NATALIE I CURL UP on the leather chair beside the stone hearth in Sigur’s office and watch the yellow flames as they dance in the fireplace. Amy and Day sit cross-legged on the antique rug in front of me, giving me concerned looks. It’s clear neither of them knows what to say, but what can they say? I’ve basically just signed my sister’s death warrant. I blink, and the flames blur through my tears. “Maybe the rescue team will find her,” Amy says hopefully. Pain knots inside my chest, and I try to knead it away with my fist, but it doesn’t work. I let out a pitiful groan and crumple in on myself, finally allowing myself to cry. Day rushes over, putting her arms around me. I cling to her, hating myself for betraying Polly, and hating Purian Rose for tearing my family apart. Again. How can he do this to his own daughter? Would he save her if he knew the truth? Somehow I doubt it. The door opens.
