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“You don’t have a lot of time.”

What am I supposed to tell my best friend?

The truth. That’s exactly what I’ll tell her.

I race upstairs to my room and try not to think about the fact that it’s probably the last time I’ll see it. Or is it? If the house is going to sit for two or three years, I can always come back. It leaves me the chance to flee Valora and have somewhere to return. I won’t even need Ivy’s closet.

I’ll have an entire house with a full bank account. This isn’t goodbye. It’s see you later. I’ll be back, one way or another.

I sit on my messy bed and pull out my phone. Look around my room for a moment, taking in everything as though for the first time. My trophies. Framed academic achievements. Pictures—mostly of Ivy and me, but also other friends. A lifetime of memories. I try to burn them into my mind.

Then I call Ivy. Her phone is probably off because she’s in school. It’s not even lunchtime. I won’t be able to talk to her. I’m going to have to do this by text. But I’ll try calling. I have to.

My thumb shakes as it hovers over the call button. I push it. Tears blur my vision.

This isn’t goodbye. I’m going to make an appearance as heir to the throne, catch up with Halen, then take my first chance to escape. I’ll be back here before I know it—in plenty of time to get the college applications submitted.

“Hold on!” Ivy answers. Muffled noises sound for a few moments.

Mom calls from downstairs. “Just a few more minutes, Marra!”

My stomach knots. “Hurry up, Ivy!”

More muffled noises. “Okay. I’m here. Had to leave my class. I’m in the bathroom. Where did you go? Everyone’s talking about you being called to the office then disappearing.”

“Ivy, my parents are moving me away right now.”

“What?”

“It’s horrible and mean, but that’s what they’re doing.”

“You’re leaving right now?” Her voice wobbles. “Like, never coming back to school?”

She’s going to make me cry. I clear my throat. “Not unless I find a way back.”

“I can’t believe they’re doing this to you. Who moves away so suddenly?”

“Apparently, the Ayers.”

“They can’t do this!” She sniffles. “Can’t they stay long enough to throw you a going away party?”

“No. We’re leaving in like one minute.”

“I can’t believe this. You’re not fighting them?”

I recall Dad’s yellow eyes. “I tried. They’re not having it.”

“You have to do something!”

“I know. I’m going to, but it’ll have to be later. Once things settle down. Then I’ll figure out a way back. We’re going to spend the rest of our high school careers together. This is just a break.”

“I hate them.” Ivy sniffles again. “I really do. You can tell them that. They’re crappy parents for doing this to you.”

“Believe me, I know. But I’m going to find a way back.” I almost promise her, but I don’t want to pull the same kind of promise my parents pulled on me.

Mom appears in my doorway. “Dad’s in the car, waiting for us.”

“Ivy, I have to go.” My voice cracks. “I’m going to miss you so much.”

Mom frowns and wraps her arms around me.

“Don’t do this,” Ivy begs.

Like I have a choice. “I’ll see you later, Ivy.”

And I will. Soon.