Cedric mounted up beside her as she relayed what the witch had said.
"Then we go to the D'Agaron mansion. If anyone's seen him, it'll be the Evelyn."
They rode hard through the mist-veiled streets. At the gates of the grand mansion, Evelyne herself stood outside, looking coldly elegant despite the early hour.
Isadora dismounted, rushing forward.
Evelyn please, have you seen Lucien?"
Evelyne's expression was unreadable.
"He passed through here not long ago. Said nothing. His eyes… weren't right."
Isadora's voice cracked. "Where did he go?"
Evelyn tilted her head. "The library."
Isadora didn't wait. She tore through the halls to the vast, book-lined library.
There, in the shadowed corner by the towering windows, stood Lucien.
His back to her. Shoulders hunched.
"Lucien," she whispered.
He stiffened, but didn't turn.
"Don't," his voice was raw, cracking. "Stay away from me."
"I can help you—"
