me a little mortified. Enver had basically only ever seen me at my worst—no makeup on, messy hair barely combed through with my fingers, dark circles under my eyes, dry skin…

Yet he still thought I was beautiful? Was he blind?

“I did anything and everything she asked for,” Kayn said, interrupting my spiraling thoughts. “I still would. I can never say no to her.”

The amount of devotion in his voice struck me. “You really love her,” I said quietly.

“I do,” he confirmed. “I love her.”

My throat grew tight. To have someone say so confidently that they loved her… Evangeline was lucky. She had what I could only yearn for.

Kayn checked the time on a pocket watch, and then helped me stand up. “It’s about time we head out. Do you remember where I found you? The gazebo in the gardens? That’s where I want you to bring Evie. I’ll show you which door to take that will lead to it once we’re in the ballroom. It will lead you right to it.”

“What if she doesn’t want to come with me?” I asked, suddenly nervous.

Kayn walked over to his wardrobe, shrugged on a black vest, and donned a black suit jacket. “She’ll go with you. Trust me. Just tell her I want to talk to her. And don’t tell anyone else. I don’t want the chance that her father will overhear. Let the ball get into full swing before you attempt to get her outside. She’ll have lots of attention on her in the beginning.”

“Okay,” I responded.

“Shall we go, then? ”

I nodded, and he led the way. The rain had stopped, and the clouds had parted, allowing the moon to light up the way to the castle. We entered through a side entrance, and I could immediately hear the murmurs of voices, faint laughter, and the muffled sound of an orchestra playing. Kayn offered me his arm, and I slipped mine through his as we climbed up a stairwell and entered a hallway where a handful of people were chatting, all dressed elegantly.

They all turned to look at Kayn as we passed by, their reactions all differing, but all overwhelmingly negative. Some scowled, some moved back as if to keep as much space between us and them as possible, others shot dirty looks, and one even openly scoffed and turned his head away, muttering something I couldn’t quite catch, but sounded like traitor .

I frowned, glancing back, but Kayn shook his head. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he said nothing. The music got louder as we approached a set of double doors. Two guards stood on either side, and they opened the doors for us as we approached.

A rush of voices and violins filled the air, and the sight of dozens of people greeted us. My eyes widened in awe at the elegance and size of the ballroom. Large stained-glass windows lined the walls, crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, and gold filigree decorated every inch of space between. One side held an expanse of delicious looking food, and the other sat a string quartet, playing a cheerful waltz.

A hush fell over the guests closest to us, their gazes darting between Kayn and myself. Kayn stared straight ahead as he strode past them, his grip on me tightening as whispers erupted around us. My stomach twisted as the guests parted for us as we walked, with one woman almost tripping over herself to get out of the way.

“There’s Evie,” Kayn said, nodding toward a raised dais.

My heart skipped a beat as my gaze landed on Evangeline— the same woman I’d crashed into in Enver’s castle. Except now, she had long hair and wore an elegant ballgown, exactly as the statue in Enver’s garden depicted. Now, there was no doubt. Why was she here, though? What connection did she have with Enver’s castle?

Evangeline was laughing at something someone said, her melodic voice cutting through the noise of the crowd. Long black hair fell halfway down her back, contrasting against the white dress she wore. She had a golden complexion, her cheekbones high, her lips full, curved up into a beautiful smile.

Next to her, a man sat on a throne on the dais. His eyes narrowed as he stared into the crowd, a tight frown on his lips. He shared the same skin tone as Evangeline, although his black hair was cut short and haphazardly styled up and out of his face.

A muscle jumped into Kayn’s jaw as he glowered at the man. I didn’t need to ask to know it was Verofer—Evangeline’s betrothed.

I didn’t want to make assumptions based on first glances, but I could see where Kayn was concerned. Not once did Verofer look at Evangeline as she chatted animatedly to the crowd around them. Even when she tapped him on the shoulder, as if asking him to partake in conversation, he simply brushed her off, turning his head.

“She’s beautiful,” I said, when I found my voice again.

