The closer I drew to Ruby’s palace, the heavier my chest became.
Dark green hedges wound thickly around the path, ivy curling like cold fingers around my ankles.
Every step felt like I was walking into the jaws of something waiting to devour me.
The air here was the same as the Blood Wash Grounds—suffocating, oppressive.
And I was afraid.
Afraid that if I crossed that threshold, I would never leave again.
Afraid this palace would swallow me whole.
I stood in the snow, my breath freezing in the air.
Ruby did not invite me in.
That, too, was part of the message. A warning to me, and to Silver Ridge Pack:
anyone who defied the Pope would be punished.
At last, Ruby emerged from the shadows of her chamber.
I dropped instantly to one knee, bowing low.
“Cleaner Nina, greets Handmaide
