#Chapter 11 – First Cuts

I turn and stride away, tossing the goblet over my shoulder, terribly pleased at the clang it makes in the dead silence that I leave behind me. Glancing down at my side, though, I startle a little when I realize that Anton’s not there. “Hey!” I hiss, turning to see him a few steps behind, looking back at Orion. “Come on!” Anton turns back to me and trots back to my side, keeping pace with me as I continue my journey back to the center of the palace and then towards the main door. He gives a little whine, trying again to dodge in front of me to stop me, but I just keep going. Unfortunately, when I reach the main door, my hooded messenger appears before me, his arms crossed. He doesn’t say a word – just shakes his head. “You know,” I sigh, putting my hands on my hips, “I like you less and less the more I get to know you.” He just smirks and stands stoic, blocking the exit. I sigh and move to the wall next to him, leaning back against the obsidian and considering whether I wa