<<Fitz's POV >

As I leap back home, one thing is clear:
Sophie will definitely tell Keefe why I was there.

The fury inside me—quiet, constant, growing—would seem uncontrollable to most. But for me, it's soothing.
It's a plague. A curse.
It sharpens every feeling into something ten times more painful. And yet, it helps me see things clearly.

Later that night, as I lie in bed, I make a decision.
I will visit Sophie again.
Sooner than she thinks.

xxx

The next morning, I head for breakfast—
And freeze.

Grizel isn't outside my door like usual.

I narrow my eyes, then walk the long halls to the kitchen. The scent of Ripplefluffs drifts into the air, and sure enough, there's Biana, perched on a stool, chatting with Dex on her imparter.
Woltzer looms behind her, arms crossed, watching her every disappearing move.

"Where is Grizel?" I ask flatly.

She pauses, puts a hand over her imparter. "Wait—gimme a sec, Dex. What did you say, Fitz?"
Her glare is sharp.

Lately, I've been distant from everyone.
Alvar? Useless.
Biana? Too busy with Dex and playing socialite.
My father? He treats Keefe like a son and Sophie like she belongs in our family.
And my mother—always with Edaline or Juline.

They've all left me behind.

And that voice inside—hot and vicious—whispers again:
"They are all useless. They don't get you. You deserve better—and you know it."

"FITZ!"

My head snaps up.

Biana is in front of me, hands on her hips. My mother stands beside her.

"What?!" I say, blinking.

"You see, Mom? He says something right in the middle of my call, zones out for five minutes, screams, and then acts like nothing happened!"

My mom's voice is tight with concern. "Fitz, darling, what's going on?"

"Nothing, Mom," I lie. "Just reliving a spooky nightmare from last night."

Biana narrows her eyes, clearly not buying it. But she lets it drop.

Mom brightens, as if she's been waiting for a moment to pounce.
"Oh, I almost forgot—your father and I have decided to hold your Winnowing Gala next week! One week, Fitz! So make sure to pick out clothes and accessories—unless you want me to do it?"

"Mom. I can buy my own clothes," I mutter. "I was going to go to Atlantis anyway. But I can't find Grizel."

"Oh, Grizel's on a date with Sandor," Biana says breezily, already hailing someone else. "She'll be back tonight. Told me to let you know."

I nod, mostly to myself, and walk out of the kitchen with a pastry in hand.

A heaviness settles over me.
Even Grizel has found someone.
Everyone has someone.
Except me.

xxx

The streets of Atlantis bustle around me, glittering with color, but I walk through them like a ghost.

I pick up a peacock-blue velvet suit for the gala—something elegant, something bold. But I barely register it.

I'm searching for something more important.

Something for her.

I find myself in front of Thelford's Gems and Jewels, and walk in.
After a quick greeting to the shopkeeper, I choose a delicate bracelet—silver, set with a single teal stone.

It's elegant. Simple. Something she'd actually wear.

I pay for it quickly and slip out, tucking it into my cloak.

Then I head for the back alleys.

Through twisted lanes, past shadowy vendors and crooked lanterns, until I find her.

The cloaked hag sits hunched behind a stall overflowing with enchanted trinkets and bottled spells.

"One powerful love spell," I say quietly, eyes flicking around the alley.

She chuckles—a sound like crumbling leaves.
"Remember, boy: the first person she sees after holding the object containing the spell is the one she'll fall in love with."
She leans forward, showing yellowed teeth. "What's a pretty boy like you doing in a place like this?"

I don't answer. I just give her the coins, plus a tip, and snatch the spell from her hand.

Then I leap away—fast, silent, invisible in the shadows.