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“I’m learning to look out for myself,” I argue. “And I have my roommates.”

Zeph rolls his eyes.

“Hey, they’re great,” I say, giving him a little shove.

“I’m sure they are, Ami,” he says my new name a little carefully. “But are you training? Learning to shoot?”

“That’s what I want to learn from the Forge,” I burst out.

Zeph huffs. “They’ll never let you train with the men.”

“You sound like Vale,” I tell him.

“Look, you can’t trust that Vale guy. He’s been up here with his dad, who is vicious, working for him all these years.”

“Says the guy who joined their little club,” I argue.

Zeph shakes his head. “I’m telling you. Stay away from the Forge.”

“How did you find me?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Vale’s phone,” Zeph says a little guiltily. “He doesn’t have very strong security on it.”

“Do they know you can do that?” I ask with a grin. Zeph always could figure out a way to get around cyber defenses and firewalls.

“I’m sure they’ll figure it out eventually,” he returns my grin.

“What if we train together, the two of us?” I suggest.

“I had to sneak out for this. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it again. Besides, I might not even be up here that long.”

I’m puzzled.

“I think we’re moving down to West Virginia,” he says.

“West Virginia? That’s right next to Greater Maryland.”

“They say they’re going to work something out with the PS. Bring the two groups back together.”

“Work something out?” My voice rises. “The Forge is going to work something out with the PS? No way.” I can’t believe it.

He shrugs.

“They’re lying about that,” I say, not willing to mince words at this point, especially if I might not get to see him again. “They’re probably planning an attack. Do you think you could attack your own home?” I say a little accusingly.

“That’s not the plan,” he says defensively. “We’re going to negotiate.”

We turn the last corner. Ren’s house is down the street on the right.

We’ve walked around the block so many times over the years, me and Zeph, but it’s never felt like this. I don’t know how many more chances we’ll get.

“How did this happen to us?” I say, before I can stop it.

Zeph laughs darkly.

“Do you miss Miro?” I wonder.

Zeph doesn’t answer yes or no. “We broke up anyway.”