Chapter SeventeenAmie’s unnatural gallop speeds up, her eyes never leaving my face.
I stare her down, as though I’m not afraid—the biggest acting challenge of my life.
When Amie is within leaping distance, she opens her mouth, exposing her teeth.
I understand her plan immediately.
She’s about to chomp at my throat.
She leaps up.
At the last second, just as I can almost reach out and smack her, I jump sideways instead.
She plummets down the open cellar, landing with a hard plop.
I grab the stick that keeps the metal hatches open, and the doors slam closed.
There’s a lock and chain to my right. I use them to secure the hatches and then reach into my shirt.
With unsteady fingers, I unhook the safety pin that keeps my hidden pocket attached to the cloth and pull the pin out. Sticking
