104
Instead of the usual F given at a normal academy, nonexistence is the Gray Wolf version of failing an exam.
“Okaaay…” I say, unable to fully wrap my brain around the concept, though it’s probably better that way. “And the Get?”
“Arthur wants you to bring him something beautiful, extraordinary, and one of a kind. I expect you know what that means?”
Inwardly, I heave a deep sigh. I know exactly what that means. Well, kind of.
Outwardly, I just nod.
“Also, this.” She hands me a plain brown envelope. Inside, I find the handkerchief the masked boy gave me during my last visit.
“I—I don’t understand.” I stare at the handkerchief Arthur was so taken with. “Am I supposed to return it?”
“In a way.” She pauses for a breath, while I brace for whatever comes next. “Arthur would like you to locate the boy who gave you the handkerchief and bring him back to Gray Wolf.”
I stand before her, knowing I heard correctly, but sure that can’t be what she actually meant.
“You want me to bring backa person?”
She bobs her head in a brisk, perfunctory way, not a trace of emotion to be found on her face.
“You want me to kidnap someone from another time and place and bring him here?”
Again with the nod. Only this time, her annoyance is beginning to show.
“Killian,” I say. “His name is Killian de Luce. A boy I met at a party that took place over two hundred and fifty years ago and you want me to—”
“Natasha, I think I’ve made myself clear. This is your assignment. Do you, or do you not, accept the terms?”
I gaze at the control room, where a team of people hurry about, each focused on their individual tasks. Then I stare down at the handkerchief. The fabric is clean and soft. And for the first time since Killian gave it to me, begging me not to forget him, I see his initials are embroidered in royal blue thread. Arthur saw those initials, too, which is why he’s assigned me the task of bringing him back.
But who the hell is this person who’s managed to catch Arthur’s interest?
Once again, I find myself wishing I’d taken the time to read a little more history. Though, in my defense, I was sure I’d never see the boy again.
Wasn’t it Jago who told me:It’s rare you get to attend the same event twice. It happens, but Arthur would rather our faces not become too familiar and risk triggering a déjà vu, unless it’s to his advantage, of course.
Well, this is clearly to Arthur’s advantage.
Not only does he think I’m close to finding the missing piece to his prized Antikythera Mechanism, but he’s counting on me to find Killian as well. And while I guess it’s possible in theory, there’s just as good a chance that one small shift in events will ensure I never manage to find him. And what then?
What becomes of me when—if—I return without Arthur’s Gets?
“We need to get you masked and ready.”
The sound of Roxane’s terse voice yanks me away from my thoughts and back to where I now stand in this big puffy gown, dreading my future as equally as this Trip to the past.
“Tell me,” she says. “Do you accept your assignment?”
I fold the handkerchief into a small square and tuck it inside a hidden compartment where the bodice of my dress meets the skirt.
“I’m in,” I tell her, turning to find Elodie standing beside Keane, holding my mask in her hand.