Chapter Twenty-Two

Liora had just finished the last of her omelet casserole when Thaddeus burst into the kitchen, his eyes darting until his troubled gaze landed on her. She didn’t seem to be affected by Ronin’s episode.

“What happened?” She dropped her napkin, murmuring a quiet thanks to the maid who took her plate away. “Is it Ronin? Is he okay?”

“Not here.” He angled his head for her to follow him.

They went through the back garden and down the cobblestone steps towards the greenhouse. There was a stone bench beside a mini waterfall that flowed into a pool teeming with fish. He gestured for her to take a seat.

“Gamma Wilderwood what’s going on? You’re making me nervous.” Liora rubbed her shoulders, her mind spiraling. If Ronin was dead, she would’ve felt it.

Thaddeus scratched the back of his head. How much detail should he give her? “I–um, Ronin’s condition has worsened--and the council– we’ve decided to take matters into our own hands.”

He made a shrill bird call, and waited until Maia and Lucien