She paused, trying to find the words to emphasize how important everything was, and continued. “These factors can affect the way we make decisions. I think it’s obvious to the ones who call Artimé home that the mansion we remember is already in tatters, perhaps destroyed forever. And we will take the time to mourn that like we continue to mourn for Alex.”

Thisbe dropped her gaze.

Fifer paused, taking a moment to be sure her voice was steady and strong. “But now we have to do our jobs without hesitation. Without backing down or being afraid to… well, to further destroy the possessions we love and the memories we carry. We’ll worry about restoring Artimé later. But for now, we must focus on the people. We must press forward knowing we have one chance to save them. Not just the ones who are physically trapped, but those who are emotionally or mentally trapped by Frieda Stubbs and her destructive words and deeds. We have one chance to take back the world that Mr. Today created for the Unwanteds—all of them, not a select few. We will not retreat!”

The group stood tall and cheered.

Fifer paused, letting the feelings of reassurance fill her up. “Also, let’s not forget that this battle is only half of our task. This attack must be swift and sure, like Florence said. We must overwhelm them from the onset and drive them out before they know what’s happening. Our friends are suffering, and time is of the essence.” That last part, “time is of the essence,” was a phrase Fifer had heard Maiven Taveer utter in the land of the dragons, and she’d liked the sound of it. “We must do what we need to do, and quickly. Is everyone clear on your tasks?”

“All clear!” shouted the group in one voice, which was a bit startling. Maiven had brought her military touch to this team in more ways than one.

Fifer’s heart soared. She felt an ounce of hope that their small, strange army had a chance against a group ten times their size. Then she, with a tightness in her throat, made a fist and tapped her chest twice. “I am with you.”

There was a split-second pause and a few strained looks. Thisbe stared hard at the ground, arms crossed. But then she and everyone else repeated the chest tap, some more heartily than others. With fervor, many responded to Fifer and all who surrounded them. “I am with you.”

It came out as a whisper for Thisbe.

“Then,” said Fifer, noticing it, “let’s begin.”

They wasted no time. Fifer whistled for her birds to take flight. Simber bounded and jumped, rising quickly with his passengers. Fifer and Simber led the charge side by side, while the pair of ghost dragons and their riders came right behind.

As they neared the mansion, Florence reminded the ghost dragons of their task in case they’d forgotten. Fifer and her birds, who had a different task, split off from the group, heading for the jungle. “I’ll see you soon,” she called out. “I believe in you!”