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I tried to i Jine what that roithout their father, knowing that their mother had abandoned them for a price To live in this palace without their parents

I looked up again, and this ti to spill My voice shook "What of my parents, Zafir? What about Aron? Where do you think they are right now?"

"They’re here," he stated flatly

The scraping noise that came from the other side of the enor over the top of another It wasn’t until Zafir left his post at the door and grabbedin the wall itself A hidden doorway

I peered inside the hole and saw Xander’s wide smile Claude stood by his side, no s past the ainst my forehead, and I nodded, self-conscious to have so many eyes on us

I could scarcely believe he’d coed "I don’t kno "

"What is this place?" I asked, looking around at the narrow opening--a hidden hallway behind the walls of the castle--as Max was already pullingsound once more as Zafir resealed the cavity

"We used to play in these passagee were boys," Max explained, and as the flame frorins that he and Max exchanged "They run throughout the palace, connecting alround Xander and I would sneak into the cellars and hunt for treasure There’s an entire chan" More quietly, he added, "It’s where I found the locket"

Xander led the way His steps were sure, as if he could have negotiated his ithout any light at all Mine were less so, and I clung to Max, following his physical cues When he moved, I moved When he halted, I did as well

Zafir re our backs And ahead of Max and ?" I asked

It was Xander who answered, as we turned and turned again, traversing a twistinglike this, so I had Brooklynn gather some men to follow us Of course, they didn’t have the luxury of a royal transport, but they should be here soon"