“She is much more than that,” Kayn murmured. “Much more.”

As if hearing Kayn speak, Evangeline’s attention turned toward us. Confusion clouded her expression as she took in our entwined arms, her body going still. He pulled me closer in response, his arm sliding around my waist.

Evangeline’s eyes widened and then met mine. I forced my lips into a flustered smile, which she returned with a tight one after a moment. She nodded toward me in greeting before returning to the discussion around her, though her smile faded completely.

I immediately felt like an asshole. I pulled my arm free from Kayn. “Maybe this isn’t a good idea. She already seems hurt?—”

“No,” Kayn interjected firmly, taking my hand and pulling me away from the crowd. “We continue with my plan. This is my last chance.”

“But—”

“Did you not say you also get something out of helping me?” Kayn asked, his expression darkening as his hand slid up to grip my biceps. “Does that not matter anymore?”

I hesitated, lowering my head. Kayn’s life wasn’t the only life I would ruin if I went through with this. If I trapped Kayn in Enver’s labyrinth, he and Evangeline would lose each other forever. Maybe Evangeline was trapped in Enver’s castle right now because Kayn hadn’t completed his labyrinth yet. Maybe their challenges were tied together like Rielle’s and Silas’s. I would be taking away their chance at love for my own selfish reasons.

I’d been brought to the labyrinth because I desperately wanted to be loved. Could I really destroy someone else’s chance at it? When it was within reach for them? When it could never be in reach for me? And even if I succeeded in my plan of failing my challenge, could I live with the knowledge of what I’d done to Kayn and Evangeline? Watching Kayn and Evangeline roam around Enver’s castle mindless and empty for the rest of eternity? What would Enver think? After realizing what I had done to be with him? He’d wanted me to leave. To be happy. To have a chance at the love I wanted so badly. Would this be a betrayal to him, too?

I knew the answers to my questions, even if I refused to admit them. I wouldn’t sacrifice another person’s happiness for my own. I couldn’t do it, not even for Enver. Even if it meant losing him .

I didn’t realize a tear had spilled down my cheek until Kayn brought up a hand to wipe it away. “I’m sorry. I let my emotions get the best of me just now. I shouldn’t have snapped at you,” he said.

“It’s okay,” I said, taking a shaky breath. “I’ll still help you. The plan is still the same, right?”

He nodded. “Yes. Approach her in about an hour. Take that door to the side there, and it will lead out to the gardens.”

“Okay,” I replied, looking at the door he pointed at.

“I need to prepare some things, so I will meet you out there.”

“You’re leaving me?” I asked, my eyes widening. I grabbed his wrist as he turned to walk away. “Wait!”

He raised an eyebrow. “You can handle yourself for an hour, can’t you?”

“I… I guess.”

“I am sure there will be many suitors to keep you occupied,” he said, giving me a brief smirk. “You’re quite eye-catching. Especially since you arrived with me.”

I let him go but felt no more confident. “Okay.”

“Thank you, by the way,” he said. “There would have been no one else I could trust for this task. You have made this so much easier.”

I frowned after him as he disappeared back into the crowd that still scattered around him. I wasn’t sure he’d be thanking me if he knew what I’d initially planned to do to him.

My heart clenched.

I didn’t want to think about that now. I needed to focus on ensuring that Kayn and Evangeline got their happily ever after.

I pushed all thoughts from my head, focusing on people watching. Contrary to Kayn’s prediction, no one came up to me. People stared—they definitely stared. And whispered. I felt self-conscious and fought the urge to hide behind something.

Every so often, I glanced back at Evangeline, finding her and Verofer still on the dais. The people around them changed intermittently until only a few remained. Verofer barely interacted with anyone the entire time, ignoring Evangeline, and appearing more annoyed by each passing minute. I eventually had to turn away from them, irritation making me grit my teeth. How could someone ignore their fiancée like that? Why did her father defend a man like that? Did he not see how much he seemed to be annoyed by her presence?

