As I left the greenhouse, I nodded to one of Selene’s agents. Within moments, the countess’s men (who had already surrounded the estate, as they’d strategically hidden themselves earlier) moved in and arrested everyone, myself included. Without the Vow’s protection, the lesser nobles in attendance would no doubt spill their secrets after only a short interrogation.

  Baroness Santal was placed in the same carriage with me to be taken to a holding cell. Once the door was sealed, she took my hand in hers. “Don’t worry, Lady Helian. Everything will be just fine.”

  I truly felt guilty for what I had done to these women. I prayed for their survival.

  Naturally, while the others were held for prolonged interrogation, I was released after a few minutes. Countess Solana arrived in person to escort me back to her estate.

  “Countess Solana… I’m surprised you have the time to escort me personally.”

  “That’s not it, Helian. Frost has finally woken up. She asked me to bring you back as soon as possible. She misses you dearly.”

  She was finally awake! I practically sprinted for the countess’s carriage, and she chuckled at the sight. We made our way back to the estate at top speed, and I tried to ignore the anxiety that was building in my chest.

  When we arrived, the estate was in a state of mild chaos. A man ran up to greet us and introduced himself to me as the vice-captain of the guard.

  The countess wasted no time. “What’s going on?”

  He swallowed. “Lady Solana, I’m afraid one of our guests has escaped their confinement. The estate is being searched as we speak, and I’ve had the exits locked down.”

  “Did the archmage turn on us after all?” I asked.

  He faced me and shook his head. “No, I’m afraid it’s Lady Frost who’s missing. She most likely just wanted to stretch her legs, but regardless, we’re exercising all due caution…”

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  In a panic, I ran towards the stables.

  Rime was still there. I felt relief wash over me, then soon after, renewed panic.

  Rime was in the stables. But that didn’t mean Frost was still here. Rime had been left behind because Frost didn’t plan to return. I was certain of it. She had left her horse in my care.

  I checked Rime’s saddle and took two waterskins from the shelf by the door. After checking that they were full, I hung them both from the saddle’s left side. I unfastened her reins from the hitch and opened the gate to her stall. She walked to my side and greeted me gently, rubbing her nose up against my arm. Hello, old girl. There’s a long ride ahead of us. Do you think you’re up for it?

  Solana arrived to interrogate me. “What’s going on? Are you going somewhere? Why are you taking Frost’s horse?”

  “Frost fled and isn’t coming back, Lady Solana. She left her horse behind. I’m going to follow her.”

  I had to bring her back before something irreversible happened.

  Atropa hobbled in. When we both turned to look at him, he leaned on his cane for support while he caught his breath. “What’s happened? Where has Lady Frost gone?”

  After my conversation with the marchioness, the answer to this and so many other questions had become obvious.

  “She’s gone to the old city, Sir Atropa. She’s headed for the tree.”

  He reflexively began to rub his beard. “But how will she get inside? Only a saintess can pierce the barrier, and you’re right here. Does she plan to act as bait and draw you in? In her condition, she wouldn’t be able to overpower you.”

  “She likely doesn’t need my help to pierce the barrier. She’s capable of almost anything I can do, and many more things still.”

  Solana frowned. “Are you saying she learned how to become a saintess?”

  “She learned everything from me. She watched me for twenty years. I thought nothing of it. I thought nothing bad could come of it. I was stupid. She’s… precious to me.”

  The archmage’s eyes widened and he began to mumble. “Wasn’t after a saintess to begin with… just waiting for the right moment… oh, no. I may have caused Lady Frost’s moment of vulnerability when I put you in danger, Lady Saintess.”

  I nodded. “Yes, that’s possible. I’ve wronged her many times over, though. It could have been my doing, my fault.”

  Solana began preparing her own horse and ordered a stable hand to ready one for Atropa as well. “I can’t send you off to handle this alone. We will accompany you.”