“Because I have no idea what condition the Speaker will be in, or what he’s been through. If he’s unconscious, I won’t be able to drag him out on my own. But you”—she looks at Cami— “can use your healing ability to make sure he’s able to move, and you”—she eyes me up and down—“can Speak whatever is needed to make everything go as smoothly as possible. We’ll be in and out and back before anyone even knows we’re gone.”

That certainly seems like an ideal plan. Only …

“It sounds too easy,” I say.

“That’s because we’re safely bunkered down here talking about it,” Arryn states. “Trust me, once we’re running for our lives through the facility, you’ll have a chance to reevaluate.”

I don’t trust her, not at all. But if she’s telling the truth, if she really does have inside knowledge of Lengard, then we’d be fools not to take her up on her offer.

Sharing a glance with Cami, I see that she’s of the same mind, so I turn to Arryn. “All right, what’s the plan?”

A glint of emotion—relief, anticipation, resignation, I’m not sure which—brightens Arryn’s dark features for a moment before she locks down all expression again.

“Follow me,” she says.

That’s it. Nothing else, just an order to follow her. Already I’m not sure if this is a wise idea, but after exchanging another look with Cami, we traipse after Arryn as she leaves the alcove and strides purposefully through the amphitheater …

And straight over to Kael.

My steps falter.

As if she senses it, Arryn turns back and gives me a pointed look. I have no idea what she’s up to, whether she’s about to betray us before we’ve even left the catacombs. But that look speaks volumes, so I continue after her, trying to emulate her confidence.

“I need to check in with my outside sources, see if any of them know about this new Speaker group,” Arryn says as Kael turns his attention away from a conversation with Dante and Jet. “I’m taking Alyssa with me in case I run into any trouble,” she continues, not caring that she’s interrupting. “Camelot, too, since whenever I meet with Shadow, he’s usually banged up from some altercation or another. Our conversation will go easier if I can offer him something in return.”

I keep my expression bland but inwardly wonder how much of this is true, if Cami’s healing will really be needed to help some kind of vagabond contact. The best lies are founded on a grain of truth, so for all I know, this “Shadow” person might be our way into Lengard.

“I’m not sure if that’s a good idea,” Kael says, his eyes flicking to me then back to her.

“I’m not asking for permission,” Arryn returns.

It takes effort, but I manage not to react to her candid reply. My respect for her grudgingly rises.

“They’ve been through a lot lately, not just last night,” Kael presses.