He’s echoing all the concerns I have, and I know they are all legitimate. But now it’s my turn to be the strong one. Tobias is used to being the decisive leader but even the strongest people need support. I’m learning that now. “We’ll do this,” I say.

“Will we?” he asks.

“Don’t worry. I have faith in us. We’re a strong team—the strongest, remember? We would have totally won the baku battles…”

“Yeah, that’s right, we would have.”

I search his face, worrying at my lower lip. I wonder if he wishes he had never met me—that I’d never found Jinx and gotten into Profectus and onto his team. I’ve turned his entire world upside down. Before his concerns were about earning his place in his family. Now they’re about saving the world.

There’s a tinkling of glasses and we turn our attention to the stairs, where Tobias’s parents are standing at the very top, champagne glasses in hand. “Hello, everyone,” says Tobias’s dad, his voice rising above the crowd. “Welcome to our annual Christmas party. We are honored to have so many of you here today, and especially honored that this year we are going to be hosting the Moncha convention at Lake Washington. I’m sure you are all buzzing for that, so make sure you don’t drink too much champagne and miss the real festivities!”

There’s a tinkle of laughter, after which Tobias’s mom takes over.

“The convention is going to start tomorrow evening, at around 7 p.m. It will be broadcast live around the world—and we’re expecting to break records with viewing numbers! We’ve always known that this is an important time for our brilliant company, and we are so grateful to be involved.” Tobias’s dad continues, “As someone who has a little insider knowledge, I’m sure Mr. Smith won’t mind me teasing that we have a hugely exciting announcement to make tomorrow. Something that is going to make a lot of people’s lives a lot better.”

Tobias’s palms tighten into fists beside me, and his whole body tenses up like an electric band being pulled to full stretch.

“We truly believe that Moncha continues to make the world a happier place, and we are proud to be a part of it.”

“Now, let’s eat, drink, and be merry. Happy Christmas Eve Eve, everyone!” Tobias’s mom raises her glass, and we all follow automatically. There’s a universal clink, and the chatter resumes to full volume.

“I have to go,” says Tobias. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

And then I’m alone at the party.

Part Four

Lake Baku

27