I laid my head back down and breathed a sigh of relief, inhaling the comforting smells of chocolate and nuts. When a shuffle sounded in the hallway, I sat up, smoothing down my hair. I cleared my throat to alert whoever was out there that I wasn’t sleeping anymore.

Apple appeared with a deep-brown smile and a twinkle in her eyes. She carried a tray of treats. “Good morning, friend.” She placed the tray on the coffee table.

“Thank you.” I rubbed my eyes. Then I rubbed my eyes again. It didn’t seem possible to still feel tired, but my body wanted to lay back down.

I took a handful of truffles and popped one into my mouth. “Mmm,” I moaned. “I wish I could have these with me all the time.” I eyed another.

Apple smiled. “I’m always just a season away, friend. I’ll wrap some and send them with you for when you have to leave.”

I slowed my chewing and dropped my gaze to the tray.

A raven-black jacket appeared in the doorway. Zane’s eyes were that same muted tone as before, and I made a face. “What’s gotten into you?” I asked, nodding to the truffles. “Eat something. You look like you’re about to tip over.”

“I’m fine,” Zane said. “We need to talk.”

I glanced at Apple, but she only shrugged. So, I stood and wiped my mouth with my sleeve, stifling a laugh when Apple scowled.

Zane led me through a network of spindled metal hallways and into the large, hollow main room. The sound of the chocolate waterfall filled the space. Kaley emerged from another hall; a backpack slung over her shoulders. I realized she was coming with us when Zane went outside, and she followed.

“Good grief, you two. What’s going on?” I asked the moment we met cold air.

Zane glanced at Kaley. “Trite?” he said.

Kaley studied me. In my sister’s forest-green eyes, I saw a look I didn’t understand.

“We had a good plan, Helen. We got two out of three Triad pieces. But I also have my own plan,” she said.

I huffed a phony laugh. “Okay. What’s so bad about your plan that you had to keep it from me?” I stole a glance at Zane but he was quiet.

“Helen, I watched you burn out for months. And even after coming back here, you’re still not better. I think what you need is rest.” Kaley swallowed. “Even Lucas knows when to go on sabbatical.”

“What are you saying?” I hugged my arms to myself.

My sister took a deep breath. “You tried to force your way back here when you weren’t supposed to.” She took one of my hands in hers. “But this isn’t just about that. It’s also about Eliot.”