Page 42 (1/2)

Halfway up, I found the other man who’d spoken, and he was in a bad way He was barely breathing, and covered in blood, and as I knelt he shook his head “No, Iris, go back, I—” He coughed “I was sent to protect you”

“By Randal?”

“Yes, he—” The man trembled violently, then fell still, and I knew that he was dead

Everything rong Why had Randal sent hier? Why not co,as he said, but if he was supposed to protect me, how could I be safe down there? I was better off away from here I kneay around Aramoor City and could find my way back to the farm if needs be

Heading up the rest of the steps, I just prayed that whatever had happened didn’tfronizeto his father I’d i on the outskirts of the city or a ruined watchtower on top of a hill But instead, I foundoff to either side

Whatever this building was, it was large And I had no choice but to risk losing myself in it

The dark hallere confusing and night, one blended into another This old ruin wasn’t just some outhouse or warehouse

No

As I followed the long stone corridors and empty halls, I knew exactly where I was: Ironhaven Castle I knew I had to be right—where else could I be? But the realization htbelonged to his father? Exactly as he that he had private roohold? But there was no tis I had to find my way to safety, and I had to do it fast

Somehow I found my way to a small door and into a tiny stairorn and slippery steps I tripped up the desperately to a rickety old banister, and then slipped through the soft folds of a thick velvet curtain, meant to keep out the cold in winter and the heat in suht and sounds, I found myself in an opulent hallway full ofsilvery trays and glea wine

It was disorienting at first, all these people and all these things My whole universe for the past day had been limited to Randal and our small, perfect world All of this outside, it seen And unwelcome

But inhaling deeply, I steadied s of milk to help myself blend in I was already, thankfully, in plain dress that easily passed for a servant’s, and nobody gave lance As the servants and people passed me, I heard snatches of hurried conversations