I swivel around to look at Kael, knowing we only have seconds—if we’re lucky. Because of that, I don’t snap at him for failing to keep Cami safe. And Pandora. Instead, I ask, “Can you destroy Ward’s protective power?”

He considers and says, “He’d lose focus if he has to protect against me. But we’d only have a moment, at best.”

A moment will have to be enough. “Get ready,” I tell everyone. “We’re going to make a run for—”

Before I can finish—or even decide what, exactly, I’m going to do, or how we’ll move the unconscious Pandora and Cami, as well as the injured Keeda—more lights flash, and I whip back around to peer out from the edge of the stand again. What I see causes my eyes to widen and my mouth to open in a silent gasp.

There’s another group of people approaching, at least ten of them, all dressed in dark camouflage, and all of them Speaking. The new flashing lights—that’s them aiming their words at our Lengard attackers, who, at Ward’s barked command, run and duck for cover on the far side of the laneway.

I have no idea who these people are. They look organized— more organized than even Lengard, with their quick, efficient bursts of light and their unhurried, careful steps. I have so many questions, but I quash them because the distraction offers me an opportunity I can’t resist.

Shaking off Arryn’s grip, I think fast and yell, “Conceal!” as I sprint out from behind the stand, ignoring Kael shouting my name over the music that, if anything, is only growing in volume.

I skid to a halt and kneel beside Cami, calming only slightly when I see the steady rise and fall of her chest. Not knowing what’s wrong with her, I’m afraid to use my Speaking ability to revive her, so I use an age-old method instead and start tapping her cheek. “Come on, Cam. Wake up!”

Lights flash over my head as the new group continues to head down the alleyway toward where I’m kneeling, but thanks to the quick command I shot off, their focus remains on Lengard. My command hasn’t made me and my Remnant friends invisible, but rather, insignificant. For as long as it holds, the new Speakers should keep attacking Lengard, not bothering with us.

However … having never tested my power in such a way before, I’m anxious to escape the middle of the firing range. I give Cami’s shoulder a rough, desperate shake, and nearly sag with relief when she lets out a groan and her eyelids flutter open.

“What—”

“No time,” I tell her, shoving my arm around her back to help her to her feet. The camouflaged Speakers may be holding Lengard’s attention, but with Ward’s ability—not to mention, whatever the others can do—it won’t be long before Lengard takes a stand against them. And if they succeed, then they’ll renew their attack on us.

“I don’t feel so good,” Cami says, groaning again.