Chapter 25

Evie wakes in the west-wing guest room after Lyssa drips water on her face. Evie remembers that after an exhausting planning session with Trystan about using stardust on her mother’s letters, Trystan made Evie rest and promised not to begin without Evie. The vial of stardust was left in Evie’s care, tucked into Evie’s pocket.

Lyssa joins Evie in bed, and their teasing turns serious when Lyssa asks whether Griffin was truly sick. Evie struggles with how much truth to tell, then decides Lyssa deserves honesty. Evie explains that Griffin was not sick and that Griffin did try to hurt Evie the night they left home.

Lyssa reveals that Griffin used to stop coughing after Evie left for work and used white powder to make himself look paler. Lyssa blames herself for not warning Evie, but Evie firmly tells Lyssa that Griffin’s deception and violence were not Lyssa’s fault. When Lyssa asks who will take care of Evie, Evie reassures her that the manor has become a chosen family.

The sisters talk for hours about life at Massacre Manor, Evie’s work, and Trystan. Lyssa admits she knows Trystan is The Villain because everyone calls him that, but says Trystan is kind to her. As Lyssa drifts toward sleep, she confesses she is nervous about finding their mother because Evie is the only mother Lyssa has ever known.

Lyssa’s words strengthen Evie’s sense of purpose. Evie reflects that loss does not end a life, but begins a new one with the people who remain or are chosen. Feeling fiercely protective and almost empowered by the idea that no cost is too great for those she loves, Evie nearly falls asleep before suddenly realizing the vial of stardust is missing from her pockets and the nearby counter.