But despite Raina’s tonic, there’s still no real telling how much Constantine can sense. What will happen if he learns that Red is in this audience?

I turn to Constantine, hating how pathetic I look—tears glinting in my eyes, my hands clenched. But he doesn’t even bother turning to me. Instead, he’s looking around the arena itself, at the screaming audience. At those cheering for blood, cheering for him. Then, at the sound of those who are shouting their disapproval at punishing Adena. The ones who stay quiet, watching with thoughtful expressions. He knows there are rebels out there, enough of them that General Caitoman has called them a real threat. He knows that they represent the crumbling edges of the Federation, this unsteady empire he is fighting to hold on to.

Beside him, General Caitoman watches the display with approval. This is the spectacle he’s come to see.

Go, Skyhunter, Constantine says, and this time, his voice in my mind is firm.

He knows I have no choice. He can feel the hatred boiling through me at him. Here I am, the most powerful creation in the world, trapped into doing his bidding. Forced to use that power to end the life of her friend.

As if in a daze, I spread my steel wings. I sense the warmth of my glowing eyes. My feet lift off the floor, and the arena gasps audibly as they witness me launch into the air in Adena’s direction. I see the world sprawl below me, feel myself fly through the air as if I’m watching from somewhere far away. As if I’m no longer in my body at all.

Down below, Adena looks up to meet my gaze, and I find myself barely able to return it. She doesn’t flinch. Even when the audience shrinks back as I hurtle down toward the maze and come to a landing on top of the structure, Adena stands her ground with a straight back and level stare.

I crouch above her, my wings spread to their full expanse, blocking out the sun.

But Adena just stares at me with a resigned expression. “Come get it over with,” she signs. It’s a message meant only for me.

The entire arena seems to be holding its breath, waiting for me. I just stay where I am. The threat of what could happen to my mother hovers over me, the ever-persistent cloud, and yet I cannot bring myself to go down there and cut her throat. I can’t bear the thought of my weapons drawing her blood.

Even though I don’t know where Red is, I can feel him watching this moment. Fearing what I’ll be forced to do.

When I lift my eyes, I can see Constantine sitting at his balcony, observing me with that steady expression.

I utter my answer to Constantine through our bond. It is steady, resolute, unshakable.

I won’t do it. I won’t kill her.

There’s a mild current of surprise that comes through the link, followed by a bit of amusement. Constantine is humored by my answer. I glare up at him, but he just studies me, testing me.