Chapter 39

A legion of vermin now separated me from Seth. He, Frank, and Louise were surrounded by a guard of the undead, which marched them onward to their audience with Elizabeth. Splitting up was never part of our plan, but we would have to make do. I would find Alice while Seth and Frank tried to learn more about Elizabeth's plot. Then, I added an extra step to my plan?stuff Louise in a crate and ship her off to the War Office. They could consider her an early Christmas present.

I also needed to tell Seth how much I loved him before the day was over. I wouldn't have him going home after this adventure thinking I merely liked him. I needed to grab him by the collar and spit out the words carved in my heart. Assuming Elizabeth didn't carve it out first in some final macabre confrontation. No, I couldn't think like that. We would triumph over her. Somehow.

By the light of the glow worms, I made my way to the underground river. The water flowed like molasses on a cold morning, as though it was