“Perfect. We can run this exactly like one of our team plays. We’re good at this, remember? According to Aero’s built-in GPS guidance system, it will take us about thirty minutes to reach Monica’s cabin. Meet back here in two hours maximum. Any danger, any issues—or if you’ve been at the lake for longer than an hour and a half—you get back here immediately and get outside the dome. We just have to check in as often as possible—understand?”

“Got it, boss,” says Kai.

“Ready,” says Ashley.

“Our objectives: get to the log house, find Monica Chan, get out of the dome. Quick and easy.”

Kai disappears, crouched down low, Oka by his side. Ashley takes up position by the door, and Jupiter leaps out into the snow to send a message back to River and Zora that we’ve made it in.

>>Let’s go, you two. This way.

Jinx flicks his tail, then scampers down through the woods. With a quick wave goodbye to Ashley, Tobias and I follow him down toward the lake.

29

We leave our bulky jackets bundled by the exit to the dome, leaving us freer to move around. We scramble down the hill toward the buildings, staying in the shelter of the trees. Sweat trickles down the small of my back—I’m regretting the choice of thermal leggings and top, but then I never would have guessed we’d be traveling into the middle of summer.

We pause a few feet away from the closest house, crouching down low, hiding ourselves in the foliage. “I didn’t think it was going to be like this,” Tobias says.

“Me, either.”

“Do you think…if they’re capable of building such an advanced testing center…”

“Who knows what else they can do?” I finish.

He frowns, and a shudder runs through his whole body. I don’t know if I should feel grateful he’s so comfortable showing this kind of vulnerability, when I’m so scared too. Surely one of us should be strong? Then it’s my turn to shake myself. Of course it’s okay he’s scared. I’m glad he can show me that.

Together, we can be each other’s strength.

“Okay, according to Aero, there’s no sign of movement inside this building. I think we can continue to the next one. But let’s stick to the trees.”

I nod. We crouch down low, scuttling underneath branches and using leaves for cover.

Jinx darts to one side.

>>Lacey, stop!

But his warning comes a moment too late. I step forward and cry out in pain, jumping back as I’m stung by electric shock.

“Lacey, what’s wrong! Are you okay?” Tobias catches me as I stumble.

He moves past me.

“No, don’t!” I say. He snaps back too, as he receives the same shock.

“Ahhh!” he cries out.

“Jinx?” I ask.