My mother is thoughtful for a moment, then says, “I have always believed in the mission of the Families. Kor has a new, radical plan to help make it happen, and the Oculus approves. I’m not the only one who doesn’t agree with his methods, but he’s just one person who holds temporary influence within a greater organization, and he may yet make the world a better place.”

“Maybe I should stay.”

“No.” Her voice is suddenly sharp. “It’s safer for you to go.”

My stomach churns at how clinical she is about me leaving again. “You just told Kor that I can choose what’s best for me.” That had felt like a breakthrough between us, like she was finally starting to treat me like an adult.

She sighs. “Of course you should choose. But you also don’t have the full picture to make the best choice. Your safety is my priority, far above the duties of being part of the Families. I can’t keep them from using you for your blood if you stay here.”

“Mom, you need to protect yourself, too. Part of why I came here was to warn you. The Makers know who you are.”

“Don’t worry about me. We know what they know. Just keep yourself safe.”

“And what about Grandfather? Is he really okay?”

Her expression is strained. “He’s fine.”

“Even if it’s not cancer, is there something else wrong with him? He seemed so sick. Rafe is a… healer. He agreed to try to help Grandfather. Maybe we should go to him before we—”

“No. You have to leave. I promise you that he’s not sick. He had a series of surgeries, but they were successful, and he’s recovering well.”

“Why didn’t I know about them?”

“He didn’t want you to. He thought your concern for him might affect your choice about whether to leave.”

Why does it feel like she’s not telling me everything?

Mom’s pocket has been buzzing nonstop. She hands me the flashlight and takes out her phone. Her eyes flick to the screen and then back to me with a familiar detached determination. She says, “I’ll figure out a way to smooth things over with the Oculus.” Between sentences, she expertly reapplies her lipstick, no mirror needed. Her armor before heading into battle. “Go now. When you get back to the institute, you can continue to spy, or not if you don’t think that’s the right choice, but make protecting yourself your main goal.”

I return her flashlight, then move to give her a hug, but she’s already turning and walking away. So I do too.

When I push through the brush, Rafe is right there. Not down by the boat as I’d expected. We were whispering, but I know that blood doping has given him enhanced hearing. I know he’s heard our entire conversation.