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I frown She knows not to call ency

I answer “Siren?” I ask, hoping there’s good news I can’t think of the worst

“No, sorry, it’s Rose”

“What happened?”

“I’ic and in pain She’s asking for you I told her you have to go on a very important trip, but—”

“I’ll meet you there in twenty minutes,” I say

I can hear her relief through the phone Phoenix is great with the kids, but they’ve always been closer to me We share a bond that noto spend time apart, they still love me It’s why I can’t fail them, not in the ways I failed Liesel

I end the call and look at Liesel, who is staring at me curiously

“Leaving?” she asks

I take a heavy breath I don’t want to leave Liesel here I don’t trust she’ll be here when I get back, but I have to go I won’t abandon my kids

“Yes, but you aren’t”

She givesme up?”

“I’m not”

Her head turns sharply in my direction like she doesn’t believe erous people after us She still may not understand that yet, but the treasure that only she and I have all the clues to are infinitely valuable And she doesn’t yet understand that I won’t let anyone hurt her, not until I have every secret she holds She will only die at my hand

“You’re taking me with you?” She raises an eyebrow