Theyre the two different types of Seer, Ralph explained, sounding increasingly worried that he was giving Oliver too much information. Bromine is red and cobalt is blue.

Oliver was suspicious. If its just a case of finding out whether Im red or blue then why have you gone as white as a sheet?

Because cobalt Seers usually turn to the other side, Ralph blurted. They use their powers for bad.

The news hit Oliver like a freight train. His heart started to hammer wildly. Feeling dizzy with shock, he staggered and held an arm out to steady himself. Hazel appeared beside him, gently supporting him by the elbow with a concerned expression on her face.

Youll be okay, she assured him. Even if you are a cobalt Seer, it doesnt mean you have to leave or anything. Youll still have a place here. It just means youll have to be very careful with your powers. Youll have to learn to resist the lure of evil.

The next pod arrived for Hazel. It flew her into the blackness as well. Then, suddenly, it was Olivers turn. A pod was flying into position for him.

Weve said too much, Ralph said, looking concerned. Come on. Get some sleep. Youll feel better in the morning.

I cant sleep now, Oliver protested. What if I turn out to be a cobalt tomorrow?

He glanced at Ralphs face. He looked drawn and worried. The huge pit of anguish in Olivers stomach grew deeper.

He turned back to the front, to the older Japanese boy peering at him.

Youre new, the boy stated. Im Ichiro, the residential assistant, or RA. I can help you while youre here. In you get.

But Oliver wasnt able to move at all. He was practically hyperventilating. All this time hed been wondering about his powers it had never occurred to him that they might be something bad, something dark and evil. It was too much to take in.

Hes a bit daunted, Ralph said on his behalf.

Everyone is first time, Ichiro assured him.

He clicked the button to open the pod lid and Oliver got his first glimpse inside. It looked like a coffin.

Ichiro spoke. Once youre in you connect the white probes to your temples, press the sticky heart-shaped pad to your chest, put your finger into the pulse clip, lie back, and press the white button.

His words were very fast, too fast for Olivers already befuddled mind to follow.

Im sorry, Oliver stammered. I do what with the sticky pad…?

But there was no time. Ralph was gently pushing him from behind into the pod.

Youll be fine, Ichiro said, as he shoved Oliver down into sitting in the pod. Just dont press the red button, okay?