We walked single file through the narrow passageways between the brick buildings, with me at the front, Arik in the middle, and Bastien behind us. The stones were ancient, and the bottom of the structures had mud stains, which made no sense, since there wasn’t any dirt to make it. We ended up on a cobbled road not much wider than the passageway.
“See how the doors of the buildings are all higher than the walkways?” Bastien answered the question he knew was playing in my head. “When the river overflows, it rushes through the streets. That’s why there are rope bridges overhead.”
“Does it flood a lot here?” I glanced back at Bastien. He wore a deep frown on his face.
“Yes, and we should hurry.” He pointed up at the sky. “See those dark clouds? It doesn’t take long for the rivers to flood with the heavy downpours here.”
Arik glanced up. “Surely we have plenty of time. It hasn’t even started to rain.”
“This coven is unique,” Bastien added. “It happens in a flash. You don’t see any villagers about, do you? They know.”
“Well, we’re here.” I pounded up the five steps to the entrance of the bakery where Emily had instructed me to meet her and Demos. The rusty bell on the door jingled, announcing our arrival.
Demos and Emily were sipping steaming liquid from chipped mugs. The remains of their breakfasts stained the thick, white plates on the table. Emily paused mid-sip and glanced our way.
“What took you so—” Her gaze landed on Bastien. “What’s he doing here?”
“He’s helping. We definitely could use a wizard on this quest.” I rested my hand on the back of Emily’s chair. “Demos, you and Arik better get going before the rain starts.”
Arik shook his head. “He can’t go with me. I’ll arrest him the moment he sets foot in the library.”
Demos let out an exasperated breath. “Oh, come on. Really?”
I was about to give Arik a swift kick in the butt.
Bastien must’ve noticed my frustration. He came up to my side and lightly brushed my hand with his. There was a spark between our fingers, and I wasn’t sure if it was from the worn-out carpet I’d just crossed or the strong connection I felt between us. He was going with me on my search for The Red. He didn’t know where, but he was going without hesitation, just as he’d done when the trap had pulled me into the barren Somnium. He’d held on, regardless of the outcome for him. And he wouldn’t let me do this alone.
“You’d really do that?” The surprise in Demos’s voice matched how I felt when Arik had said I’d be an enemy to the Wizard Council for delivering the cure to the Mystiks.
Arik’s eyes slid over Bastien’s and my hands before darting to Demos. “You went against a direct order and you tied me up. That’s imprisonment. Because I’m your leader, it’s most certainly mutiny as well. I have agreed to protect Royston, but I go to Asile alone.”
“Blimey, you certainly can hold a grudge, can’t you?” Demos picked up the linen napkin in front of him and wiped his mouth with it. “Why let insignificant things like my disobeying and binding you ruin our friendship?”
Arik pressed his lips together as if he were trying not to smile at that. “This is quite serious. Don’t test me. I won’t hesitate—”
“Enough,” I said, cutting him off. “Emily will go with Arik. Demos, you come with Bastien and me.”
Emily perked up at that.
I continued. “Unless you’d lock her up, too.”
He stared at Emily for a long moment. The tightness in his jaw loosened as he watched her. “I suppose I wouldn’t. She isn’t of our world and only aided you. Most likely, she didn’t know of the Wizard Council’s orders.”
“I didn’t tell her about anything.” I hoped Emily would go along with that story.
“That’s right,” Emily said. “I just took care of her at the house in Jamaica Plains. When we were attacked, I ended up with her in the Fey realm.”
“I don’t need a babysitter,” Arik argued. “She isn’t even able to jump on her own.”
Bastien stuffed his hands in his pockets, his eyes going from me to Arik. “I wasn’t let in on the plan. But possibly, there’s another reason Gia is adamant someone goes with you.”
“There is,” I said. “To make sure he returns to Asile.”
Demos removed some silver cuffs from the pocket of his trench.
Arik eyed them. “Cuff locks? You mean to use them on me?”
I gave him an unsure smile, worried he’d lose it on me. “It’s only until you’re in Asile.”
“You know I can come right back here.” He glared at me. “With guards.”
“We’ll be gone before you return,” I said. “And what are you going to do? Arrest all of Greyhill for getting the cure?”
“I see,” he said. “And I’m to jump with Emily, hands bound?”
“Pfft.” Demos fidgeted with the cuffs. “You could master the gateway blindfolded and with your feet tied.”
Arik raised his chin. “All right. I just want out of here.”
“And you’ll protect Royston?” I added.
“I promised I would.” Arik offered his wrists to Demos. “What are we waiting for? Put them on so I can leave already.”
Demos clamped the cuffs on Arik’s wrists and waved a hand over them. The cuffs glowed blue, securing Arik’s wrists in front of him.
I grasped Emily’s elbow, led her over to the pastry display case, and whispered, “Give this note to Cadby. Whatever you do, don’t let Arik see it. I know you still like him, but please don’t cave. Our lives depend on it. Both worlds depend on it.”
Emily frowned, took the note, and leaned closer to me. “I may like the guy, but he’s completely wrong on this. And I’d never let Nana down. She told me to help you, and I will.”
“Thank you,” I said. “Stay with Cadby. He’ll keep you safe. Okay?”
Arik was staring at us, so she just nodded. Demos placed his trench coat over Arik’s shoulders to conceal the fact that he had the magical cuffs on his wrists.
Demos held out a steel ring to Emily. “Put this on your pointer finger. If he tries to run or leave you behind, you only have to pull your finger in to stop him. To move him, point in the direction you want him to go. He won’t be able to resist the magic.”
She slipped it on her finger and grinned. “I’m going to like this.”
“I bet you will,” Demos said and laughed.
“Can we go already?” Arik growled.
Bastien opened the door. “By all means. I’ll be happy to see you go.”
Arik pushed by Bastien. He didn’t look back, just stomped out.
After Emily and Arik had exited the café, I felt a sudden rush of regret. He’ll never forgive me. How did we get to this place? A place where we were fighting on opposite sides of a battle. A place that broke my heart. And a place from which there was likely no return.
Just then, Bastien glanced at me, a crooked smile on his face that made my heart stutter. “Now, what about that plan?”
Right. Back to business.
“Do you have a window rod?” I asked.
Bastien nodded.
“Great. Have your guards leave Greyhill and meet us in the library.”
A round, stout woman with graying hair pulled away from her face stood behind the counter. Flour caked her floral apron, the grin on her face welcoming.