Page 36 of The Wolf

“Gus,” she gasped, breathless.

Gusal and his twin, Jaq, turned from the pantry, covered in flour, surprise plain as day on their faces at seeing Scarlet.

“We didn’t expect you back so soon,” Jaq said. His eyes narrowed. “Where is your cloak? You know Lady Betraz doesn’t like it when you walk about without it.”

“I need to do something first before I see her,” Scarlet replied, pushing away from the door. She held a finger to her lips and lead them into the pantry so they could talk privately.

Gus leaned forward expectantly. “What is it?”

“Moses—the half Talagan boy,” she whispered. “Where is he being held?”

Understanding dawned on the twin’s faces simultaneously.

“You didn’t assassinate the duchess of Merjeri? You never fail,” Gus said in a hushed tone.

Scarlet exhaled heavily and shook her head. “I couldn’t. If you had been there… if you’d seen… she’s running an orphanage. How could I destroy someone who is thatgood?”

“The boy will pay for this.” Jaq’s mouth turned down in sadness. “And you’re putting your life at risk for someone you don’t even know. This is dangerous—even for you.”

“I know, but I have a plan.” Scarlet swallowed hard. “But I will need help.”

Gus and Jaq exchanged looks then nodded. “You will have it.”

She sighed in relief. They’d never refused her before but it pained Scarlet to ask them to risk their lives for her. “Thank you.”

“We’re family,” Gus said softly. “It’s what we do.”

“Enough sentiment,” Jaq cut in brusquely. “You need to get the boy out.Now.Give us five minutes and we’ll find out where he is.” He narrowed his eyes at her. “You can’t stay here. We’ll meet you at your rooms.”

“Done.” Scarlet tossed her arms around them, not caring about the flour and pressed kisses to their whiskered cheeks. “I can’t thank you enough.”

“Hug us when this is all over,” Jaq said stiffly. “Then we will know you’re safe.” He untangled himself from her and grabbed a parcel of wrapped food from a back corner of the pantry and pressed it into her hands. “For your journey.”

She nodded and tucked it into her bag. Next, Scarlet crept from the pantry through the manor using several dark hidden passageways. Every time she entered one, past memories threatened to overwhelm her. But she managed to anchor herself by running her fingers along the stone walls.

Once she reached her room, Scarlet tossed the food onto her small bed and took a moment to strip out of her clothing, making sure to sprinkle the soiled garments with a powder of her own creation that removed scents from the cloth. Now, no one would ever know she’d had contact with Brine.

Quickly, she redressed in a simple brown dress and cloak, then tucked her hair down the back. Next, she pulled out her red cloak from her bag and laid it across her bed. Her skin prickled as time tracked on and she packed. A few small knives, vials of poison, a sleeping powder, foodstuffs, and a perfume that diluted her scent. Scarlet rolled the cloak up with her supplies and she stuffed it back into her bag.

That had to be good enough.

If her stepmother did not believe her lies about why she’d failed to murder Lady Marianne, Scarlet would have mere seconds to escape with her life.

Providing she returned safely after saving Moses.

Three short knocks and two long raps on the door had her flinching.

It cracked open and the twins snuck into her room, closing the door silently behind them.

“Did anyone see you?” she asked.

“No. We were careful,” Gus replied. His lips pursed and he crossed his arms.

That wasn’t a good sign. “What is it?”

“Moses in being held in the lower dungeons.” Jaq’s voice was grave.

Hell.

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