Zoe gazed out of the window of her room. I can’t believe that moron is out there pretending to be me. The worst part is that he just might pull it off. Not only will Javan get the disk fragment, but the Spades are going to think I’m the one responsible. If I could just get rid of this jinx! Slowly turning away from the window, she walked to the edge of her bed and sat down. Who am I kidding? I just need to face the fact that I’m stuck with this damn thing. If I don’t act now, that fragment is practically his already. But what can I do? I’m unarmed... and I can’t use magic... Ugh.
Unexpectedly struck with an idea, she jumped to her feet. That’s right! The basement! Javan said everything I had with me when I went to Valdis Prison is there! If I can get my scythe back, I might be able to make it to HQ before it’s too late. Bolting for the door, she was surprised to find an armored guard standing just outside.
He looked down at Zoe, her eyes widened from the unexpected encounter. Breaking the awkward silence, the guard spoke. “Master Quinn has ordered me to ensure that you remain in your room.”
“Seriously?!” Zoe barked. She attempted to shove the guard out of her path, but was promptly pushed back into her room.
“Master Quinn has also given me permission to restrain you with force if necessary. Just stay in your room; I don’t want to hurt you.”
Gnashing her teeth, Zoe slammed the door shut. “This is ridiculous!”
* * * *
Meanwhile, Lord Quinn quietly sipped a cup of coffee at the end of the large table in the meeting room. Veronica, still seated to his left, remained motionless with her eyes shut and her fingers against her temples.
Setting his cup on the table, Lord Quinn asked, “How is Laverick progressing?”
“He’s journeying through the In Between as we speak.” Veronica informed. “It could be a while before he arrives at the Spades’ base, but he has gone quite far.”
Lord Quinn smiled. “Excellent. It’s simply a matter of time.”
“Indeed,” Veronica responded. “My only concern would be your daughter. She doesn’t seem at all pleased with what’s taking place; if she were to interfere, our efforts would be in vain.”
“No need for distress,” Lord Quinn answered. “The manor’s staff is well aware of her ‘mental condition’ and they have orders to apprehend her if she attempts an escape. For extra measure, I stationed a guard just outside of her door shortly after returning her to her bedroom. I informed him that she has recently suffered a serious episode and to disregard any of her requests. Regardless, even if she somehow managed to escape, the gateway Laverick used in Cymbeline is heavily guarded. She would have no choice but to traverse Aria’s wilderness to reach the In Between. Given her inability to use magic, it’s doubtful she would get far.”
“Marvelous,” Veronica remarked. “Then it truly is just a matter of time. I assure you, Laverick will not fail.” The room fell silent as Lord Quinn slowly drank his coffee and Veronica continued to focus heavily on telepathically guiding Laverick through the In Between.
* * * *
Zoe frantically paced in her room. I can’t get my scythe, I can’t use magic – that mama’s boy is going to steal the disk fragment, and I still haven’t learned a damn thing about removing jinxes! What the hell am I supposed to do?! She caught a glimpse of her reflection in her dresser mirror. The stressful events of the previous days had caused dark circles to emerge beneath her eyes. Again, the ‘X’ on her forehead drew her attention, as though it were mocking her efforts. She quickly turned away from it.
Standing in silence, thoughts began surging through her mind. All of this is my fault. If I would have stayed at the base like Alex had begged me to, he’d still be alive... and none of this would have happened. There was a pause. She felt overwhelming guilt as she replayed Alex’s demise in her head. I wouldn’t listen to him... He pleaded over and over for me to stay, and I ignored him. Even knowing I was just being stubborn, he still refused to let me go alone. Still, he stuck by me when no one else would. He really cared about me... and I got him killed. Her lips trembled; tears streamed down her cheeks. This time, she didn’t hold them back. He was right – there was nothing I could have done to save Roshan. And Roshan... Roshan... The mere thought of her dear friend was too much. Her knees hit the velvet carpet as she lamented his death.
The grief was only amplified as the horrific scene of Roshan’s final moments crept into her mind. She could see him, sitting in the chair, completely terrified as Lord Quinn leaned down to his eye level, quietly warning him, “Resistance will merely result in a slower and far more agonizing death.”
She could feel her heart breaking as Roshan looked at her, offering his final words. “You did all you could, and for that I’m truly thankful.”
She saw the blade thrust deep into Roshan’s stomach and could bear no more. Lost in a moment of pure chaotic agony, she began wildly throwing her books around the room. There was a loud crash as one of the books shattered her mirror. Grabbing the shelf, she pushed it to the ground with surprising strength.
Her door opened as the guard peered inside. “Zoe! Calm down. Now.”
She snapped her head in his direction. “Shut up!!” Simultaneously reaching for a nearby statuette, she hurled the object at his head. The guard ducked to avoid the projectile, causing it to smash against the wall behind him. After narrowly dodging the assault, he charged her. She responded immediately by dashing toward him, smashing her fist into his armor only to be met with excruciating pain. Unaffected by the blow, the guard promptly tackled her to the ground. He called back into the hall for assistance as he desperately struggled to keep the infuriated Zoe restrained.
* * * *
Lord Quinn turned his attention to the doors of the meeting room as Passford poked his head inside. “I apologize for disturbing you, Master Quinn,” he said, “but there is an urgent situation which requires your attention immediately.”
“It had better be of paramount criticality,” Lord Quinn warned sternly. “I told you not to bother me. I’m conducting extremely important business.”
“I understand, sir, and I do apologize again,” Passford quickly replied. “But it concerns Miss Zoe.”
Lord Quinn jumped out of his chair as Veronica’s eyes snapped open. Glancing at her as he hastily made his way to the doors, he ordered, “Remain focused on the task at hand. I will handle this.” She nodded, quickly closing her eyes and resuming contact with Laverick.