Chapter 39 #2
We avoid the sprinkler commotion in the courtyard, sprinting toward the outer loop as we create distance from the school.
It’s the longer way to the houses, but there’s less chance we’ll be seen and stopped.
Once we’re on the familiar path, we double our speed as we bolt into the night, our legs carrying us to where it all began.
Above us, the sky transforms. Smears of brilliant green shift and move like a living thing, particles colliding with the earth’s atmosphere to produce a glowing stream across the sea of stars. My breath catches, a puff of air releasing on my exhale. It’s an extraordinary sight.
Lionel leads the way as we diverge from the loop’s path.
We weave through towering trees that expand into the wooded area.
Snow lies thick on the earth, dampening my sneakers and soaking the bottom of my dress.
My pulse is a staccato rhythm. How long until Mr. Whelehan alerts Ellerby about William’s escape?
Up ahead, Sumner’s using a flashlight to inspect the isoborometer. His head lifts when he hears us, eyes lighting up when they find me.
“Hi,” he says, breathless, pulling me into him. His thunderous heartbeat pounds against my cheekbones. “We need to move fast.”
My stomach twists. “Is it working?”
“I think so.” He tucks his pen behind his ear. “I measured the strength of the field, exactly where it begins and ends, and ran the calculations a few times. Each result showed the strongest point was here—”
I track his gaze toward the isoborometer.
Mechanical clicking and whirling oscillate at a rhythmic pace, a sign it’s registered energy from the storm.
Relief bows through me. As long as we’ve succeeded with our engineering, it should begin to reverse the direction of the vortex by stimulating its core, shifting the time pathway from now to then.
“We’re not certain it’ll pull the force we need—it’s all theory, at this point—but we should see results when the geomagnetic activity is at its strongest.” Sumner checks his phone. “Eleven minutes from now.”
I look to Lionel for confirmation. He nods.
“And I’m to stand here?” William asks quietly.
“Yes,” Sumner says, the word a whisper into the night.
I can’t help but notice concern pinched between his brows. “What aren’t you saying?”
Sumner catches Lionel’s eye, then releases a taut breath.
“I told you it’s theory,” he starts, raking a hand through his hair.
“We’re not sure how much it may take. The vortex is wide.
Anyone could end up at its starting point unless we’re out of its margins.
” He looks between us. “It’s why I measured. I needed to be sure.”
William’s eyes drift toward mine. This is happening. I thought I’d be ready. I mean, I thought we’d have all evening together at the gala, but now everything is happening so fast. It’s an awful, sinking feeling knowing he’s on his own from here.
Lionel hands William his journal, shaking his hand one last time. William thumbs over the leather before tucking it inside his coat. He retrieves my old phone from his pocket and passes it to me. His eyes find mine, somehow fearless and forever regal, so I try to match his bravery.
My lungs fill on a shaky inhale as I slide the phone into my coat. “You’ve helped me more than you know,” I say. “It’s been an honor to know you.”
His smile is soft and sad. “Delaney, the honor is all mine.”
The sky brightens with aurora bands, washing us in an unearthly glow of emerald light. A tangle of emotions knots in my chest, and I’m brushing away a stray tear when William steps closer.
“I suppose this is farewell.”
A lump forms in my throat. “It never gets easier.”
He tips his head skyward, features contemplative. “Perhaps it’s how you know it was all worth it.” His gaze latches on mine. “Every single second.”
Tears stream down my cheeks. He offers his hand, and I’m met with a sturdy shake only a nobleman could possess.
The oncoming loss hits me hard. I can’t help but break through his good-mannered poise, flinging my arms around him as he releases a short gasp of surprise.
He recovers, pulling me close. When I step back, streaks of purple and green light up in his eyes.
“Seven minutes,” Lionel announces.
A wash of déjà vu rattles me as I back away, watching as he shakes Sumner’s hand. He secures his hat atop his head, a mix of wonder and awe playing across his face. Then he moves regally toward the isoborometer, full of graceful composure. I’d expect nothing less.
“It’s all right,” William reassures me, lifting a hand in a final wave.
I match it, sparing one last glance before turning away.
Sumner’s hand slips into mine, and my grip tightens. A heaviness settles in my bones as the three of us sprint across the snow.
It doesn’t take long. As we break through the trees, stumbling into the clearing, the lampposts begin to pulse at odd integers.
The sky could be confused for sun-drenched daylight if it weren’t for the hues of ruby and violet and green flowing above us.
No—not flowing. The streaks begin to coil.
Instead of trailing along the sky like rivulets of water, they slowly churn into a spiral pattern.
Almost like a cyclone. The pattern winds in an unusual demonstration of nature. I’ve never seen anything like it.
It’s not accidental. This swirled sky tunnel made of light and particles and energy is forming right over William at the core of the vortex. Here, in the darkening night, lies real hope.
Will we remember any of this? Will I remember him?
We don’t slow until we’re in the open space between Hyde and Segner. Wind thrashes through our hair as the aurora continues to curl and rotate above us. I’m struggling to suck down breaths when Sumner removes a compass from his pocket, brows furrowing as he takes it in.
Before I can ask, he holds it out so Lionel and I can see. My skin prickles. Cold unease sifts uncomfortably in my stomach. The needle continues to glitch, jerking in unnatural movements, then spins aimlessly without finding direction.
Every piece of hope I’d tried to hold on to melts away like tissue paper in a rainstorm.
Something is terribly wrong.