Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Domino wasted no time. “Tell your teammates you’re going to the bathroom. Sprint north, turn right. Enter the Lumen Bay Apartments. Speak to no one. In the lobby bathroom, tell the girl to trust she who comes after you.”
What the—
“I’ll handle your guards,” the other man said, his voice a growl.
He and Domino vanished.
I didn’t give myself a chance to debate all the reasons I should refuse. “I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be back.” I darted off in the correct direction as if my feet were on fire, not giving anyone an opportunity to protest or ask questions.
I dashed through clusters of people and dodged every obstacle. Running was my thing. I pumped my arms in sync with my stride. “Apologies,” I called after knocking a guy with my shoulder.
Distinct footsteps echoed behind me, a war drum in my ears. My guards, no doubt. I didn’t risk a glance over my shoulder and possibly a crash caused by distraction. Instead, I let Domino’s friend “handle” them.
Turning the corner on Lumen Avenue, I spotted the correct apartment building. Wondering what I’d find, I flew inside. Nice place. Modern furnishings, mirrored walls, fancy fixtures.
A woman behind the reception counter shouted, “Hey!” Like the man who’d backed off earlier, she spotted my badge, clamped her mouth shut, and sat.
Bathroom, bathroom, where was the bathroom? I raced here, there. Yes! I shouldered past the door, entering a utilitarian space with two full-length mirrors, two sinks, and two stalls, one on each side. Someone stood at a sink, washing her face. We froze in unison.
Realization slapped me. “Mykal,” I burst out, throwing my arms around her. I owed Domino so big. He’d known how desperately I wished to help her, and he’d made it happen. He was a good man.
“Be quiet.” Frantic and panicked, she unsheathed a makeshift dagger. “How did CURED find me? I removed my ID chip.”
Oh, wow, she looked worse than before. Too thin, fragile, her eyes sunken and her cheekbones sharper than broken glass. Her hair stuck out in dirt-streaked spikes. Torn, stained clothing hung on her slender frame.
Staving off tears, I held up my hands, palms out, to let her know I intended her no harm. Mykal was my friend. Maybe my best friend. Considering she had turned against CURED, as evidenced by her words, she might be ready to hear the truth. Which meant, I now had a choice. Give her the truth, straight up, or don’t. If I did it, and she got caught after we parted, she might tattle on me, putting me more firmly in Mr. Vyle’s crosshairs.
Honestly, though, Domino had sent me here with a specific mission. He’d all but ordered me to take the risk.
Very well. At least I wouldn’t be recorded, my necklace scrambling our conversation. “We don’t have a lot of time,” I rushed out, fierce but quiet. “I’m a Soalian. Part of the Tome Society. A glower. CURED has lied to us our entire lives. You are infected—”
Making a noise of distress, she jabbed the knife in my direction. The action lacked skill and grace. “I’m not infected!”
I twisted out of the way, avoiding injury, and resumed my all-innocence stance.
“I’m not infected!” she repeated, looking ready to sob.
“I won’t turn you in to CURED,” I assured her. “Everyone is infected. I was too. But Soal is real, and he’s got a cure. Someone I trust is going to explain further.”
Hinges squeaked as a humming woman strode into the enclosure. Both Mykal and I froze again. The moment the newcomer’s identity pinged, I relaxed.
“Mykal, you remember Shiloh’s sister, Ember.” They used to live in the same building.
“Hello, Mykal.” Ember removed big, dark sunglasses. Dressed in a stark-white dress, with a scooped bodice and a hem that stopped just below her knees, she dazzled. She’d anchored her mass of hair in a sleek bun. A large hat cast shadows over her bold features.
I wanted to stay and help so badly. Mykal kept the dagger raised, her eyes as wild as a maddened amid a full breakage. But I had to go back.
“Please listen to her, Mykal. She’ll hide you from CURED. Keep you safe. Reveal the truth and expose lies.” Without another word, I raced out and retraced my steps.
By the time I reached my teammates, Miller was cuffing a pale, trembling citizen. The other three stood nearby, holding their own captives and cheering him on. My guards waited among them, tense.
Roman noticed me and scowled. “Pick someone,” he commanded. “I won’t lose this challenge because you couldn’t pee somewhere close.”
“No need.” I notched my chin. “I told you. I have a reason, so I don’t need a captive.”
He worked his jaw, clearly wishing to argue. In the end, he moved on. “Fine. I won’t force you. But if I’m punished because you refused to do your job, we’re gonna have a problem.”