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I closeto look like I really only have one choice If I can’t stage an assault to save the men or sneak them out, there’s only one path left, no matter how foolhardy it sounds

I have to walk through the front gate and declare myself my father’s heir

4

I ain This time, when I wake up surrounded by mist, there’s no confusion I cli for whichever one of , searching the opaque space for familiar forms

When I see three of them, I almost sob I break into a run One step Two On the third I’ dark hair Rylan who aunt lines in his cheeks And Wolf, all wild eyes and fury

He’s the one who grabs nant”

The mist around us seeo even quieter in response to his words I don’t look at theive a shaky nod “I am I felt it the day you were taken, but I took a test to confirm”

Wolf releases me like I’ve burned his”

“It could be both” Rylan speaks from almost directly behind me Even his voice is raspier than nornancy They always disappeared during thosesince been destroyed”

“You should have told us”

I turn to face Malachi, but he’s not looking at ether “If there’s a risk to her because of this—”

“Wake up, Malachi There’s a risk to all of us She’s not the one currently chained and injected with poison”