The sky had been brooding all day.
Clouds hung low over the hill, thick and swollen. Distant thunder rolled in long, lazy growls—like the earth was holding its breath.
We sat at the table, the three of us. Rosa was peeling an apple in perfect spirals. The young knight, Calo, kept stealing glances at her when he thought no one was watching.
I couldn't eat. My fingers restlessly drummed on the table.
"It's been two days now," I murmured, more to myself than anyone else.
"They must've stopped often to seek shelter. The weather's been terrible," Calo offered gently.
As if summoned, the heavens cracked open.
Rain poured like it had been waiting too. It battered the roof, the windows—the world. The wind moaned through the cracks of the cottage, curling around our legs.
Then—hooves.
Rosa stood first, knocking over a cup. But I was already moving, skirt swishing around my legs as I threw open the door and stepped out into the storm.
I expected William.
I wanted it to be William.
But the figure dismounting wore a different kind of authority.
A deep purple cloak clung to his shoulders, soaked and glistening. His boots hit the mud with purpose. The second rider pulled off his hood—dark hair plastered to his forehead, face sharper and older than I remembered.
My breath caught. I instinctively stepped back.
"Cedric," I whispered.
He stepped forward, face unreadable. Behind him, his companion pushed back his hood.
The crown prince.
Not William.
Rain dripped from his cloak like spilled ink as he stepped forward, lips curling into a cold smile.
"You thought you'd stay hidden forever?" he said, voice laced with disdain and amusement. "You were bold, leaving my castle in flames. I've been waiting for this day."
I squared my shoulders. My heart thundered, but I refused to look away.
"Funny," the prince continued. "A little birdie told me exactly where to find you. Did you enjoy your little taste of freedom?"
I flinched. William promised to protect me. He would never betray me. But then again—everyone always did.
"I was also told of your efforts to find the abducted ladies," the prince added. "I deeply regret not trusting you when you were only trying to help."
Cedric finally spoke. "You'll catch a cold at this rate. Let's go inside."
Rosa and Calo stood in the doorway, wide-eyed. We all stepped in, soaked and shivering. The tavern owner bustled over, delighted at the sight of new guests.
Rosa took my hand. "Come on. You need to get out of those wet clothes."
Upstairs, she helped me into something warm. When we returned, the men were seated at the table, steaming mugs in hand. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across their faces.
Cedric looked up first. "I'm sorry for doubting you," he said. "But it was strange—how you knew everything."
What kind of apology was that?
The prince followed, his tone guarded. "The cult's been arrested. Most of the women were saved. Some… didn't make it."
A heavy silence settled. Outside, the storm raged on. Inside, the warmth of the fire didn't touch the tension in the room.
I glanced at Rosa, then at the two men before us.
"Cedric. Your Highness—this is Rosa. She was among the kidnapped and she's been helping us."
Rosa dipped a polite curtsy, though her eyes lingered on the prince.
I folded my arms. "Weren't you supposed to be with the others? Helping with the arrests? Why are you here?"
The prince set down his mug with a soft clink. "We came to confirm something."
My heart skipped.
"You still think I had something to do with all of it?"
"Quite the opposite," he said.
I turned to Cedric. "What about Rebekah?"
"She's been sent home," he answered gently.
Relief washed over me. I nodded slowly, biting the inside of my cheek. They were both watching me too closely. Their eyes hadn't left me since they arrived.
"Have your memories returned?" Cedric asked.
I hesitated.
"No. Not yet."
Cedric leaned back, exhaling through his nose.
"Now what?" I muttered. "You think I'm lying?"
His gaze lifted to meet mine. His expression had changed from a week ago—warmer now, softer. Closer.
"I'm here for you," he said. "We're going home tomorrow."
"I'm not going back to that place," I said flatly.
He nodded and stood. The prince followed, retreating to his room.
But Cedric lingered. He reached out, took my hand, and placed it over his.
"Rebekah asked for you."
"I'll write her a letter."
"Seeing and writing isn't the same."
"Well, now it will be."
He studied me for a beat. "You're heartless."
I met his eyes, unflinching.
"But you're worse."
The words hung in the air like smoke. I turned away before I said something crueler.
"I'm going to sleep," I said my voice tight. "You.... I'm tired."
Maybe tomorrow William was going to come back and maybe he'd help me escape once again.