What project? What facility? None of this has anything to do with anything I thought I knew about the Families.

“You need to explain to me why this is happening.”

“I can’t, Ada.”

“Fine. I’ll ask Kor.”

“No!” For a moment my mother looks genuinely scared. I can’t fathom why. “Listen to me, Ada. I’m not going to tell anyone about this conversation, but Kor would. He’s young and gaining influence, and he trusts the Oculus and the Grand Master implicitly.”

“Are you telling me that Kor is part of these kidnappings?” It feels impossible that my soulful, idealistic best friend could have anything to do with this.

“Of course he is, Ada. And if he thinks you’re a risk to the mission, he’ll tell the rest of the Oculus. Counselor Avellino is calling the shots in New York right now, and you know he’s not your best advocate.” Alfie’s father, the Families’ lawyer, is definitely not my biggest fan. He’d been insufferable when interrogating me after Italy and had been one of the strongest voices trying to keep me ignorant of anything remotely confidential. “If the Oculus has any concerns about you, they’ll bring you home immediately. But you need to stay at Genesis.”

I want to scream, but I can’t risk Georgie or anyone else hearing me.

“You can’t expect me to do this without telling me anything. Mom, the Makers have a photo of you. Which means that you’re at risk, and so am I if they figure out we’re related. If you can’t tell me what’s going on, I need to come home.”

“Ada, your safety is what’s most important. You’re safest where you are. Please don’t do anything stupid!”

“I’m not stupid!” I’m not. I’m ignorant because they haven’t been telling me anything, but I won’t stand for this anymore. I refuse to be a pawn.

“Ada—”

I end the call and storm out of the room. The only way I’m going to find answers is if I get them myself.

“I’m going to New York,” I announce to Georgie.

“What? How?”

“I’ll get on the Atlas and go.” I need to confront the Inner Chamber or the Oculus or whoever in person and make sure Hypatia is okay.

“You can’t. Didn’t you hear? There’s a lockdown.”

“What do you mean?”

“Due to the abductions, all Atlas service has been suspended. No one’s allowed to leave Arcadia.”

I throw my hands up and growl.

“Maybe you should talk to Master Loew about it,” Georgie suggests.

“No way! He can’t know about this!” The mere thought of Michael knowing about my betrayal ties my stomach in knots.

“Why not? He’s your friend, and he’ll know what to do.”