Together we retrace my steps back to Smith’s room, silence hanging over us as we walk through the darkened hallways. My mind is consumed by the memory of Riley and me on the carousel, the image of us laughing together repeating over and over. I have no idea what is keeping Kael’s attention during our walk—he’s likely trying to figure out how to convince me that I’m wrong in the kindest way possible. But soon he’ll see the truth for himself.

Once we arrive at Smith’s room, I wince inwardly as I reach out and knock. I already know this isn’t going to be a pleasant exchange, and I do feel genuinely bad about interrupting his sleep—again.

Like last time, it takes three attempts before the door is wrenched open.

“What?” Smith snarls. Even seeing Kael with me doesn’t lessen the intensity of his glare, doesn’t ease the fire spitting from his gray eyes.

“I’m sorry—really I am,” I say quickly. “But I need you to take me back again.”

“Didn’t anyone ever teach you how to read the time?”

I bite my tongue to keep from sniping back at him.

“And now, what? You want to drag him into this, too?” Smith jerks his chin at Kael. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He goes to close the door on us, but like last time, I wedge my boot in it before it can shut.

“Please, Smith.”

Sensing he’ll need more than my broken pleas this time, I hurriedly say, “That boy we saw, I told you his name is Riley. I told you he’s my brother. But for some reason, I don’t remember him. Not just from that memory—I don’t remember him at all. I need to know what else I’ve forgotten. I need to know why. And you’re the only one who can help me. I’m begging you, please let us in.”

I will get down on my hands and knees if that’s what it takes.

Thankfully, it doesn’t. Because with a world-weary sigh, Smith opens his door and waves us into his room.

We wait in the darkness while he lights the torches again and collects his glasses, then he returns to our sides. To Kael, he says, “I suppose you’re going along with this?”

Kael’s face is devoid of emotion, his arms crossed. “On the contrary, I’m skeptical. But if Lyss really did see what she claims, then I want to see it with my own eyes. Can you project both of us?” He amends, “The three of us, I mean? Together?”