But now, I can't squeeze any more answers from him.
"Infuriating. How convenient. Gone just like that." I growled under my breath.
Juniper sniffed curiously at the red dust that remained of Richard. She sneezed, then hopped backward, hiding behind Scarlette's dress.
I glanced at Scarlette again. She was trembling, tears pooling in her eyes. That was my cue—it was time to clear the room. Fast.
Turning to the Fairy Guards—still frozen from what they had witnessed—I barked, "Scour every inch of this land. Find anyone marked with the broken wand tattoo on their wrist. Bring them to me. Be discreet."
They began to stir.
"And if you find any trace of the Midnight Orchid—anything—report it immediately. Do not touch the flower."
Their armor clinked as they scrambled out of the dungeon, the sound echoing off the stone.
Scarlette remained rooted in place, staring at her shaking hands.
