Page 190 of Tears for a Broken Sky
I adjusted the bonnet. “I’ll find her. Then you can swoop in and play hero, alright?”
Leo sighed and pulled me into a bear hug. “I love you, Mads. Be safe.”
I let him hold me for a second longer than I wanted to admit. “I will. You’ll see me soon. Someone’s gotta make sure you don’t trip over your own ego.”
“That would be tragic.”
**
Honestly, getting into the tower was easier than expected. Maybe Vael really was arrogant enough to believe no one would ever try.
I had tucked a tiny blade into the hem of my apron and checked the vial strapped to the inside of my thigh—Lacey’s creation, sharp enough to drop a grown man in seconds. Assuming I didn’t trip and break it like a klutz.
Focus, Maddie.
I exhaled slowly, steadying the jitter in my hands. This wasn’t the first time I’d done something reckless in a dress, but it was the first time it might get me flayed alive by a cult.
The hall outside the servants’ quarters was quiet. Too quiet.
I moved quickly—shoulders down, steps light. Just enough smile to pass, not enough to draw attention. Look busy. Look invisible.
One foot in front of the other. Easy. Until a soldier rounded the corner and nearly ploughed into me.
“Watch it, girl,” he muttered, not even bothering to glance at me.
I dipped my head. “Sorry, sir.”
He moved on. I let the breath out through my nose. Too close.
“You! Are you the new girl?” a woman barked from across the room. Grey hair pulled tight, beady eyes that tracked like a hawk. She sized me up in one blink. I had to resist touching the magic-suppressing bracelet Lia had made me wear. Hopefully it was doing its job.
“Yes, ma’am.”
She approached, squinting at me. “You good at washing clothes?”
“The best, ma’am. At least that’s what my house mother used to say.”
“Hmm. I see. Alright. Name’s Alfrey. You?”
“Uh—Mary, ma’am.”
“Mary. Right. Get into the wash-room and help Laundress Claire. The girl upstairs ruined one of His Graciousness’s outfit’s. I need it cleaned. Now.”
“Of course, “ I nodded and made my way through halls. I felt her watching me go with each step.
I found the room without trouble. A young girl was inside, frantically scrubbing a hideous pink dress.
“Hello,” I said carefully.
She looked up, eyeing me with suspicion. “Hello.”
“Nice day for a sunset,” I said quietly.
She froze. Then, barely above a whisper: “I prefer the dawn.”
Holy shit. She was one of us.
Her eyes darted side to side before she grabbed my arm and yanked me toward a closet.
