Janco yelped. Then grunted. More than a few moments passed.

“What’s taking so long?” Owen demanded.

“His thoughts are...jumbled. Chaotic.”

Go Janco!

“Crack a few ribs. That’ll give him something to focus on.”

I braced for the impact even though I wasn’t the target. The thud echoed in my chest as Janco’s breath whooshed out.

Another pause and then Loris said, “She returned to Lapeer to rendezvous with Yelena.”

“What about Valek? Is he on the way?” Owen asked.

Valek! Reema and Devlen should have reached the castle by now. Devlen would have told him everything. Valek was probably angry at me. No, not probably. Furious would be the correct term. Although, keeping secrets was a part of both our jobs. Should I be upset with him for not telling me about Owen? Did Valek even know about him? Hopefully, I’d have a chance to ask him after Owen’s arrest. Might as well think positive.

“Last time he talked to Valek, the assassin planned to remain at the castle, collecting information.” Loris huffed in amusement. “He didn’t have time to send a message to Valek about what he has discovered in Lapeer.”

“Good. And the Commander? Any info on him?” Owen asked.

“Nothing new. The Commander is still intent on shutting down our smuggling routes into Ixia.”

“Does Janco know how the Commander found out about our...side business?”

“No.”

“Take him down to the cellar. Stake him down to the floor spread-eagle. These Ixians have weapons and lock picks hidden everywhere. It’s best just to keep their hands and feet far apart.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sounds of a scuffle reached me along with another thud. Then nothing. Poor Janco.

“Send out a couple patrols,” Owen ordered. “His companion will be back and we need to pick her up before she has a chance to send a report north.”

“Yes, sir.”

Owen looked down. “Now you’ll get my full attention.” He crouched beside me. “My hunting expedition inside your mind was very educational. While I’m not happy the memories I planted in your head didn’t work, I discovered something very interesting about you.” His expression was downright gleeful.

I’d panic. But I’d been in a state of ever-increasing panic since I woke up tied to the wagon and saw Owen. I was beyond mere panic and into the realms of mind-numbing terror at this point.

Owen stroked my throat. I recoiled from his touch.

“Oh, please.” He pulled on the chain around my neck, tugging my octopus pendant free of my shirt.

Pain bit into my skin as he yanked the necklace, breaking the chain.

“Oops.” Owen dropped it over the side of the wagon. It shattered. He pressed his hand on my chest near the base of my throat.

An uncomfortable burning sensation spread throughout my body. The skin on my scalp crawled. Goose bumps rose despite the heat. A reaction to his magic? The strange conflicting feelings stopped as fast as they started.

Owen laughed. “Too bad I wasted perfectly good Theobroma on you when I didn’t have to. You’re just a regular girl now. How wonderful.” He untied my gag, removing it.

Relief flowed into my cheeks and I worked my mouth and tongue to produce moisture.

He sat back on his heels. “What is blocking your magic?”

“I’ve no idea.” My voice rasped. I told him about the attack in the woods. Why not? “At first, I thought it was one of Ben’s cohorts.”

“The plan was for everyone to lie low. Until my idiot brother lured you to our hideout in Fulgor. It wasn’t us. Seems you’re just a very unpopular girl,” Owen said. “You shouldn’t be surprised. And now someone has gone to considerable trouble to neutralize you with that attack in the woods. Your death will cause too much trouble. So that’s a perfect solution—spread the word that you’re powerless, and let another person target you. Or rather, dozens of others in your case. Too bad it won’t work for me.”

“Because I know too much.”

“Right. And unless you want to swear loyalty to me...?”

“No.”

“Thought so. But not to worry. This time when I erase your memories, I won’t make the same mistake.”

“Mistake?”

“I only erased a few hours of your life. This time, I’m going to erase everything. You won’t even remember your name.”

“That’s...” Fear closed my throat.

“Clever. I know. Loris and Cilly are very talented with mental communication and the three of us make a great team. How do you think I stayed dead all these years?”

“When?”

“As soon as we catch your colleague. It’ll be easier to do all three of you at once.”

A momentary reprieve.

“Go ahead, ask,” Owen said in his smug tone.

“Was it the Commander’s idea?”

“Not at first. He was ready to send me to the noose, but I pleaded for my life. And argued that I could help him by getting him Curare. Actually, I should thank you, Yelena. Your efforts to change the Commander’s mind about magicians in Ixia helped sway him.”

Lovely. “And he funded your research.”

“Yes.”

“And you had to screw it up by rescuing your brother.”

Anger flashed in his eyes. “I couldn’t leave him in that hellhole.”