Gil raises a brow. “Is that what you’re hoping for? That you’ll find a Resident with a heart of gold that will prove everyone wrong?” His voice cuts through me like I’m made of paper. “You’re even more naive than I thought. We can never coexist. Not after everything that’s happened between humans and Residents.”

“So that’s it? It’s us or them?” My words land heavy. “You don’t think there’s even a small chance you could be wrong?”

“I think you’ve tied your beliefs to a sinking ship, and if you’re not careful, you’re going to drag the Colony down with you.” His silence spreads across the room like it’s searching for insecurities. “Or maybe that’s what you want.”

My body shudders involuntarily, and I struggle to contain my frustration. “Just because I’m asking questions doesn’t mean I want to betray the Colony.”

“Your questions are the betrayal,” he says angrily. “You have no idea how long this has been going on, how long we’ve been working toward this one goal.” His gaze is fierce and unwavering. “Stick to the plan, so we can end this once and for all.”

“I know everyone is hoping I can be the Hero that changes everything, but—”

“You’re the last person in Infinity I’d put my hope in,” he interjects, leaning toward me. “Depending on someone like you is an act of desperation, not faith. It means nothing.”

I clench my teeth and ball my fists, too irate to think clearly. “You’re wrong about me.”

He lowers his chin, his voice barely a breath. “I don’t care.”

All I can see is red, so I storm out of his room before I say something I can’t take back.

“Come on, it couldn’t have been that bad,” Shura says through stifled laughter.

“He’s just so smug. And every single thing I say just makes him hate me more.” I lean back against my headboard. “I think it would be better for everyone if we just never have to look at each other again.” If it weren’t for the fact that we were all trapped underground, it might even be possible. This world is infinite; it’s not like there isn’t the space.

Maybe it’s a good motivation to play spymaster. The sooner we win, the sooner I never have to be around Gil again.

She sits at the foot of my bed, legs crossed. “Aren’t dance lessons supposed to be a recurring thing?”

“I’m not going back,” I say, fuming. “I would rather face a dinner party with all four princes.”

Shura shrugs. “You might get your wish if this Orb thing turns out to have any merit.”

I let out a sigh. “I wish you could come with me.”

“No offense, but your dinner party has the worst guest list ever.”