“I didn’t tell them he was a Steward. Just a person asking strange questions about words and paper. Your father lost his way, and I was certain he would use the deadman’s switch before telling them anything about the Stewards, if for no other reason than to make sure they never found you.” Scarlett takes several steps backward. “I will keep the Stewards safe. And when people are ready, the truth will be waiting for them.” With that, Scarlett vanishes into the darkness.

“Wait!” Atlas lunges after her, but Spine cuts him off and when he tries to get around her she shoves him back. Hard.

“Move!” he yells, trying to go around her, only to have Spine shove him again.

“I get it. I do, but going after her won’t help us find him. Keep it together,” Spine barks as Atlas struggles to get free. “Scarlett said she’s locking down the Lyceum early. That means we have to get out of here now.”

As if on cue, a loud, grinding whine echoes in the tunnel.

“Let’s go!” Spine releases Atlas and bolts down the tunnel, and we race after her. The creaking sound grows louder as our feet pound the ground and flecks of dirt begin to fall from the ceiling above.

We turn the corner. More dirt and shards of rock rain down as a loud thud echoes and the tunnel shudders.

“That’s the first entrance being sealed,” Dewey yells. “The others will be right behind.”

We race down the tunnel. Dust and debris make it hard to see. Dewey keeps pace with Spine ahead of me. I’m amazed at his speed and grateful for the bouncing light he holds aloft for us to follow.

We turn a corner and another tremor shakes the ground. The echoing sound of something slamming into place rings loud, as does the grating creaks of the gears.

“That’s the second door dropping into place!” Atlas shouts.

“The next two won’t be far behind,” Spine calls, and somehow manages to run faster as she calls back, “Hurry!

I try to shut out the grinding metal and concentrate on running. The ground slants upward. Atlas yells that we’re getting closer. I try to remember how far it is to the entrance we came through, but it is impossible to get my bearings. The thick, chalky taste of clay fills my mouth. My heart strains against my chest.

“There’s the opening!” Spine hollers.

I see a glow through the haze far down the tunnel to the left, clench my fists, and run as hard as I can.

My heart jumps as another crash rumbles through the tunnels. Dirt showers from above from the force of another entrance slamming shut. The third of four. The last one will be sealed in moments.

I stumble. A rock cracks against the back of my head and I crash into the uneven ground—hard.

Pain spins.

The gears grind louder.

I push to my knees. Something hot and wet trickles down my neck, and I blink to bring the world into focus. Spine climbs into the opening. Dewey and his light are right behind.