I wasn’t sure how much time passed, but I was starting to get antsy when a soft hand landed on my shoulder. I jumped, startled, turning to find Evangeline. Up close, I realized she was a bit taller than me, her skin flawless and dewy. She smiled at me. “Hello. You are Kayn’s guest, right?”

“Um, yes,” I said, stepping back and holding my hand out. “I’m Nell.”

“Evangeline,” she responded, ignoring my hand and curtseying.

Oh. Right. I awkwardly curtseyed back. “It’s nice to meet you.”

“You as well,” she said, her smile faltering. “I’d actually like to discuss something with you if you don’t mind.”

I stared at her, wondering if she would ask about Kayn and me. He hadn’t told me what to tell her if she did. “Oh, sure,” I said, trying to think of a lie.

“I’d like to go somewhere more private. Let us step outside.”

“How about the gazebo in the gardens?” I suggested, realizing this could make my job of getting her outside easier.

She considered it, then nodded. “Yes, that’ll do well. Come on, before I get dragged into more soul-leeching conversation.”

I followed her to the door that led out to the gazebo, and she glanced around to ensure no one was looking before slipping through it. Her pace was quick as we made our way through the castle halls to an open-air walkway that spilled us out into the garden. Clouds had covered the moon again, but she held out her hand, conjuring a small ball of light, just as Kayn had done earlier.

“Don’t tell anyone,” she said, giving me a half-smile. “My father would have me imprisoned.”

“For magic?” I asked, assuming that was what the light was.

She gave me a quizzical look. “Yes?”

I held my tongue. Was it banned here or something? “What did you want to ask me about?” I asked, trying to change the subject.

Her expression turned uneasy. “About Kayn. I’ve never seen you before, and I’ve known Kayn for almost my entire life. How did you two meet?”

“We met just recently,” I lied, as we grew closer to the gazebo. “At the, uh, tailor.” They had tailors here, right? I hoped so.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” Evangeline asked, coming to a stop. Her eyes widened, concern filling them. “You don’t know…”

I also froze, staring back at her. How had she caught on so quickly? “Don’t know what?”

“You have to leave this place,” she said, her voice dropping into a hushed whisper as she grabbed my hand. “Leave now. Don’t come back. I don’t know what he wants with you, but you need to go.”

Her reaction caused my heart to race in my chest. She pulled me toward the gazebo, and my stomach sank. Something wasn’t right. “Wait?—”

A shape moved in the darkness, and then Kayn appeared in front of us. Evangeline pulled up short, a gasp escaping her. She fell back, nearly bumping into me. “Kayn? What are you doing out here? You should be inside.”

Kayn didn’t move, his face impassive. “You have left me no choice, Evie. ”

Evangeline held onto me tighter, her hand trembling. “What are you talking about?”

“I cannot allow you to marry Verofer. I won’t let him take you away from me. If you won’t believe he’s a danger to you, then I have to do something to protect you from him.”

“He’s not a danger,” Evangeline said, her voice rising. “If anyone is a danger to me, it’s you!”

Fury filled Kayn’s face, and he shot forward. I quickly put myself between him and Evangeline, my heart in my throat. “Kayn, wait, what are you doing?” I demanded. “This was your plan? To intimidate her?”

“You’ve played your part. Now step aside,” he snapped.

I tried not to flinch. “No, listen to me, whatever you’re thinking isn’t the right way to?—”

Kayn’s hand darted out, grabbing my arm and jerking me forward before shoving me roughly to the side. I hit the wet stones of the path, barely catching myself on my palms and narrowly avoiding a head injury, momentarily shocked by his violent reaction.

“Kayn, leave her out of this,” Evangeline said as he stalked toward her, holding her ground despite her quaking voice. “This is between us.”

“Is your decision final?” Kayn asked her. “Are you really going to marry him?”

“Yes. I am. I love him,” Evangeline whispered back, turning her head away from Kayn. “You have to accept that.”

Kayn shook his head. “No. I don’t. I won’t.”

