Realizing all of this, I know I can’t stay in my bed a second longer. If the Remnants are going after a breakout, then maybe I can help. I’m a Creator, after all. And while I might still be struggling with the amount of power at my disposal, that doesn’t mean I can’t be useful.

Rolling out of bed, I feel my way around in the dark, squinting as I search for some warmer clothes. I think about what I was told earlier, that I should try to have some fun with my power, be more self-indulgent with it. With a whispered word, I create a globe of soft light shining from my palm. I have no idea what it is, what it’s made of, where it came from. It is merely what I imagined, the glow enough to keep me from tripping over in the dark but not bright enough to wake Cami.

I would be proud of myself if I weren’t in such a hurry to follow Kael.

Swapping my pajamas for a pair of jeans and a shirt, I rustle around for a coat but can’t locate one in the limited light. Stretching my ability further, I whisper, “Jacket,” and one appears in my free hand, the leathery material like butter between my fingers, the lining thick enough to combat the draft of the underground labyrinth.

“Where are you going?”

I jump and turn to find Cami sitting up in her bed.

“Sorry,” I say quietly. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“You didn’t,” she says, pushing back her covers. Even with my glowing palm, I can barely see her, just enough to make out the shadow of her arm pointing in the direction of the door. “They did. Are we going after them?”

I raise my eyebrows at her use of “we,” but I shouldn’t be surprised. I know she’s just as desperate for information as I am. I also know that, no matter what she’s been through and what she’s lost, Cami will always be Cami. She will always find a way to rally, always find a way to stay positive and fight for those she cares about. I love her for that. I envy her for that, too.

But … I’m also worried about her. Enough that I say, “Maybe you should stay—”

I don’t get a chance to finish before she cuts me off.

“I’ve had six days to wander these catacombs and I can still barely find my way around. You’ll be lost in seconds without me; don’t try to deny it. You need me. And even if you didn’t, there’s no way you’re leaving me out of it this time.”

This time.

Guilt slashes at me—strong and sharp and real. After first being abducted by Kael and meeting the Remnants, I’d delayed investigating their claims about Lengard’s corruption for three days before summoning the courage to seek out answers. Three days where I could have spoken with Cami. Three days where I kept everything to myself, my fear and dread keeping me silent when I could have chosen to voice my concerns.