John left the room completely distressed by the news. As he turned the corner, he found Thomas Sallow waiting for him. The commander walked toward him, feeling his heart tighten, images of him burning the bracelet in the fire replaying in his mind like a curse. He was the commander of the island and had made a terrible mistake.

Thomas walked up to him, and before John could collapse, he caught him. Sallow led him to a door, and they both entered one of the castle’s many rooms. The ...