I stood in my room, staring at the half-packed bag on my bed.
How the hell am I supposed to just leave?
The thought had been circling my mind. I needed to get to Greyford to find Agnes.
But I couldn't just walk out. Not after Cassandra had already caught me sneaking off once. Father would have questions. And leaving without permission would just give them more ammunition to use against me.
I need something that they can't refuse.
I sat on the edge of my bed, running through possibilities.
Academy business? No, semester was over. They'd know that was bullshit.
Medical emergency? Too easily disproven.
Personal errand for Father? He'd never buy it, and asking him directly would just invite interrogation.
Then an idea began forming.
Cedric.
My youngest half-brother. Hot-tempered, and harboring a grudge against me that ran deeper than the others combined.
It was risky. But I was running out of options.
