I turn my back. I stumble into the darkness, hurrying away before the screaming can start.

I know now why Elliott wanted me to see this. It’s a warning: I’m next. Soon the shadowseekers will find the proof they need to incriminate me. And when they do, it’ll be me hog-tied in front of the fog, me asking to be shot.

Me facing the Beings.

I’ll never get to Ty. All my hard work, my months of careful dealing, all for nothing. I’ve spent nearly a year saving up ration coupons for bribes and hunting for ways to get safely off the island, to an airport, to the London university where Ty is stranded. I heard rumors that the mayor had a helicopter, that there was a chance it could fly above the fog. I searched for its pilot. I thought I was getting close—just a few more weeks of deals, of chasing down leads—but there’s no way I’ll make any progress before I get arrested now.

I could hide out in my loft. Stick to the tunnels, never do another deal, use the ration coupons I have stockpiled to survive for a while longer.

But if I give up now, I’ll never see Ty again.

I stop in the middle of the tunnel, a grim desperation stealing over me. I will not let this happen. I will not be arrested and exiled, with no supplies and no pilot, forced to face the Beings in the fog while my big brother, who has watched over me my whole life, is stuck half a world away.

I have one other option. Before, it was too much of a risk. Now, Elliott has made sure I understand that it’s my last chance.

I check my watch. I’ve got maybe six hours till sunset.

Plenty of time to make some preparations.

CHAPTER TWO

I ARRIVE AT THE BOARDWALK TEN MINUTES LATE BY design. The sun is half set already, peeking through the brewing storm clouds, painting the fog-drowned horizon in pinks and oranges. I nod in satisfaction when I see the proof of my lateness and then search for a way to waste a few more minutes.

This place is all rotting wood and sagging buildings, complete with a rusted-out Ferris wheel at the far end. Closer to me are a few decrepit game booths. I pick one that has a back wall strung with dartboards and spend a leisurely minute plucking out all the darts before I pace back to the front of the booth and start throwing them.