I stay for a few more minutes before saying my goodbyes and heading back to my room. But when I think about finding peace, I realize it’s impossible.

All I can seem to think about is Gil.

I spend the nights going over what Yeong said, dissecting his words like I’m searching for answers he didn’t mean to give. And when I finally uncover them, it feels like all the gears of a watch clicking into place, starting a timer I know won’t last forever.

Days later, I find Ahmet in his workshop. He’s with Theo; both are standing over one of the large tables littered with scraps of metal. Theo turns his wrist back and forth, a black glove flickering a series of pixelated lights whenever he moves. He makes a fist, and his entire arm vanishes.

“Not bad, Ahmet,” Theo says, grinning.

Ahmet hums, not as convinced. “I think if we want to do any damage, we’ll need to hide more than just our dominant arms.”

Theo notices me first and throws up his visible arm in a greeting. “Check it out—Ahmet made an automatic veiler!”

“It’s still a prototype. A very unfinished prototype,” Ahmet corrects, welcoming me with a gentle nod.

I step farther into the room, admiring the new invention. “That’s amazing,” I gush. If he masters it, everyone in the Colony could veil themselves as easily as Shura without having to concentrate. It could pave the way to helping even more people.

Maybe even people like Martin.

“What brings you to this side of the Colony?” Ahmet asks just as Theo’s arm comes back into view.

I don’t bother with small talk. “I want to go to the Labyrinth.”

Theo removes the glove from his hand, eyebrows raised quizzically.

“The Labyrinth isn’t a tourist attraction,” Ahmet says carefully.

“I know. But Shura told me you go there sometimes to scavenge for material and that you know how to navigate it,” I explain. I recall what Yeong said, about Gil having to adapt faster when he was in War. “I think the reason I’m so slow to develop abilities is because I’m too safe here. If I had a crash course—somewhere unfamiliar that would push me outside of my comfort zone—I think it would help me.”

“I can’t take you anywhere dangerous.” Ahmet looks almost stern. “You’re still the only person who can walk among the Residents. You’re valuable.”

If I really had value, then why does nobody care what I think? I try not to grimace. “I’m not asking to go into Resident territory. If anything, we’d be moving farther away from it.” I lift my shoulders. “I just want the change of pace. To see if it makes a difference to my training.”