A chorus of engines rumble from beyond the jungle.

We’re not alone.

Theo and I throw ourselves into a sprint across the sand, racing for the vehicle, which is still on the other side of the beach. Cold air rushes through my nose, while heat courses through my body.

A series of vehicles shoot through the clouds, passing overhead on their way toward the ocean. The distance grows between us, and for a moment I think we might be okay. They’re headed for the border; maybe the jungle was enough to shelter us from their view.

But then three of the vehicles split off from the rest, cutting through the sky like arrowheads.

They’re turning around.

Sand explodes around us and the shoreline lights up with blasts of energy. The Residents fire over and over again; when they miss, I realize it’s because Ahmet is trying desperately to veil us. When the aircrafts circle back for a second round, I know it’s only a matter of time before they find a target.

“What are they doing here?” I manage to ask through heavy, frantic breaths.

“I don’t know,” Theo shouts back. “I’ve never seen this many Residents in the Labyrinth before.”

I stumble forward, catching my footing as another slew of bullets sink into the earth, sand erupting like fireworks all around us. Theo reaches for my forearm and pulls me back into a run.

“What do you think it means?” I ask, mind screeching.

We both practically skid to a halt near Ahmet and the waiting vehicle, and Theo gives the barest shake of his head. “I’d tell you, but I’m still hoping I’m wrong.”

I frown, hurrying as Ahmet waves us into the car, but there’s no time to ask what he means.

“I won’t be able to veil us while I’m driving,” Ahmet says as we all clamber into our seats.

Theo’s eyes widen in alarm. “We can’t let them catch Nami.”

“I know,” Ahmet barks, and the weight of what’s at stake presses against my chest.

I’ve done it again. This is my fault.

All I seem to have these days are good intentions and bad ideas.

We shoot across the beach and make a tight arc over the trees. A scattering of leaves brush against the vehicle’s undercarriage, and I brace against my seat as the Residents start firing on us once more.

But this time, they can see their target.

Ahmet can’t veil all of us while trying to evade capture. It’s too much for him. It’s too much for Theo, too, who can hardly veil himself under pressure.

But maybe they could do it with one less person to hide.