Would it be too much to ask of them? To give up their hiding place and relative peace for a chance to build an army?

Would it be too much to ask of Gil, who’d be forced to go back?

I push my thoughts aside and move across the square. Right now, Martin is the priority. The future will have to wait.

Residents hover in front of the dilapidated market stalls like scavengers hunting for scraps. All sorts of trinkets have been left behind: perfumed soaps, painted music boxes, flowered hairpins, and even a collection of tiny clay figurines. Greedy fingers snatch everything up, two at a time, and within moments the stall is cleared and the Residents scatter back up the street.

One of the Residents pauses to look back at the airship. “Such a waste of artistry. I wonder if Prince Lysander will send them all back once he’s finished with them. I hate to think how empty the market will be—I was looking forward to a new pair of cuff links.”

“Humans don’t return from Death,” another clarifies, tutting. “And anyway, Victory will be better off for it. If a human can wake up once, they’ll do it again. Better to let another court have their go at them.”

The knots tighten in my stomach like they’re covered in barbs.

I search hurriedly for a safe space to speak with Theo, but the farther we venture into the square, the more crowded it becomes. Legion Guards march up and down the streets in droves, lining humans up like herds of cattle. Most of the servants smile absentmindedly, eyes vacant and disinterested.

They don’t look very aware at all.

So why is Prince Caelan sending them to Death?

The girl from the palace appears across the square, and I feel as if the earth has been pulled out from under me. Her twin buns are disheveled and coming undone, and she’s being shuffled to the front of the line, four guards at her sides like they’re boxing her in.

I freeze in place, a jolt rushing through me. Any sudden movement will only draw attention, but I can’t let them take her. I have to stop this. I have to do something.

With each hopeless step she takes, I feel my heart sink.

She’s too far away, surrounded by guards and moments from being forced into one of the shuttles. And I’m wearing the face of a Resident, with an entire Colony depending on me to protect their plans.

Besides, even if I could get to her, what would I say?

My mind ticks like a clock, remembering itself. Remembering there’s not much time.

Maybe I don’t have to say anything at all…