When a week and a half goes by without any sign of either Aidan or Mathilde, Edmund figures it’s time he takes matters into his own hands. He’d have done it sooner, but every time he’s attempted movement without Aures’ strict supervision, he’s gotten an earful from the aforementioned and she’s banned him visitors.

Today’s visitor, however, creeps in after Aures and Lilliana have left for work. Good thing, too, because no one is more terrified of Aures than ...