I pushed myself back up to my feet, the split skin on my palms burning. Kayn turned toward me, his face hard. Without warning, he lunged. But not at Evangeline. At me. He grabbed my arm again and bent it painfully behind my back, immobilizing me as he moved behind me. The feeling of a cool blade against my neck for the second time in my life made me freeze .

“Kayn, what are you doing?” Evangeline asked, her hand shooting over her mouth.

“Anything I have to,” he answered, his voice tight. “I know you, Evie. You won’t let me hurt her. Even though she’s the one who led you out here.”

“Kayn, please. Stop this.”

“Take this,” he ordered, holding his free hand to her. A small vial of liquid sat in his palm. “Drink it.”

Evangeline didn’t move, her eyes trained on the vial. I winced as Kayn pushed the dagger deeper into my skin. “Don’t,” I told her, trying to stay calm. “Kayn, you can’t do this. You won’t get what you want this way.”

Kayn scoffed. “No, I will get everything I want this way. Trust me. I’ve had this planned for a while now. And I won’t let you stop me. Take it, Evie. Drink it.”

“What is it?” she asked, and the ball of magic in her hand flickered.

“Something to prevent you from running away. It’s only temporary, and it won’t hurt you.”

Evangeline looked between me and the vial. “I…”

“Don’t,” I repeated, hissing in pain as he dug the dagger far enough into my skin to spill blood.

Evangeline lurched forward, taking the vial from Kayn. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll drink it. But let her go.”

“I will. After you swallow every drop,” Kayn promised, and then his tone softened. “It won’t have any lasting effects. I promise. Nothing that happens to you tonight will. I don’t want to hurt you.”

Evangeline’s eyes blazed with anger as she ripped out the cork and poured the liquid down her throat. Ice flooded my veins as she finished, then held the empty vial back out to Kayn. “There,” she said, glaring at him. “Now release her.”

The dagger disappeared from my throat, along with his hold on me. “Good,” Kayn praised, moving closer to take the empty vial from her, only to throw it to the ground, letting the glass shatter by her feet. “Now continue to be compliant for me. He should be here any moment.”

She stared at him, and the clouds parted enough to let the moonlight through, allowing me to see the fear blossoming on her face and the tears in her eyes. “No—” Her protest was cut off as she coughed, swaying on her feet, reaching out to Kayn for support. “You said you wouldn’t hurt anyone,” she rasped.

“I said I wouldn’t hurt her ,” he responded, holding Evangeline steady. “You’ll never love me as long as Verofer is around. I have to get rid of him.”

Blood rushed through my ears as Evangeline gasped for breath, her body crumpling into Kayn’s arms. I had to do something. I had to stop this.

But if I don’t, I’ll fail .

For a second, all I could hear was my heartbeat. If I failed, I could be with Enver.

All I had to do was not intervene.

“No,” Evangeline whimpered, clinging weakly to Kayn. “Don’t, Kayn, please. Leave him alone. Please. I’ll come with you. Don’t hurt Verofer.”

“It’s too late for that,” Kayn said. “You should have listened to me a long time ago. Then I wouldn’t have been driven to this.”

“Please,” Evangeline whispered, and her desperation struck me.

No. I couldn’t fail. I couldn’t stand here and let this happen.

Before I could do anything, though, Kayn brought up the dagger and plunged it into Evangeline’s chest. She jerked in his grasp, a low moan escaping her lips as I stood there, stunned. Blood poured out from the wound, and the sight of crimson finally launched me into action. I shot forward, intent on stopping him, but I’d barely taken three steps when the light in Evangeline’s palm went out, and darkness blanketed us again .

I looked again. No. It didn’t go out. Something smothered it. Extinguished the light from the moon, too. A thick, physical presence. One with a chill that I recognized.

“Let her go.”

The familiar voice made my heart stop. Made the world seem slow as the darkness parted again and the source of the shadows appeared, materializing out of the night itself.

Enver.

His eyes were sharp, filled with fury, his expression deadly.

I opened my mouth to call for him, relief flooding through me, when Evangeline’s weak voice rang out first. “Verofer.”