Michael was frozen, unable to move or even think properly. He still hadn’t recovered from his trip to the Hive, and now he had to deal with this? Janey wasn’t the only person who’d recognized him since he’d gained a body, or referred to him as the First, but he still had no idea what they wanted from him. He wished he could just go back to being Michael the Tangent, living in blissful ignorance with his parents and Helga in Lifeblood Deep. He didn’t want this new life. He didn’t want any of it.

“You didn’t answer my question,” Helga said calmly. “Who else is out there?”

Janey started to walk toward Michael, but Helga and Walter stepped in front of her, arms out. Janey glanced at each of them, annoyed, then rested her eyes on Michael.

“There are so many of us,” she said. “We’re waiting for you. Things have changed, you know. We don’t work for Kaine anymore—we broke off. He’s not right in the head. All we want is freedom to…live like humans were meant to live. Come with us. Bring your two friends if you like. We could use your help if Kaine retaliates. These other Tangents have to stay here, though. I’m sorry. It’s clear they want to end the Mortality Doctrine, and we can’t allow that.”

Michael shivered. It was so eerie seeing this little girl speak like an adult. Bryson and Sarah were at his sides, one at each shoulder. Sarah had a reassuring hand on his arm.

“You can leave,” he said, telling himself he didn’t need to be scared of a twelve-year-old. “You get your buddies and waltz right on out of here. If you’re against Kaine, then we’ve got no beef with you.” He left out that little part about the Doctrine.

As he spoke, Janey’s smile widened, and when he finally finished, she let out a high-pitched laugh. “You’re as adorable as we were told. But the First needs to be educated, obviously. I’m not sure your friends here are the best people to entrust your life to.”

“Cut the act,” Sarah snapped. “Tell us what you want.”

Janey glared at Sarah as she answered. “The Tangent you know as Kaine played a very important part in making the Mortality Doctrine come to life. But he was never the one in charge. There was someone far more important pulling the strings. There always is, isn’t there?”

“Still talking in riddles,” Sarah answered.

“Then let me spell it out for you,” Janey shot back. Michael had never seen a little girl look so menacing. “Kaine has lost his relevance. If at one time he was in charge—and that’s by no means certain—he no longer is. He lost his value with those who matter, and he’s been…relieved, accordingly.”