“This is Professor Allard,” Crystal said, gesturing the woman over. “She’s a scientist and close friend of mine.”

Allard sat, tilting her head to reveal a black-and-purple starburst exploding over one eye.

Goose bumps erupted on my arms, every nerve in my body signaling run.

“Crystal tells me you’re quite gifted,” she said, and her voice was like music.

It cast a spell on me, and my breathing slowed.

“I don’t know about that,” I said.

“We’re coming to a time when gifts will be necessary. You’ll need more than influence to survive,” Allard said. “From what Crystal tells me, your particular skill is quite interesting. You’ll be better off than most, but to thrive, you’ll need to learn more.”

“What’s coming?” I asked.

“A war,” Crystal said.

My stomach dropped. “But I’m not a fighter.”

“We’ll all be called upon to fight,” Allard said, pressing her lips together. “Our minds are at stake. We all need to be warriors, to protect ourselves, to guard the ignorant.”

“How do we do that?” I asked, my heart thumping in my ears.

“We steal the truth.” Allard smiled.

The pub swirled, but at the same time a shot of excitement shot through me, and my jaw dropped. “You want me to be a thief?”

“You wouldn’t have to steal anything right away,” she said. “We would train you. And if what Crystal says is true, I think the skills would come easily to you.”

“Would I have to disconnect?” I whispered. Would anyone miss me? Without Adam, there isn’t much left for me in L.A.…

“Yes. My offer would require you to disconnect,” she confirmed.

My pulse raced, my mind going a mile a minute. I couldn’t process the enormity of what she was suggesting. “I don’t know if I can do that.”

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” Crystal said. “But please hear her out.” She squeezed my hand.

“There’s a place,” Allard said. “It’s called Keystone. Some believe its existence is legend, but I promise it’s real. It’s hidden among the trees, and the Disconnects there have been chosen to preserve history. We think you’d be a perfect addition to the campus.”

I breathed in the offer and exhaled in a rush. “Do I have to decide now? Leaving behind everything and everyone I know—forever—is a lot to consider.”

“Take all the time you need, but know we’d be honored to have you.” Opening a silver cigarette case, Allard pulled out a square card. “This is my number. Call me when you’ve made your decision. And in the meantime, I trust you’ll speak of this to no one.” She stood.

Reeling, I reread the simple block letters that spelled “Keystone” and the ten digits printed beneath them five times before they made any sense.