Agnes My stepmother’s smile quickly morphed into a cold laugh. She leaned back in her chair, shaking her head as if I’d just told the funniest joke she’d heard all year. “Oh, Agnes.” She clicked her tongue. “Do you really think I’m that stupid? That I would believe you suddenly want to join me after everything?” She pressed a button on her desk. “Guards, take them away. Put the child with the others and take Agnes to holding cell three. We’ll see how cooperative she feels after a few days without food or water.” My blood ran cold. This wasn’t part of the plan. The door behind us opened, and I felt Thea’s hand tighten in mine. I wouldn’t let them separate us. I’d burn this whole f*****g place to the ground before I let that happen. “Wait.” The single word made us all tur

