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“It would seem that we have accomplished our initial task. We have thrown Telvia into chaos. Raúl has pushed back Election Day, claiming that the people of Telvia need certainty and stability.” A victorious smile crossed her lips. “But I am no fool. Raúl is panicking. The loyalty of the people is slipping, and he knows it.”

I really didn’t care about Raúl right now. I only cared about one thing—my brother. “What about Jacob? You promised me you would do everything in your power to keep him alive.”

The smile slipped from Sasha’s lips as her brows furrowed. “What would you have me do? Your brother is behind enemy lines, and Telvian Administration did not make the same mistake your father did. Jacob is in no basement.”

My hands came slamming down on either side of me, tears flooding my vision. “You promised!”

Sasha raised her voice, but remained in full control of herself. “I cannot risk the few people I have left to go after your brother, Mara. The Telvian Council has him imprisoned in the Bellfire Tower.”

I inhaled deeply. “No…”

“I’m afraid it’s true, child. And if Raúl has any hopes of regaining control of Telvia, he’ll need to make good on his threat.” Her face softened as she shifted her gaze away from me. “It’s only a matter of time… I’m afraid your brother’s days are numbered.”

I closed my eyes, feeling the beads of moisture rolling down my cheeks. This couldn’t be happening. Jacob couldn’t die. My chest tightened as though my lungs were wrapped in the deadly coils of a boa constrictor.

I think I’m going to be sick.

Sasha placed a hand on my leg, patting me gently in a poor attempt at consoling me. I couldn’t let this happen. I couldn’t let him die…not Jacob.

“You have to help him,” I demanded.

She frowned, pulling away from me. “Unfortunately, child, there is nothing I can do to save him.”

I straightened, rolling my shoulders back as the determination bubbled up within me. “You have to try.”

“I can’t—”

“Yes, you can. You said this revolution isn’t over, that you had tricks up your sleeve. So figure it out. Save him or I’m pulling out.”

Sasha eyed me, her lids narrowing as her annoyance and frustration became clear across her face. “I don’t know what you think I can do to save your brother, child, but I guarantee that there’s nothing I can do to help him…not with the lack of manpower I currently have.”

I gritted my teeth, losing my patience as desperation crawled through me. “Thenfindthe manpower.”

Sasha stiffened. “You think it’s that easy, do you?”

“I don’t give ashitif it’s easy for you. I want my brother back. So, if you want me to keep helping you, then get himback.”

Something flickered across her piercing gaze. She was calculating, that I could tell. But what she was weighing out was a mystery to me. All I knew was I wanted Jacob back,alive. And I would doanything to make that happen.

Sasha rolled her shoulders back as she stood up, pulling herself to her full height. “Raúl must be stopped. If you want your brother to survive this war, then you must be ready to do whatever it takes.”

I gave her a curt nod.

“I might have a plan to save your brother, but in return, you’ll need to do exactly as I tell you. We need to rebuild our forces, and we need to do it quickly if we have any hope of saving Jacob before his time runs out.”

I nodded again. “I’ll do whatever it is you want, but Jacob makes it back alive.”

Sasha took in a slow, deep breath through her nose before finally lifting her head with a victorious smile. “Well, child, it seems we have a deal. Let’s get your brother back.”