I had found a way to regulate my breathing as I descended the stairs, my phone in hand. It had rang earlier, followed by a text—all from Carol. “Girl, where are you? They’re about to have dinner. Waiting…”

As I surfaced, eyes darted my way. The known faces were all seated around a large table while other guests sat at other tables in the hall, about to feast. There were two unknown faces at our table too. Two powerful-looking men like John’s age. Were they lords too?

I could see my ...