Chapter 0334

Hours passed.

Many items were brought to Veronica. Everything from necklaces to teacups to feathers and books. With only a passing glance from her, each item was quickly dismissed.

The latest item, a stone found in an odd place in the hallway, was handed to Veronica.

“There’s no magic in this,” she said and handed it back to the guard who had delivered it. He slumped his shoulders as he left the room to return to his search.

Night turned to day and then night again. None of us slept.

When every inch of the bedroom had been searched, everyone moved out into the hallway and beyond. Last I’d heard, Nicholas was turning the entire palace upside down.

The doctor had been in and out. She’d administered more medicine, but nothing was working. Elva was growing weaker.

Just then, Nicholas burst through the door. In his hands was the dagger that had nearly taken my head off, the one Jane had thrown at me in the hallway. He walked to Veronica and

presented it.

She didn’t even pick it up. “I’m sorry.”

He deflated instantly, and I saw the heavy bags under his eyes. He hadn’t slept either, and

looked all the worse for it.

In the next moment, Julian burst into the room in the same manner as Nicholas had. In his hand was a bag of flour from the kitchen.

When I looked at it curiously, he said, “Maybe it was the cookies. But since she ate those, we have to go to the basics.”

“I’m not sure Jane would have an emotional attachment to flour,” Nicholas said.

“We’ve tried everything else,” Julian said. “Maybe it’s a fond childhood memory or something.”

“Bring it here,” Veronica said.

Julian did as she asked. She held the bag of flour and closed her eyes. We all held our breath. A moment later, she shook her head.

“I’m sorry,” she said.

“Da mn it,” Julian cursed.

1/4

+15 BONUS

rest of

Nicholas and Julian. As I drew closer to them, I noticed that they looked even more

rest,” I

“No way,” Julian said.

not giving up,” Nicholas

the palace,” Julian said. “It could be

“We’ll continue our

turned, eager to restart the hunt. Nicholas lingered

my arm. “You tell us to rest, but you are the one who needs sleep,

“So do you.”

leaned in and kissed my forehead. “Just try to rest.

sit on my chair and watch Elva. I wouldn’t close my eyes,

“I’ll try,” I said.

in and kissed my ear. “Good girl,” he whispered

I liked having his approval, even when all I was agreeing to do was to try to take care of

me then, following

to my chair and sat to rest

end of the bed, diligently watching Elva. After a moment, I felt her gaze slide

learning that she only let her gaze wander if she wanted or noticed

is she not? And you believe fully that she is

said,

you know her best,”

2/4

+15 BONUS

don’t know what she values anymore. And, seeing how she is now, it’s likely whoever she

be tempting… especially to a girl who feels lost. They make promises to lure you in, and then keep changing the end goal to keep you constantly on

spoke from experience. Her eyes glossed over

in a place far away, alone as

and make you see the world differently. But… they can

emotion as the memories of your childhood.”

passionately about their cause, it’s unlikely she could attach the same level as emotion to something from her time with the underground as she

that were

best when we were children.

Veronica said. “That seems

I should know what she

at least, where she might have

as children. It was painful now, to remember how close I thought we were, when

She was cursing my child and trying to kidnap the man I most admired and

to remember,” I said. “I keep seeing her as

always this way,” Veronica said.

back. “Yes.” Pigtails and scraped up knees, and a gap

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255