We take turns trying dresses on—some are ridiculously short on me and some look just plain ridiculous, but it turns out there is one that suits me: a silvery A-line with a hem that hits Ashley mid-shin and me just above the knee. It has whisper-thin spaghetti straps that make me feel self-conscious about my bony shoulders, and even though it’s cozy and warm inside the cottage, I’m worried I’m going to be cold.

“I’ll be right back.” I take myself away into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I lean down on the marble countertops, the cool surface chilling my palms. It feels nice. I stare up at myself. Zora has braided my dark hair back off my face, a few wispy strands of baby hair slipping out at my temples. Ashley’s put a touch of glitter at the corners of my eyes, highlighting the sparkle in my dress. It actually looks pretty.

I wish I could enjoy it.

>>We’ll get in the dome tomorrow—don’t worry. Step one is done: Find Lake Baku. You should be happy.

I almost jump out of my skin; I hadn’t realized that Jinx had slipped into the bathroom alongside me. He looks so strange in his new skin, like an avatar gone wrong. River—who is surprisingly creative—changed the color of his black metallic fur to that of a silvery-gray. When other people look at him, they see him as a different cat baku. An ordinary one.

>>You couldn’t have thought of a more original code name than Whiskers?

“Whiskers is cute!” I say, quickly trying to rearrange my expression.

>>And I look like I’m made of tinsel.

He bristles his back and raises his shiny new silver hackles.

I can’t help it; the image immediately makes me snort with laughter. Jinx shoots me a piercing glare, but I can’t stop. Instead, I scoop him up in my arms and twirl him around the bathroom. Jinx always knows how to make me smile, even when I’m feeling down.

“At least we match,” I whisper to him as I nuzzle my face into his soft electronic fur. “And if I didn’t know it was you, I’d be fooled. You look exactly like any other generic cat baku.” No wonder he hates it so much.

>>Take it back!

I laugh. “Okay! Not generic then. You still look handsome. Just…with extra sparkle.”

>>Better.

He jumps out of my arms and sashays toward the door.

>>Come on, we can’t stay in the bathroom forever. Let’s get this party over and done with.

My thoughts exactly.

26

“Lacey, you look amazing!” says Zora as I step out of the bathroom.

“Beats the pink frilly dress I wore to my last birthday party, doesn’t it?”

“You’re telling me!”