Only when my lungs start to burn do I make my way back up toward the surface. Gulping down air, I realize I’m farther out than I’ve ever swum, right in the center of the springs at the heart of the impenetrable blackness. I can’t see a thing. It’s both eerie and peaceful, the idea that I’m alone in the world, that no one can find me, that my problems are far, far away.

I have the sudden urge to stay here forever.

“What are you doing here? Are you crazy?”

I freeze in the water as a familiar whispered voice carries across to me. At first, I presume the words are directed at me, but then I realize that if I can’t see anything, then no one can see me. I’m as good as invisible right now.

“I had to see you. I had to make sure you’re all right. That your cover’s not blown.”

I know that voice, too. Even if I can’t believe I’m hearing it here.

“It will be blown if they catch you with me, Shadow. You’re only supposed to use the tunnel I showed you for emergencies.”

“This counts as an emergency, Echo.”

Echo. Shadow. They’re using code names. But I still know exactly who they are.

It’s Arryn.

And she’s talking to Riley.

My Riley.

My brother is here. Inside the catacombs.

He’s Shadow. He’s Arryn’s informant.

But … informant for what?

Quietly, she says, “You’re right. I’m sorry—I was going to try to get word to you, but I’m being watched closely after yesterday.

You have to know, I had no idea she was your sister. I swear, if I’d known, I would have told you the moment I heard about her. We could have—We could have gotten her out of Lengard and to SCARS and kept her safe from this whole mess.”

Arryn.

Riley.

SCARS.

My head is spinning, my ears straining for more.

“I know, Ryn,” Riley says softly. “You had no way of knowing—even I still can’t believe she’s alive.”

“You told me she died nearly three years ago, Riles.”

“I saw it happen. I can’t explain it, but I saw it happen.”

The pain in his voice … I start to swim closer, moving soundlessly through the water.

“Have you told Melody?”

“Mum doesn’t believe me,” he answers. “She says it must be some new trick, a doppelgänger Speaker or something. But she wasn’t there—she didn’t see what I saw.” He pauses. “She—She has my eyes, Ryn.”

I edge out of the darkness just in time to see Arryn wrap her arms around my brother and pull him close, kissing him gently, soothingly, comfortingly.

Is your boyfriend the guy who found you outside the library?