I don’t know how long we work. My world has transformed into words and pages and dust, a fragile construction that could blow away at any second. It feels like hours before Sebastian shout-thinks to get my attention.

You’re going to go after Maeve no matter what, aren’t you?

My face grows hot, and I glance away. I have no choice.

I like Rachel. I really don’t like lying to her.

I like her too. But we need Maeve. I can’t lose her, Sebastian. I just couldn’t take that.

I know.

I try to return to my book, but a sudden thought grips me by the throat and threatens to strangle me where I stand. I’ve thought about it before, but I never shared it with Sebastian, because I didn’t want him to worry. But now…now I’m certain it’s true. Sebastian sees my discomfort and rubs my arm.

What’s wrong, Simone?

I can’t help thinking the body walker must be right under our noses.

Sebastian’s hand flies off my skin as if it’s been burned. You mean you think it’s someone we know? Someone who’s been here all along?

How else could they have gotten to Euna and Maeve without resistance? I shiver. What if Connor is the body walker?

Sebastian shudders. What would make you think that?

It’s the tenor of Connor’s thoughts. Forceful and determined. A stubborn unwillingness to see any other viewpoint. They remind me of the body walker’s.

Sebastian’s hands ball into fists. It has to be him. He hasn’t liked us or Maeve from the minute we got here.

Or it could be Devynne, I muse. She may seem innocent, but who knows what she might be hiding. I haven’t snuck into her head enough to know for sure. And she’s definitely been much too interested in us and our talents.

What can we do about it?

I give him my best grimace as I eye Rachel’s back at a table near ours. She’s lost in her book. If we were to slip away for a bit, I doubt she’d even notice…

We’re going to prove it. Come on.

I slip off my chair, and Sebastian follows suit. Both Devynne and Connor are somewhere around here. We tiptoe toward the alcove where Connor usually does his research. But he isn’t there this time.

Let’s see if we can find him in the stacks, I think to Sebastian, and he gives me a quick nod.

I let my talent roam this level of the library, brushing against mind after mind until I find who I’m searching for.

He’s on the next level up.

With a quick check that Rachel is still thoroughly engrossed in her research, we head for the stairs and circle around until we’re positioned right behind where Connor stands in a row of books.

To our surprise, he’s not alone.

What do you think he’s doing with Devynne? Sebastian asks.

No clue. But let’s find out.

We huddle down behind the books, listening carefully to the two researchers’ conversation.