The Chief Architect is already here and waiting for us. Her sleek white coat nearly touches the ground, and her hair is swept up into a simple bun. Her shoulders are hunched up in a familiar, tense gesture that makes her look eternally anxious, and her deep-set eyes are hidden behind the glare of light on her glasses. A gold ring engraved with the sun’s rays flashes blindingly bright on her finger, distracting me. When she notices me looking at it, she smiles briefly at me, then offers me a cool kiss on my cheek. Beside the Premier, General Caitoman nods in smug approval.

“We are guided by light,” she explains of her ring, as if quoting some Karensan scripture, “and fated by the sun. Welcome back to the capital, Skyhunter.”

I shift away from her in disgust.

She startles at the sight of Constantine, as she always seems to do, but then brightens her smile into one so smooth that I almost believe it’s genuine.

“The entire capital has been celebrating for the past week,” she tells Constantine, her eyes darting rapidly between him and General Caitoman as we all follow her. “Word of your return from Mara spread rapidly.”

Constantine smiles at her. “I’ve missed the city. My Skyhunter and I will come to the Laboratory tomorrow, when you can study her progress and make sure she’s doing well.”

“Progress” is code, of course, for asking the Chief Architect to analyze my mind to ensure that my transformation is still on track. It is a sign that I’ll need to return soon to the Laboratory for her to give me more injections, to have my blood drawn for analysis. It is a reminder that eventually, my autonomy will be overtaken by the Premier’s commands.

I don’t react, and the Chief Architect nods her head hurriedly in agreement. There’s a flicker of some emotion on her face, something that confuses me, but then it’s gone.

She approaches me and holds out a small vial of pale, murky liquid. “Drink this, please,” she tells me. “It will help me determine how you’re doing.”

So, my transformation will continue as planned. How can someone be so cordial to me while deforming my body? I have no choice but to do as she says, here, before Constantine. I take the vial from her hands and drain it in one gulp. It tastes sickeningly sweet, like something unnatural.

In spite of everything, my anger toward her has settled into a simmer. She’s done all this to me, but at the end of the day, we’re no different. Hadn’t I turned my back on my friends in order to protect my family? Instead of glaring at her, I hand the vial back and look away.

Eyes follow me as we go. I can only guess at which of them are Constantine’s spies, watching me to make sure I show the proper amount of obedience.

As we look on, Constantine steps forward with Caitoman at one side and me at the other, until we appear over the edge of the rampart so that the crowds can see us.