Page 60 of Chasing Eternity

By the time I return to my room, there’s still no response from Braxton. So I send him another message, thinking he might’ve overlooked the first one.

Me:Back in my room. Meet me here?

Once again, I’m greeted by an extended silence that’s really starting to weigh on me.

A few moments later, there’s a knock at my door. Thinking it’s him, I rush to open it, only to find Roxane standing outside.

“Expecting someone else?” she says, reading the flash of disappointment in my eyes.

“Thought maybe it was Braxton,” I admit.

She gives me a quick, assessing once-over. “Haven’t seen him,” she says, her tone as crisp and formal as ever. After an awkward pause, she adds, “May I come in? Arthur wanted you to have this. He says you’ll know what it’s for.”

I notice the sizable package on the wheeled cart beside her. Given its shape, I guess it’s the engraving ofMelencolia Ithat Arthur promised to send to my room.

After moving the package to lean against the plush velvet settee, Roxane reaches into her Gray Wolf tote bag and retrieves an envelope, handing it to me. It’s probably a few carefully selected tarot cards and a copy of Christopher Columbus’s map—more clues Arthur expects me to decipher so I can bring him the Star he so desperately wants.

Once the handover is complete, I walk Roxane back to the door, eager to be alone so I can try to reach Braxton again. But she stops in the threshold and says, “And now I’ll need you to come with me.”

“Where?” My response is sharper than intended, but I chalk it up to that ridiculous meeting with Killian combined with my concern over Braxton’s whereabouts. Arthur wouldn’t send him out on a Trip, would he? Not when he’s still recovering from a head injury.

“Well,” Roxane says, her chirp of a voice snapping me back to the present. “It’s supposed to be a surprise. But, since you’re clearly experiencing some sort of trust issues, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that Arthur would like to see you in the Vault.”

“Now?” The word escapes me in a rush of alarm. Arthur mentioned a trip to the Vault when he called me to his office, but my last two visits were after dinner. I was expecting the same this time.

Roxane’s features harden. Or maybe they don’t—her default expression is stern, making it hard to get an accurate read on her. But then, just as soon as I’ve thought it, I’m overcome with guilt for making snap judgments. It’s not her fault that her rigid posture, severe blond bob, and thin strip of a mouth give the impression of someone with a penchant for enforcing harsh rules and doling out criticism.

“Yes,” she says, voice clipped. “Right now. Arthur is waiting. So, hurry up, get moving, chop-chop.”

I remain rooted in place, blinking at her incredulously.

Did she actually just say that to me?

There was a time, not so long ago, when I’d have meekly nodded and hurried along. But those days are long gone. I’m no longer some scared little newbie, fearfully bending to her authoritative commands. I know my worth here, and I refuse to be diminished by anyone.

Besides, here in the hierarchy of Arthur’s world, I’m far more important than her.

I’m the one he’s counting on to make his biggest dream come true.

“Please don’t talk to me like that,” I say firmly. “Not only is it unnecessary, but it’s completely disrespectful and very unkind.”

Roxane blinks, but otherwise remains silent, which spurs me to add, “When I first arrived here, I looked up to you. You seemed so strong and capable, like you really had it together. But I guess I was wrong. Because truly confident people don’t treat others like that. I expected better from you.”

Roxane stares at me for a long, tense moment—a silent standoff I’m more than equipped to handle. Just when I’m expecting her to retaliate, she surprises me by saying, “Noted.” Then, “So, ready to go?”

Am I ready? Technically, yes.

Do I actually want to go to the Vault? Not really. I’d much rather stay here and try to figure out what the hell happened to Braxton.

But realizing I’ve pushed my limit, I plaster a smile onto my face, and say, “Sure. Let’s do this.”

With Roxane behind the wheel of an electric cart, we traverse the complex series of hallways in silence until we reach the elevator bank where Arthur is waiting.

“Enjoy!” Roxane says, giving me a quick wave as her cart speeds off.

“Natasha.” Arthur grins. “You’re looking well. I trust you’ve caught up on your rest?”

I nod and follow him into the elevator. We quickly descend into the depths of the academy. When the doors slide open, we head down a short, dimly lit hall. At the end, just like the previous times, he pauses before a brushed metal door and asks, “Ready?”

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