“He’s the only chance we have to get in there,” Vincent argues. “The numa don’t know for sure what happened to him. And it would be in their character to believe he would betray us and return to them.”

I wrap my arms around my chest and try not to freak out. I shoot a glance across the table at Bran. Saying he looks concerned would be an understatement.

“I was under the impression that Louis was to provide insight into the numa so that you could track down their followers. Not to infiltrate. It’s too soon. His psychic wounds are still fresh,” Bran says.

“But he’s not a bardia,” Vincent argues. “You just said it—he’s a blank slate.”

“Perhaps,” Bran says, considering. “But I haven’t prepared him for interacting with the numa. I didn’t think there would be any need...any time soon, at least. And I had hoped you would afford him more time to...well, to grow into his full potential, physically, before there might be a need for him to reanimate as a bardia.”

Is it possible to be in the midst of a panic attack and simultaneously die of humiliation? Because if so, that’s exactly what I’m doing right now.

Kate places her hand on mine. “We’re not talking about Louis reanimating quite yet,” she insists, “or infiltrating the numa. I am vehemently against that idea.” She turns to me. “I won’t put you at risk. I know your heart is good, but they could entrap you. All we’re asking you is to help us think like the numa, remember the places they took you, any information you might have that could help us.” She glances around the room. “We’re agreed on that, right?”

Everyone nods, except Vincent.

Reassured, she turns to me. “But that’s just part of the reason we need you here now. Gaspard and Bran have decided it’s time for you to take on your role as our representative.”

My mind is spinning. We were just discussing whether or not I would have to face my biggest nightmare—going back to the numa—and now Kate’s talking about...“I’m sorry, what?” I ask.

“Your role representing France’s bardia.” She holds a hand up as I begin to protest. “And, yes, you can start even before technically becoming one of us. I have always trusted you. So, when we chose our representative in the new bardia-Flame-finger partnership, you were the first person I thought of.”

I glance at Bran and Gaspard. “I thought the two of you represent the Flame-fingers and bardia. You’ve been working together for five years.”

“We’re just stuffy old researchers,” Bran replies, “comparing ancient manuscripts. To take the partnership forward, we need two of the younger generation. People who understand today’s world.”