Avinia and Isla arrived at Kit’s door just as she was about to head to the throne room. Her other seven escorts were there as well, and two of her guardsmen followed the group down the hall to the other side of the castle. Along the way, Kit whispered to Avinia, “Where is Seph?”

“Your mother wanted to see her right away.” Her cousin’s words were measured, and Kit felt her stomach twist inside. The queen was up to something.

There wasn’t much conversation as they walked along. It was is if they all knew this would be more than a celebration after the maze run, which was intended to...