“Who isn’t here?” Rayelle asks, craning her neck to search the other tables.

“Marcel,” Stewart says. “I overheard Abignail say he used his cutting torch on the Kaba Mas and that disqualified him. Lucky for you.”

Rayelle audibly exhales.

I lift my head, trying to focus on my friends’ faces, unable to comprehend that I’m competing in the Quest.

“Kyran and Garrett are no surprise,” Sophia says. “And Garrett must have helped Chloe—”

“But Chloe completed the obstacle course before Garrett,” I finish her thought, processing everything out loud. “He couldn’t have tipped her off unless he already knew what the course looked like.”

“Interesting.” Stewart’s fingers drum on the table. “Garrett isn’t supposed to get special treatment.”

As he keeps reminding me. “To be honest, I believe him,” I say. “Maybe we shouldn’t underestimate Chloe.”

“That’s depressing.” Rayelle sighs. “She’s perfect.”

“Please,” Sophia says. “She’s a decoy. The lock probably took one look at her and its legs fell open.”

“We all have gifts.” Stewart laughs. “But you.” He gives me his full attention. “Let’s not forget about you.”

Heat rises in my cheeks. “We can forget about me,” I say. “It must be a miscalculation. It’s a fluke.”

“You actually came in second to Garrett.” Stewart’s smile widens as he folds his fingers in front of his mouth like some sort of evil lord. “Chloe, Garrett, Kyran, and Elisha. One of these things is not like the others. They’re all legacies, and one thing’s for certain, missy: they aren’t going to like it if you win. Which is why we have to make sure you do.”

“But I don’t want to win. I told you—I don’t want to pick my partner.” And I certainly don’t want to be partners with Garrett. We’d kill each other. As soon as I think his name, my eyes find him.

He looks up at that exact moment, smirking and silently applauding me.

Chloe catches my eye as well, shooting me a smug smile, her eyes narrowing in warning as she snuggles up to Garrett.

Scowling, I turn back to my table. “On second thought, maybe I do want to win.” It’s the only way to guarantee Garrett is not my partner. “I’ll think about it.”

Chapter Thirteen

November 20X5, Keystone

I turn down the corridor that leads to my secret room, intending to work on my journal. Allard scheduled a brain scan for next week, and I want to show progress. My stomach growls. It’s dinnertime, and I should be in the Atrium, but I’ve been skipping meals, claiming I need to study—which I do—but I’m also avoiding Garrett, Chloe, and Kyran. Ever since our names were announced, everyone has taken sides. There’s even an underground betting ring. Garrett is the odds-on favorite, and I’m the long shot. It’s earned me several supporters, spiking my popularity, and I don’t like the notoriety. But as much as I don’t want the added attention winning would bring, guaranteeing Garrett isn’t my partner is tempting. And I’d never forgive myself if I didn’t beat Chloe. She’s the real reason I’ve been putting in extra study hours.