Chapter 130-3

**Avery**

“Take care of him,” I instruct, standing to make way. The healer kneels beside Jace, his hands moving efficiently as he assesses the butler’s injuries.

James pulls me aside, his expression grim. “This changes everything. If someone’s after a key, it could be related to Victoria’s plans. We need to figure out what it is and where it’s hidden.”

I nod, my mind already turning over the possibilities. “Donn could help. He knows the palace better than anyone. Maybe he’s heard something about a key.”

James’s eyes narrow. “We’ll find him. But first, we need to secure Jace. He’s not safe here.”

I agree, my heart is heavy with worry. Jace is more than just a butler—he’s a friend, a confidant, and now, a target. I watch as the healer helps him to his feet, his arm draped around the man’s shoulders for support.

“We’ll take you to your chambers,” James says, his voice firm. “You’ll be safer there.”

Jace nods weakly, his eyes meeting mine. “Thank you, Your Majesty. I’m sorry... I failed to protect you.”

“You didn’t fail,” I assure him, squeezing his hand. “You’re alive, and that’s what matters. Rest now. We’ll handle the rest.”

As they escort Jace from the throne room, my mind is a whirlwind of questions and fears. Who attacked him? What is this key they’re after? And how does it tie into Victoria’s plans? The answers feel just out of reach, but I know one thing for certain: we are running out of time. The palace feels different now, the air heavy with unease. I can’t shake the feeling that we are being watched, that danger lurks in every shadow. I glance at James, seeing the same determination in his eyes that she feels in her own.

“We’ll find Donn,” he says, as if reading my thoughts. “And we’ll get to the bottom of this. Together.”

I nod, hand finding his. Together. It’s a promise, a vow, and a source of strength. But as we make our way back to our chambers, I can’t help but wonder if it will be enough. I also need to check in on the others. I haven’t seen Draven or Rory and I vaguely remember seeing the Trio sleeping when we arrived. The day unfolds in a blur of activity. James and I seek out Donn, our search leading them to the palace’s hidden library, a place few know exists. The Raven is lounging in a high-backed chair, a book open in his lap, though his eyes are trained on them as they enter.

“Darling, you look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Donn remarks, his tone laced with amusement. “Though I suppose that’s not far from the truth, given the circumstances.”

I waste no time on pleasantries. “Jace was attacked. Someone’s after a key. Do you know anything about it?”

Donn’s smirk fades, his expression turning thoughtful. “A key, you say? Interesting. I’ve heard whispers of something like that, but nothing concrete. It could be related to an ancient artifact, something Victoria’s been searching for.”

James steps forward, his voice sharp. “What kind of artifact? And why would she want it?”

Donn leans back in his chair, his eyes glinting with a knowing light. “Rumor has it, it’s a relic from the time of the first dragon kings. Something that could grant immense power to whoever possesses it. Victoria’s been obsessed with finding it for years.”

“If she gets her hands on it, she’ll be unstoppable to most anyone short of a god.”

“Exactly,” Donn says, his tone grim. “Which is why we need to find it first. And I think I know where to start.” He stands, his movements graceful despite his casual demeanor. “There’s an old map, hidden in the archives. It leads to the artifact’s supposed location. But getting to it won’t be easy. The archives are guarded, and the map is well-protected.”

James exchanges a determined glance with me. “We’ll get it. No matter what it takes.”

Donn’s lips quirk into a smile. “I am starting to like you, James. Very well, let’s go. But be warned—the archives are a maze, and the guards are loyal to Victoria. We’ll have to be careful.”

With purposeful steps we began our mission, as we navigate the palace’s labyrinthine corridors. My mind is racing, my thoughts a jumble of fear and determination. We are playing a dangerous game, one that could cost us everything. But we have no choice. If Victoria gets the artifact, our chances of stopping her diminish to nothing. The archives are located in the deepest part of the palace, a place I have never ventured. The air is musty, the shelves lined with ancient tomes and scrolls. Donn leads the way, his movements confident as he weaves through the aisles.

“The map is in the back,” he murmurs, his voice low. “But we’ll have to be quick. The guards patrol this area regularly.”

My hand tightens around the hilt of her dagger, my senses on high alert. James moves silently beside me, his presence a source of strength. We reach the back wall, where a hidden panel reveals a small compartment. Inside is a rolled-up parchment, its edges frayed with age.

“That’s it,” Donn says, his voice barely audible. “But we’ll need to decipher it. The location’s encoded.” Before we can examine the map further, the sound of footsteps echoes through the archives. My heart leaps into my throat as I turn to see a group of guards approaching, their swords drawn.

“Intruders!” one of them shouts, his voice ringing with authority. “Surrender, or face the consequences!” Fucking Victoria’s guards!

James steps in front of me, his stance protective. “We’re not intruders. We’re here on royal business.”

The guard’s eyes narrow, his hand tightening on his sword. “Prove it.”

I know we are outmatched. The guards outnumber us, and fighting our way out would be risky. I glance at Donn, who meets my gaze with a knowing look. “Perhaps it’s time for a little distraction,” he says, his voice smooth.