"Lock him up," Fred said coldly.

"I'm staying," Dominic replied after a struggle. "You'll have to kill me to make me leave."

Fred snorted. "Do you think I won't?"

"Do it, then." Dominic plopped down by the bed's head and clung to the bedpost. Despite his scrawny frame, Dominic proved surprisingly strong. Several guards attempting to drag him away inadvertently moved the bed as well.

Lily frowned. "Dom..." she coughed. "Stop!"

Pleased she could speak, Fred gestured for the guards to halt and approached her. "You really are something else. Do you think you can derail my plan by dying?"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Lily said, still processing events. She turned to Dominic. "Dom shouldn't be here. Let him go."

"Let him go?" Fred chuckled. "So you can try to kill yourself again?"

He believed Lily had harmed herself. Even if a traitor existed, that person would likely attempt to save the queen, not harm Lily. Furthermore, Lily had had no contact with anyone and was previously in good health. He was certain, though he didn't know how, that Lily had self-inflicted her injuries.

"If you dare touch him, I'll end my life right now," Lily said, her voice hoarse and chilling.

They glared at each other, a silent contest of wills.

After a moment, Fred snorted. "Just you wait." He strode toward the door. "Everyone out!"

He paused, then turned back. "I'm warning you. If you die before the experiment begins, I'll kill your entire family and everyone related to them. Don't think this is an empty threat. Remember the pandemic in Burnwken. The Hyderland government can't protect them forever. If you want them dead, go ahead." Fred left, leaving Lily and Dominic alone.

Dominic staggered to his feet, sighing. "You little brat!"

Lily smiled. It was a blessing to be scolded by her mentor.

"I thought I'd never see you again," Lily murmured.