Darius found me still holding the vial, staring at it like it might bite.

"Elara." He dropped through the broken floor, landing in a crouch beside me. Blood streaked his face and arms, but none of it looked serious. "Are you hurt?"

"No." I couldn't look away from the swirling liquid. "Gideon got away."

"I know. Caleb's tracking him, but..." He touched my shoulder gently, turning me to face him. "What is that?"

"Something from my mother." I finally met his eyes. "Her last words, apparently. ...