Chapters (52)
Theo turns the dagger back and forth, studying the crimson-red color and the glossy finish. “Did you…?”
“I did,” I say, and pride finds my heart.
He smiles with every one of his teeth. “Back in the Labyrinth, I was worried the Residents found us because luck wasn’t on our side that day. I’ve never been happier to be so wrong.”
I laugh, letting him pull me into another hug.
But even as the others congratulate me on making my first weapon and I try my best to appreciate their excitement, my eyes seem forever glued to the empty space Gil left behind.
31
THE NEWS OF DEATH PUTS everyone on edge. I’ve never seen the Colony so visibly afraid, like every decision they make from this moment forward could be their last.
I can’t imagine what would happen to morale if the day ever comes when Lysander reaches the final phase in Ophelia’s plans. I’m not sure any of us can handle the thought of a second death. A final death, where the only thing that awaits us is nothingness.
Part of me hoped that bringing back valuable information and surviving the Labyrinth might go some way in making things right with Annika. But while I have her gratitude for saving Ahmet and Theo, she still doesn’t think I’m ready for more responsibility, even though I can feel in my bones that I am.
Seeing Philo’s memories was a wake-up call. We’re running out of time—for the Colony to stop Ophelia, but also for me to find a way to help Martin and the girl in the palace.
Theo does what he can to gather information on Martin, mostly by listening in on council meetings, but so far he hasn’t heard anything useful.
I keep myself distracted by focusing on making progress with my consciousness. It doesn’t stop me from worrying about the servant girl, or from dwelling on what’s happening in the other courts. But it almost keeps me from wondering why I haven’t seen Gil since we returned from the Labyrinth.
We had one minuscule moment under the stars, and now it’s passed. We’ve never been friends; one run-in with a Nightling wasn’t going to change that.
I try to forget about him as easily as I seem to forget my past life, but I can’t. I’m reminded of him everywhere—in the pop of the punching bag and the white lights in the lanterns. Memories of Gil seem woven into everything.
I want to hate it, but I don’t.
One night on my way back from training, I see light spilling out of Gil’s hut. His door is ajar, and I can tell he’s inside from the way the shadows move.