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Not his fault. I knew that. Ghost hadn’t built this. He was simply standing where Alaric told him to stand.

“I’ll come with you.”

“No.”

“I have orders.”

“I know.”

I walked toward the door and Ghost followed. Three steps. Always three. I almost laughed. Instead I opened the back door. Cold air hit my face. The grounds stretched beyond the terrace. Dark. Quiet. Blackthorn.

Home.

Cage.

Both.

I stepped outside and Ghost came with me. For several minutes I just walked. No plan. No yet. I headed across the terrace and toward the gardens. Ghost remained behind me. I could feel him without looking. Three steps. Then four. Then three again. My phone vibrated. I stopped. Ghost did too.

My hand moved slowly into my pocket.

Unknown.

My stomach dropped.

No.

Not now.

I pulled out the phone.

One message waited.

Are you ready?

My heart slammed.

I looked around.

Trees.

Stone.

Dark windows.

Ghost stood behind me.

Watching the grounds.

Not my phone.

I should’ve shown him.

Should’ve turned around.

Walked back into the house.

Put the screen in Alaric’s hands.