Page 14 of Coveted

Now that I think of it, I didn’t see him enter the forest. He could’ve sent his friends to take mine out, and he stayed on the green. He might ambush me when I pop out near the flagpole.

I need to be smart.

Apart from my heaving breath, the only sound is the wind stirring the branches.

Then I hear water lapping, muffled and distant. I’ve drawn level with the lake on the other side of the forest, which gives me an idea.

I could safely dispose of the locket in the lake’s frigid depths and still have time to plant my pennant at the flagpole.

It’s the perfect opportunity because everyone’s distracted and running wild. My detour might even force Lucan into the forest, giving me a chance to get past him.

But mostly, the necklace is burning a hole in my pocket and I’m dying to ditch it, so I go.

The lake is easy to find.

Black water laps the pebbly bank rhythmically, as if encouraging my sly mission. The dark windows of the rowing sheds stare like blank eyes.

Apprehension rolls down my back. Hannah Hale died on a path near here.

After scanning the tree line for lurkers, I take the necklace from my pocket.

My mother gave it to me, back when she was healthy and my life was simple. I was so happy to have a personalized piece of grown-up jewelry. It made me feel special.

Now it feels like a curse.

The locket winks in the navy light of dusk.

“Stay buried this time, okay?” I whisper.

On impulse, I press the cold metal to my lips in a goodbye kiss.

Bunching the necklace in my palm, I throw it as hard as I can. The locket and chain sail through the air like a bird set free. As it enters the water, the soft plunk is barely audible.

The distance is far enough to ease my tension by a fraction. No one will find it out there.

Maybe it’s really over this time.

But I can’t stay and reflect, because I have to plant my pennant before I’m caught.

Darting into the forest, I travel diagonally toward the flagpole. I hop over piles of leaves and muddy roots. The lack of footprints reassures me that I’m alone.

My heart lifts when I spot the Darkbloom flag flicking through the trees. I’m so close that I can taste the relief.

Maybe I⁠—

A twig snaps behind me, loud and clear like a gunshot.

CHAPTER 4

Sadie

Every muscle in my body locks.

Please let the sound be from a raccoon or a deer. I’d even prefer a coyote to Lucan Hale.

Shoulders aching with tension, I turn my head to look.

My heart sinks.