Page 85 of Edge of Wonder

“Of course.”

“And you’re sure you modified the trigger correctly?”

“I’d never let anything happen to you, Alice. I’ve triple-checked everything. All you have to do is make it look good.”

***

Soldiers stopped us at the marble steps. I stood with my hands in front of me, wrists bound with rope. The three keys dangled from my neck, glowing brighter with each step. Sebastian wore a dark cloak, a hood pulled up, and a gray scarf covering the bottom half of his face. He could have easily passed for the mercenary who’d walked through the graveyard pretending to be a royal player, but the tattoo sealed the deal. Sebastian pulled up his sleeve, flashing the snake coiled around a black heart.

They waved us through. Sebastian grasped my arm and jerked me forward, nearly sending me to my knees. The soldier snickered, then spit at my feet. I struggled in my bindings, lunging for the soldier, but Sebastian shoved me up the steps, a dagger pressed against my back.Talk about making things look good.Sebastian had slipped into his role nicely.

Columned arches passed over our heads as we crossed the entrance to the House of Clocks. Inside, checkerboard tile rang the length of the floor, and globed chandeliers cast light from the ceiling. The walls were covered in clocks of varying sizes. Their hands synced; muted ticks, creating a flawless rhythm.

The queen’s soldiers stood sentry against beige columns, holding razor-tipped spears. They wore plumed helmets that covered most of their features. At the end of the hall was a giant throne with a golden frame and red velvet cushions. The queen sat with her head back, arms leisurely draped against the armrests. A deep red gown flowed around her ankles. Her heart-shaped bodice was adorned with black lace. Similar lace crisscrossed up her sleeves.

Behind her, on the wall, hung a clock with three keyholes. In normal times, the winning royal player would use their keys to wind the clock, resetting the time to usher in a new monarch. These weren’t normal times.

I walked down a carpeted path, trying to remember to breathe. We had only one shot at this. If we failed, all of it would be for nothing. I stopped in front of the throne and locked eyes with the queen. Her painted lips curved into a cruel smile, baring white teeth. Black-coated nails trailed along the armrest. It was strange to think at one time she’d been a royal player, just like me. How could we share an experience so life-altering and still be so different?

The mercenary pretending to be Tristan was right about one thing. We needed a new system. A positive force instead of a negative one. I intended to lead that change and honor the players’ lives that had been cut short. It was only by the grace of others that I was standing here, and I owed it to everyone to bring a semblance of peace to the realm.

The queen rose and walked down the three steps in front of the throne. An icy gaze raked over me.

“So, you’re Alice.” Her voice echoed through the chamber, controlled and emotionless. “We all thought you were dead. I’d hoped you’d stay that way. But as it turns out, your resurrection benefits me.”

I lifted my chin. “I don’t see how. You can’t take my keys while I’m still alive. The magic won’t let you. And last time I checked, I’m still living.”

The queen laughed. It was a throaty sound that chilled my blood. “I’m glad you can make light of your last moments. You had a good run. I was rooting for you. Even called off my mercenaries.”

“Except for this one,” I growled under my breath. “Nice trick, having him pretend to be the missing player.”

Sebastian jostled my shoulder, and I winced for effect.

“Yes, well, I needed a guarantee. I can’t change the challenges, but I still have cards to play. And here you are.”

“I broke your curse. The thorns are gone. Seems like you don’t have many cards left.”

The queen’s hand whipped across my face. Fiery pain stung my cheek, but I only lifted my chin higher. Sebastian had gone still beside me. I internally begged him not to react. The slightest show of weakness might give us away.

“You’ve grown bold, thinking the people here can save you. They can’t. Soon you’ll be just like the others. Barely a memory.” One of her black nails scraped across my jaw.

“Only a scared queen would have children killed, and a weak one would send others to do it.” Challenge flashed in my eyes, hoping she’d take the bait.

Fury clenched her teeth, and she hissed. “I’m going to cut your heart out and take your keys, and then the realm will be mine forever.”

I swallowed. That was not the most comforting visual. I forced myself to keep my hands loose and not squeeze them together. She stepped closer, her gown dragging along the carpet. I sucked in a breath. Timing was crucial. Sebastian tensed beside me.

“Dagger!” The queen lashed out her hand, holding it in the air until Sebastian pulled a blade from his waist and handed it to her. My heart pounded as she wrapped her slender fingers around the hilt. This was it. If the trigger failed, I was a dead woman. I didn’t even have to fake the fear sliding over my features. I trusted Sebastian with my life. But when someone points a dagger at your heart with malice in their eyes, you tend to question your luck.

“Goodbye, Alice Montgomery. The last royal player.”

With a deep-throated snarl, the queen stabbed me in the heart. I gasped as the force of her blow shot pain through my chest. My bound hands clutched the spot where the blade had struck. Red stained the front of my gown, flowing over my hands. I sank to my knees, choking on air. The queen stood over me, dropping the blade to the ground. It landed with a muffled thunk.

Blood dripped onto the carpet, and I dragged in a final breath before collapsing on the floor. A hush fell over the hall. The only sounds were the steady ticking of the clocks.

Bending over me, the queen reached for my necklace. Her fingers wrapped around the keys, ready to tear them from my lifeless body.

But my eyes snapped open.

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