Free Dorothy Must Die Novella #7 by Danielle Paige Page A

velvety, deep-purple sky.
    â€œI don’t understand you anymore,” a familiar, raspy voice said behind her, and that was when Lanadel realized she wasn’t alone.
    The voice was Melindra’s. Lanadel knew without looking that she was talking to Nox. Just like she knew she had no business eavesdropping for the second time that day. But neither one of them had seen her, or felt the brush of her magic as she teleported herself to the top of the mountain. And as the power in her body ebbed away as quickly as it had come, she realized that for some reason she wasn’t strong enough to teleport herself back . She would have to walk back down to her sleeping cave—but Melindra and Nox were standing in front of the caverns’ entrance. There was no way to get past them without them seeing her.
    She’d been lucky enough to materialize on the far side of a boulder big enough to hide behind, but if she moved or made any noise Melindra and Nox would spot her. She had no choice but to hide. And from where she crouched, she could hear Nox and Melindra’s every word.
    â€œYou knew what this was going to be like,” Nox was saying. His voice sounded tired. As if he’d been carrying too much weight for far too long. There was something almost vulnerable about him now.
    â€œI knew we were both fighting for the same thing,” Melindra said angrily. “That doesn’t mean we have to be fighting each other, Nox. Just once, can you let me in? I know there are things you aren’t telling me.”
    â€œI’m doing the best I can,” Nox said. “But there’s so much we have to think about, Melindra. We can’t afford to take time for each other right now. I’m sorry.”
    â€œWith you, there’ll never be time,” Melindra said. Lanadel could hear the effort in her voice. It was taking everything she had to keep herself under control. She was in love with Nox. There was no other reason she’d be talking to him like this. “I’m not just talking about us, Nox. I’m talking about the Order. About all the secrets you’re keeping from me.”
    â€œWhat secrets?” Nox asked cautiously. “What do you know, Melindra?” Lanadel held her breath. Was Melindra going to reveal what Lanadel had told her? If Gert and Nox knew she’d spied on them, they’d probably kick her out of the Order.
    But she should have known better. Melindra wouldn’t betrayher. Unlike Nox, Melindra actually seemed to care about her.
    â€œIt doesn’t matter,” Melindra said. “I just know you’ve been lying to me. All along, as it turns out. About us, about the Order—about all of it. Do you know where Annabel is, Nox? Are you and Gert and Mombi just tallying up the body count along with all your secrets?”
    â€œNo!” Nox said hoarsely. “Melindra, no. I’m trying to protect you.”
    It was the worst thing he could have said, even if it was true—and Lanadel knew that it was, from what she’d overheard. Melindra’s pride would never let her take it as a gesture of caring. She would only see him as trying to patronize her.
    â€œI don’t need protecting , Nox,” she spat. “I need honesty .”
    â€œYou know I can’t tell you everything,” Nox said again helplessly. “I don’t even know Gert and Mombi’s plan. I’ve never told you anything different—”
    â€œYou’ve never told me anything!” Melindra hissed. Now her control was slipping. “Look at where we are, Nox! Look around us!” She gestured wildly at the stars, the dusky sky, the moonlight night. “This is the most beautiful place in Oz and we’re arguing about whether or not the Order will let us be together! Mombi doesn’t control you, and neither does Gert, no matter what you think. You have so much power, so much strength. You’re their equal. You don’t