The Everlasting Rose (The Belles, #2)(59)

“Anyone in there?” one yells. “Might as well open up before we have to wrestle you out.”

I close the lid and prepare myself. My hand falls to my dagger. My breath comes out rushed and in pants. The teacup dragons chirp with alarm. I unsheathe the dagger and hold it to my chest.

A series of bells rings out.

“Fire!” someone hollers. “The lighthouse.”

“Get to the hoses!” the other one orders. “We’ll finish the search after.”

The men abandon the coffins and race away.

I push the lid off and it lands on the pier with a clatter. I can’t see Edel anymore—only a crowd of bodies buzzing about and headed away from the pier. I gaze out and see the top of the lighthouse in flames.

One of the nearby coffins opens.

I spot Surielle. She motions for me to get back inside and presses her finger to her mouth in a shush, then closes herself inside again. The noise of approaching footsteps reaches my ears, but there’s no way I’m getting back in that box. I have to go after my sister.

I duck and weave between the cargo on the pier, trying to find the men who took Edel. The chaos of bodies blurs. Jackets, dresses, top hats, heat-lanterns, snow parasols, winter veils.

A hand grabs the back of my cloak. “Where do you think you’re going?”

I jerk around.

It’s Lady Arane.

“You’re supposed to be in your transport,” she barks.

“They took Edel. We have to get her.”

“We have to get to our safehouse.”

“But—”

“I’ll send one of my disciples out to track Edel. For now, hide. You’re about to ruin everything.” She points her fingers. “Look! More guards are headed this way. They won’t just ignore the fact that a live woman was found in a coffin. They will complete their search. My fire diversion won’t last long.”

I spot a cluster of uniformed men and women running in our direction.

Reluctantly, I return to my coffin. Lady Arane closes the lid over me, and I lie flat. I rub my waist-sash to calm the agitated teacup dragons. Tears burn behind my eyes. I can’t get Edel’s screams out of my head. I can’t believe this is happening again. I tremble with anger.

“I’m here to collect these,” I hear Lady Arane state. “They’re headed for the warehouse to await transport to the crematory.”

My coffin is placed inside something that feels like a carriage. All the light is stamped out as more boxes are loaded up beside me. The teacup dragons free themselves from my waist-sash and spread across my limbs. Their nervous hiccups warm the too-small space, and I feel like we’ll all run out of air. My chest is tight with worry.

The carriage moves forward, bumbling over cobblestones, making several turns. I’m jerked back and forth with each one.

I clobber my head on the side of the coffin. The teacup dragons protest as I knock into them. The Belle-product jars crack and spill all over. The perfume chokes us. My breath catches and burns like honey bees are trapped in my throat.

Hot tears soak the pillow beneath my head.

First, Amber.

Then, Valerie.

Now, Edel.

And who knows the fates of my other sisters, Padma and Hana.

Or Ivy even.

It feels like hours have passed. My stomach twists with the reality that we’re probably very far from the port now, and from Edel.

Maman’s mirror bounces on my chest, its grooves sharp and piercing. I wish for her to come back. I wish for her to help me fix all of this. I wish for her strength to help me come out of it alive. All the things I’d planned feel like they’ve turned to wisps of smoke, each tendril headed in opposite directions.

The carriages stop.

I hear Lady Arane’s voice again.

Boxes shift around me.

I am lifted and moved into a cavernous room filled with voices. I can tell how large it is by the way the voices echo. Boxes are set on top of mine. The thud of them makes the teacup dragons fuss.

I shush them and clench my eyes shut. How long will we have to stay in here? Where are they taking Edel? Will I be able to find her? A headache thuds in my temples. The box feels like it’s vibrating and spinning beneath me.

I bang on the wooden sides. I can’t stay cooped up in here any longer.

“Camille,” I hear Surielle whisper.

I knock on the wood. “I’m over here.”

I try to push the lid again, but it’s too heavy.

Slowly, Surielle and Violetta remove the boxes above me, then yank open the lid. Several morning-lanterns float through the warehouse, scattering strips of light over battered boxes.

I sit up. The teacup dragons fly out, stretching their wings with glee. Stacks of coffins are lined up all around us. The air stinks of rotten flesh.

Surielle helps me out. My arms are shaky.

“Keep watch for our lady,” she orders Violetta and the other woman. They pivot and go to the warehouse door.

“Where are we?” I ask.

“A warehouse for the dead,” she reports.

“How far are we from the port? We have to go back for Edel,” I say, but my voice breaks, and my legs buckle under me.

I’m alone now.

I’ve failed everyone.

She catches me before I hit the floor. “I got you,” she whispers.