18
Once Rook and I have agreed to the general’s plan, she departs from the Veil with her Guards, leaving instructions to await her return.
She tells us she needs to prepare the way and ensure the charges against me are dropped before we come back.
I try to find confidence in her assurances, but it doesn’t stop the constant wail of alarms blaring in the back of my head.
One night, Rook picks up his violin and tells me that we’re heading into the forest. He wants to play for me like I asked. We dress in warm clothing, then quietly make our way down the tree-lined paths.
The stars are out, and the night hums with the sounds of nature. We’ve spent a lot of time out here, exploring the wilderness while he shows me everything the Veil has to offer.
I ask him a thousand questions. I’m fascinated by the Neo-Cities and learn there are eleven fully functioning metropolises spread across the continent.
Some of which the Veil considers allies, and some of which are foes.
The Neo-Cities don’t sound that different from New Manhattan, where some of the former buildings have been preserved, but more often they’ve been rebuilt.
Rook’s hand is warm around mine as he leads me to a clearing overlooking the valley. My breath fogs in condensed puffs as we approach a rock sitting a few feet from the cliff’s edge. Amethyst clouds roll overhead, casting us in their neon glow as my fingers tingle, anticipating a hit of Spark.
Rook settles onto the stone, propping the instrument under his chin.
“I’ve always loved playing out here,” he says. “Especially when a storm is brewing.”
His reverent look as he takes in his surroundings is a reminder of how much this place means to him. This green grass and these open skies are a part of him. He doesn’t just live in the Veil; its existence is intrinsic to everything that Rook is.
Then, he offers me a bright smile and touches his bow to the strings. The first notes swell, drifting across the night like glowing embers.
I knew he’d be good. Really, I knew he’d be amazing—because what isn’t he amazing at? But nothing quite prepares me for the way his eyes close and his hands move as he loses himself in the music. The sway of his body. The way his fingers elegantly dance across the instrument’s neck.
The storm draws closer, purple flashes contouring his features. I watch him, swaying as he sways, my chest growing tight and tears burning the backs of my eyes. I wish I had a camera to capture this moment, but then I decide it’s too special for that.
When he’s finished, he lowers the instrument and asks, “What do you think?”
I shake my head and whisper, “Nothing has ever made me so sad yet so happy at the same time.”
He gives me a prolonged look, then reaches out a hand. “It’s been a while since we touched a storm together.”
It has, and I’ve been craving it, so I let him wrap his fingers around mine. Then we stand side by side as the storm builds. When a bolt of Spark explodes above us, I feel him tense as we brace for it.
As it strikes us, I gasp, squeezing Rook’s hand tighter, feeling the power of Spark roll through me in languid, tumbling waves. It crests and surges, filling my limbs, making me feel weightless, like I’m orbiting above the earth.
After it’s over, I watch Rook in the dark with his eyes focused on mine.
This moment is a reminder that we are intrinsically connected to each other, too.
And at some point, I’ll have to reckon with that.
It feels like too much time and not enough passes before we receive word that General Sol is on her way to collect us. It’s late evening when she arrives, and from that moment, everything moves at light speed.
I’m still torn about this decision. I’ve had a lot of time to think. I want to go home. I want to see my family and my friends. But it also feels strange to wish for it, because there’s a very good chance I’ll die as soon as I set foot in the city.
The Veil is so peaceful, like an embrace. The only thing waiting for me in New Manhattan is chaos.
But I can’t stay here forever. I know that. I don’t belong here, and I’ve always known my fate might lead me into Extinguisher hands.
Rook finds me in my room once I’ve packed my few meager possessions. “Ready?” he asks.
I hoist my pack onto my shoulders. “Not really?”
He offers me a serious look. “You can still change your mind.”
“No, I can’t.”
He reaches out his hand and leads me to the same garage door we’ve now used many times to explore the forest. Only this time, I stop dead in my tracks at the sight that awaits.
An airplane.
A tiny one, with a white body and wings, painted with thick purple stripes down the sides. I’ve only ever seen them in photos, and it’s like witnessing some kind of impossible mythic creature coming to life.
“What’s that doing here?” I ask no one in particular.
Rook’s family is already waiting for us.
“It’s your ride to the city,” Navy says with a squeal. “How exciting!”
