#Chapter 54: The Ivory Knife

Raven I woke to an empty bed. Neil’s warmth was gone, replaced by the faint chill of the early morning air. I sat up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as my heart sank. The spot where he had lain beside me was cold now, his scent already fading. All that remained was a pile of modern clothes folded neatly on the chair by the window and a scrap of paper resting on top. I reached for the paper and snatched it up. The note was brief, but I recognized Neil’s handwriting immediately. “Meet me tonight. The southern gate. Midnight. Do not be seen.” I nodded to myself and tossed the note in the fire, then tucked the modern clothes under my mattress just in case any nosy servants started to poke around while I was gone. After that, I dressed quickly and headed for the dining hall. Breakfast was already in full swing when I arrived. Ember, Castor, and Eric sat together near the far end of the long wooden table, their heads bent close as they whispered to o