51. Jess

Chapter fifty-one

Jess

T he massive doors cried on their hinges, and discordant droning clawed across my skin. I was nervous before; now, panic seized my mind.

The Child in the fox mask nudged me forward as my head swiveled from one horror to the next. Hundreds of Children lined either side of the enormous chamber, bathed in the otherworldly light of magical flames and darkness. Their robes shimmered as the flames danced. Their masks growled and snarled as they hummed.

At the far end rested a seat of power, much like my father's throne—like my throne.

A spike of sadness and regret raced through me.

The woman in the scarlet robe peered across the hall, one hand resting on the throne. As I edged forward, the woman raised her arms above her head and the slow, steady thrumming of the distant drums grew louder, adding rhythmic vibrations to my already racing heart .

Where was Thorn and Wilfred? Why was Justin not here? If this was my coronation, as the scarlet woman had said, where was the rest of the Council? The nobles?

My eyes darted, desperate for any possibility of escape.

I could barely breathe.