I stare at the strange contraption. The idea of flinging myself into the atmosphere with nothing underneath us makes my stomach dip. And that’s with two feet still planted firmly on the ground.
Faroe walks over to embrace Rook, wrapping him in a tight hug. She clings to him fiercely while Summit watches with a stoic expression. I’ve had some time to get to know the Athiras, but they’re busy with their roles, and Rook’s father especially remains mostly a mystery.
I approach him, despite the way he intimidates me. “High Commander,” I say as he gauges me from his impressive height.
“Poet,” he answers. He isn’t cold, exactly, but he certainly isn’t welcoming.
“I understand you don’t care for my people or where I came from, but I hope you understand that I only hold Rook in the highest regard.”
“My son clearly has developed a fondness for you,” he says. “I won’t pretend that I approve, but Rook does what Rook wants. I do know he is a very good judge of character.” Summit studies me, and it almost feels like a compliment, but I can still sense his obvious skepticism.
“And do you think he’s being a good judge right now?”
He offers me another scrutinizing look. “That remains to be seen. Bring my son home alive with the cure, and perhaps.”
I nod. “I’ll do everything I can to protect him. I swear to you.”
“See that you do. Rook has a habit of putting those he loves first. Don’t let him sacrifice himself for you.”
I hear the obvious subtext in his statement.
My life would never be worth his son’s.
“Of course,” I whisper. “I would never.”
Something passes behind High Commander Athira’s eyes that could be mistaken for a moment of softness. But it’s there then gone in an instant. He unfolds his arms and steps away to join his family’s farewells.
Navy and Justin both approach to offer their goodbyes. Navy throws her arms around me, squeezing tight. I’ve become very fond of them both.
“I’ve always wanted a sister,” she says. “Having only brothers is sometimes a nightmare.”
“Nav, you’re being a little much,” Justin says. “You just met Poet.”
Navy pulls away and wipes her eyes. “I know, but I can tell we’re kindred spirits. Right, Poet?”
There’s something so sweet and endearing about her complete lack of self-consciousness that I find myself nodding. “Of course.”
The truth is, she does feel like a sister, but I’ve been too afraid to admit that. I can’t let myself get too close.
“See?” she says to her brother.
“Good luck with everything,” Justin says, extending his hand.
Unfortunately, we’ll need a lot more than luck.
While Rook chats with his parents, I gaze at the sky filled with stars.
“Andromeda,” Navy says, pointing up.
“Where?” I ask, remembering that it’s Rook’s favorite constellation. Navy points out several bright spots that, to my eyes, just look like smudges of light. She traces it with a finger, but it’s lost on me.
“What is it supposed to be?” I ask, cocking my head and squinting.
“She was a princess,” Navy says with a sigh. “Known for her kindness and beauty.”
“Princess? Andromeda means princess?”
“Yes,” she nods. “Isn’t it lovely?”
I stare up, remembering the first time Rook called me a Society princess, and how he told me Andromeda reminded him of someone. Now I realize that he might have meant me.
Finally, Rook approaches, slinging an arm around my shoulders.
“Ready?” he asks.
“I suppose?” He smiles and touches his forehead to mine before we pull away.
I catch the expression on his mom’s face.
Rook’s dad might disapprove of me, but it feels like Faroe Athira is already planning our future in her head.
“It was so nice to meet you all,” I say.
“I hope . . . Well, I hope to see you again.”
No one immediately replies as the weight of our mission settles around us.
“Of course,” Faroe says after a moment. “We can’t wait to welcome you back.”
I doubt I’ll ever return, but it’s a nice sentiment.
A moment later, General Sol and her Circle Guard emerge through the wide door. She sweeps her assessing gaze over us before her eyes land on me.
“The plane is ready,” she says. “It’s time to go.” The general marches away without a backward glance.
After one final round of goodbyes, we follow her toward the small airplane.
I’m about to enter when Rook stops and pulls me back.
“Is there a problem?” General Sol asks.
“I’m having second thoughts,” he says. “How do we know we can trust you?”
“Rook,” Summit says, but he waves his father off.
“You’ve spun us a very good story, but how do we know you aren’t planning to deliver us to the Extinguishers?”
Her throat bobs with a heavy swallow. “I’ve told you what I am, Rook. You know my truth. One that could get me killed.”
“The chancellors wouldn’t believe us,” Rook says. “If we told them what you are, you could easily refute it.”