“Yes.” Mist nodded. “Back then, we didn’t know Talon was going to use the vessels against the Order. We didn’t know about the Night of Fang and Fire, or what the Elder Wyrm was truly planning.”

“Did you know about the clones?”

“I didn’t,” Mist said. “But I suspect he did. After I...failed the mission in Vegas, I expected to be punished, or at least reassigned somewhere horrible. But he pulled some strings and was able to reassign me to the lab, where you ended up.” Her expression shifted to a faint look of awe as she shook her head. “I think he knew, somehow, that our paths would cross. That he could use you to get the information he wanted.”

“Why help us escape, though?” I asked. “You could have easily left us there, after you got what you needed. The easier plan would have been to abandon us or turn us in, instead of having Luther see you with us and blow your cover.”

“Yes, it would,” Mist agreed. “But that’s not what my employer desired. He wanted me to help you escape, so I did. Don’t ask me why—I’m not in the habit of questioning his orders. And lately...” She paused again, a brief frown crossing her face as if she were annoyed that she was revealing something else. “He’s been at odds with the Elder Wyrm for a long time. Perhaps he realized that you would be more useful alive and free. That you and your little resistance will be instrumental in stopping the Elder Wyrm’s plan to destroy the Order.” She shrugged. “Or maybe he just wanted another way to twist the knife. You’ve certainly been a thorn in Talon’s side. Maybe that’s why he chose to help you.

“In any case,” she continued, giving me a defiant look. “That’s all I’m willing to reveal right now. Have I sufficiently answered your questions, Cobalt? Are you satisfied that I am not going to run off and betray you to Talon at the first opportunity?”

I crossed my arms. “For now.”

“Well.” Mist gave me that faint smile. “Do let me know if anything changes.”

Downstairs, the front door opened and closed softly.