When Marwynn finally stood up, the room was emptied of everyone except for himself and Lady Revna. She glided over to him with a smile playing at her lips.

  “Did you enjoy the show?” she asked Marwynn.

  “I’m not sure I understand the question.” Marwynn answered.

  “There are very few in this room that have come across the Dullahan. Did you notice anything about the maid?” she asked curiously.

  “She was covered in blood.” Awareness dawned on him. “That was not from the Dullahan.”

  “Precisely.” Lady Revna smiled.

  “Then the Dullahan was not here tonight. Why though? Declan is gone.” Marwynn said confused.

  She strode closer to Marwynn, “Part of the plan lambkin.” She exhaled loudly, “when will you learn to trust me? I have shown you my hand at every turn and still you doubt.”

  “Apologies my lady, I only meant that how is it in your best interest for him to leave?” Marwynn asked.

  “Do you not understand? They will see him as weak. A coward! He ran with the rest of them.” She said.

  Marwynn looked at Lady Revna curiously, “You knew he would flee?”

  Lady Revna turned from Marwynn and answered, “I had a suspicion. I merely planned for the likelihood that he is, human.” Looking back, she added, “I am going to retire for the evening. As the North tower no longer has a live occupant, you will now reside there.”

  Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Marwynn watched the hem of her dress swish back and forth until she disappeared down the hall. His thoughts turned to Muriel and Declan when he noticed a pair of familiar black eyes staring at him from the opposite side of the room.

  “Oaklynn!” Marwynn said in surprise.

  “Tis I” Oaklynn said as she jumped down from the window frame she had been standing on.

  “I thought you had stayed back in Roseglen?” he said.

  “Shortly after you left I had word from Komodo. As it was urgent, I followed you.” She answered.

  “What word?” Marwynn asked.

  “The time to act is now. The creatures grow restless and have begun to question the loyalty of Komodo to the cause.” Oaklynn said.

  “A decision has yet to be made, you will have to speak with Declan.” Marwynn said.

  Oaklynn’s eyes narrowed “has your loyalty wavered?”

  “No,” Marwynn said firmly.

  Oaklynn bore her eyes into Marwynn’s for a few moments before settling back down “Then I will speak to Declan. Where is he?” Oaklynn looked around as though she just realized there was no one else in the room.

  “He ran, I mean he and Muriel escaped and are probably on their way back to Roseglen.” Marwynn said.

  Frustrated she said “Of course! I just arrive and now I am going right back from whence I came!” She turned on her heel and headed for the window. “Wait!” Marwynn said. “Would you..” he trailed off.

  Oaklynn smiled knowingly, “You want me to let you know if the Lady Winter is safe?”

  Marwynn answered softly “please.” Then realized that she had said Lady Winter. “Oaklynn, how long were you in that window?”

  “Long enough,” she smiled and jumped onto the windowsill and disappeared out into the night.