Page 43 of Ruling Destiny

So close, and yet…

It’s the last thing I see, the last thing I think, before a hand reaches down, grabs hold of the back of my gown, and drags me right over the line.

“Don’t think I’ll ever let you forget this,” Elodie says, letting go of my dress. She grasps hold of my hand, pulls me to my feet, and the next thing I know, the six of us soar forward in time.

26

Just like he wasn’t there to see us off, Arthur is also not there to greet us.

So instead of the usual debriefing, we give our Gets to Roxanne as Keane takes inventory.

Apparently, Mason did well. Not only did he bring back two rings and a ruby-and-diamond pin, but despite having no talisman, he also avoided falling into a Fade.

When it comes to logging my own stash, the reception I receive isn’t nearly as warm.

“Where’s the rest?” Roxanne looks me over.

“I, um, I’m afraid that’s it.” I gnaw the inside of my cheek as she studies the unremarkable pearl-and-diamond hairpin I’ve plopped onto the table, while the pocket watch remains tucked away. After what it revealed—the vision of the young boy I saw when I touched it—I have no intention of handing it over. Not until I understand what it might mean—and probably not even then.

Roxanne’s lips pull tight as she maintains a steady watch over me, prolonging the look for the sheer pleasure of watching me squirm. And just when I’m sure I can’t take another second, she calls, “Next!” And I move out of line to see that it’s Elodie’s turn.

I need to thank her for saving my life when I’d convinced myself she was set on leaving me behind.

But when Elodie’s gaze meets mine, she waves a hand in dismissal, then, shifting her focus to Roxanne, goes about emptying her own pockets. And when I see the pile of loot she brought back, I realize Elodie was truly made for life here at Gray Wolf.

In just one hour, she managed to filch from a host of unsuspecting nobles, hook up with her crush, get Mason to the portal, and then come back to save me from my very worst instincts.

Which leaves me to wonder why Arthur insists I’m the only one here who can help him restore his precious Antikythera, when clearly Elodie is much better suited for the job.

By the time I make it back to my room, there’s a message on my slab. And as exhausted as I am, my heart still leaps, certain it’s from Braxton, only to discover it’s from Killian again.

Killian:Thanks for today. Delete after reading if you must. Just needed to say it.

The fact that he used full sentences, correct spelling, and not a single emoji leaves me so unsettled I have no idea how to reply.

So, after several deleted attempts, I break my own no-emoji rule and send him a thumbs-up. Then, determined to put Killian out of my mind, I toss the phone aside and wander to the windowsill where I left the perfume bottle along with Song’s note.

Well, that was a mistake.

Just because the doors are biometric doesn’t mean plenty of people don’t have access. Like the maids for starters. Braxton, too. And obviously Arthur has control over everything here. There’s no telling how many people can slip in and out without my ever knowing.

You think Arthur gave you that tablet as a convenient way to send messages and read his inspirational quotes every day? He’s tracking you…tracking all of us.

A sudden chill pricks at my skin as Killian’s warning sounds in my head. A moment later, a burst of lightning scorches the sky, and the heavens break open, drenching the statues below.

I push closer to the window, the ledge digging into my belly, the pads of my fingers pressing hard against the pane, as my gaze fixes on the collection of sculptures marking the center.The Magician,The High Priestess, andThe Wheel of Fortune,all arranged the same as the Tarot Garden in Tuscany.

In my mind’s eye I replaceThe Magiciansculpture with an image of Arthur.

One statue down isThe Wheel of Fortune—the card I drew at Arcana that set this whole thing in motion—so I picture myself in its place.

But what about everyone else? What cards did Finn, Oliver, and Jago draw?

According to Elodie, Arthur rescued her from an abusive children’s home when she was a kid. So while her journey differs from mine, is it possible she also represents one of the Major Arcana?

If so, my guess would be the High Priestess—Elodie is deeply intuitive, but she’s also harboring some very dark secrets. Also, that sculpture just happens to stand betweenThe Wheel of FortuneandThe Magician. Or, to put it another way, between me and Arthur, which may sound weird, but it certainly fits.

I remember how I once said to Braxton that living here at Gray Wolf feels like a game, like I’m living on a chessboard of Arthur’s design. At the time, I wasn’t entirely sure what I meant, but what if it turns out I was closer to the truth than I ever could’ve guessed?

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