I race to all four corners of the room, desperately seeking a way out, but there is no escape.
I’m trapped.
Imprisoned.
My worst fear confirmed.
Axel is both saving me and enslaving me.
He was my only way in—and now my only way out.
I slump to the floor in defeat. Left with no other option but to change back into the robe, return to bed, and continue the ruse until I come up with a much better plan. A plan that could take days, maybe even weeks to evolve. Yet, with no other choice, I heave myself up, grab the dress from the hem, and begin to slip it over my head. Dragging the buckskin pouch along with it, until I notice the trail of warmth it leaves in its wake.
It’s a sign. I’ve no doubt. Wouldn’t be the first time the amulet sought to get my attention.
I tug the dress back in place, and fold my fingers tightly around the pouch. Aware of my damaged heart pounding hard against my chest as I call upon the spirit of many generations of Santos ancestors. Summoning the collective wisdom of Valentina, Esperanto, Piann, Mayra, Maria, Diego, Gabriela, Alejandro, and Django, before I go quiet and still and wait for a sign of their presence.
Their message promptly delivered in frantically whispered words that sound in my head.
What lies outside of you is no match for what lies within you. You must be willing to do that which you believe you’re not capable of.
While the meaning is clear, the problem is, I’m no longer sure what I’m capable of.
I thought I could avert the prophecy, and maybe I did. But Axel’s refusal to discuss it leaves me uneasy.
I also thought I was ready to slay Cade—ready and willing and perfectly able. And though the memory is still hazy, there’s no denying the way I hesitated the moment I pressed the knife to his throat. Watching him bleed under my hand was nothing like I expected. It was less like slaying a beast, and more like murdering a human.
It’s a mistake I won’t make again.
Though one thing is clear, if I want to return to Enchantment I’ll have to act fast. And while it’s tempting to forge a less resistant path by trying to convince Axel to release me, I can’t risk it not working.
I need a plan that’s solid and sure.
I need a plan that doesn’t rely on Axel’s consent.
You must be willing to do that which you believe you’re not capable of.
I reach for the heavy wooden chair fronting the desk, and drag it to the other side of the door where I press my back flush to the wall, and wait.
Envisioning the scenario from start to finish.
Seeing myself fulfill the act without hesitation.
Without an ounce of regret.
Resolved to do whatever it takes to get out of this place.
four
Dace
When the murkiness gives way to darkness, I can’t help but spread my arms wide and embrace it like the savior it is.
Longing to melt into it.
Disappear in it.
Hardly able to believe that after all of this time, afte