Chapter 57

Trystan wakes to the sound of a break-in and instinctively shields Sage, his mist shrouding the room. Two figures tumble through a breached wall, prompting Sage to attack before Trystan recognizes Clare and Tatianna—and Kingsley with a skull-and-crossbones sign. The awkward reunion exposes teasing about Trystan and Sage’s night together, which Sage pointedly deflects.

Tatianna covers Sage with her robe and unveils the recovered magic wand. Clare reports overhearing guards mention stairs at the base of the tree linking to the manor and urges immediate escape before Fowler escalates. Trystan hides the wand in his boot, perches Kingsley on his shoulder, and follows Clare’s lead.

Spotting a hallway guard, Tatianna hurls powder that drops the man, and the group proceeds to a concealed panel off the library. They uncover a tight circular stairwell spiraling down many levels. During the descent, Trystan’s remark about a “magical lift” sparks Sage’s irritation, revealing a comedic miscommunication about her orientation.

After an hour’s descent, they push through an exit into the early dawn. Their escape halts immediately: Lord Fowler stands outside, smiling, blocking their path and setting a new confrontation just as the group carries the wand and hopes to flee.