Summary

In Chapter 9, the guards kick Wren as they take her back to her room. Wren uses the cell phone to dial the only number she knows – her unparents' number. Her unmother answers and recognizes Wren's voice. Afraid of what might happen next, Wren hangs up. Guards take Wren to see Annet and Oak. Wren argues that it was wrong to keep Hyacinthe and Gwen locked up and that the water creature was dying without water. She points out that Gwen was just trying to save the man she loves. Oak agrees to a duel with one of Annet's champions. If he wins, Annet will release them. If he loses, she will keep him until his sister pays for his return. Wren is worried that Oak – a beloved prince accustomed to people doing what he wants – does not understand the stakes of this duel...