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“Allow me to introduce Calista Haeflinger, Field Medic,” Bynes interjected. “Top of her class in hand-to-hand combat, and valedictorian at the military academy.” I watched as a proud smile crawled on Blondie’s lips. Bynes held a hand out to the man. “And James Harper, Combat Engineer, and seasoned veteran. Harper has completed more successful missions than any other Northerner.” She glanced at Calista and Harper withpride. “Both of these individuals are exceptional soldiers, hand-picked for their experience and aptitude in their positions. They’re incredible assets to this mission.” Her eyes slowly shifted to me. “You’re lucky to have them.”

I pressed my lips into a thin line.

“Well, now that everyone’s here, let’s get started,” Giza announced, clasping his hands together.

Those still standing found a spot and readied themselves for the onslaught of information. We sat for hours, reviewing everything from the terrain, possible pitfalls, escape routes, roles, and everything else you could imagine. The whole time they talked, my mind kept cycling through the thought that Blondie was part of the mission. In fact, she and Jim Harper were Sasha’s picks, assigned to stick to me like glue, making sure I came back alive. Which, of course, boiled my blood because the last person I wanted following me around was Calista.

What rotten luck.

“Now,” Krous interjected, “beginning tomorrow, you’ll be starting new training assignments to prepare for the mission. We’ll be running drills, and you’ll be practicing your assigned roles.”

“Yes,” Bynes confirmed. “After speaking with the First in Command and President Calvernon, they agreed that, as a special thank you, you are all invited to the gala.”

Gala?

Giza stepped forward. “Yes, President Calvernon and President De’vor will host a special gala one week before the mission to make a special announcement. But you will all be honored, so plan to attend.”

Oh shit.I had forgotten about the stupid ball thing. I was so wrapped up in trying to get this mission off the ground, it had completely slipped my mind. My stomach rumbled in protest asI tried to breathe. I knew what the ‘special announcement’ was supposed to be—my engagement.

“Ooo,” Edith gushed, “I love a good party.”

“Yes,” Bynes acknowledged with a raised brow. “Do remember, it will be at the President’s estate, Miss Le.”

“Oh, don’t worry, General. I’ll behave,” she said with a wink. Bynes rolled her eyes.

“Well,” Giza cut in, “I think that’ll do for today. We start early tomorrow.”

With that, everyone started getting up. Blondie sauntered over to Wes, placing a hand on his chest playfully with a smile. Acid bubbled up in my throat.

“Well, this is gonna be something,” Edith teased as she stood up.

“Yeah, it’s gonna besomethingall right,” I said as I got up and stretched my arms, turning away from Wes and Calista. I just couldn’t handle that right now.

“You and I are going to have to do some serious gossiping, newbie.”

“About?”

Edith lifted a brow incredulously. “What do youthink?” Motioning her head toward Matias.

I watched as he stood up from his seat, stretched his back, and looked at me. Our eyes met, and all the confusing emotions came rolling back.

Matias.

I didn’t get it. Why was he volunteering to do this? It didn’t make any sense.

“Honestly?” I began, “I was hoping you could shed some light on it for me.”

“I’ve got nothing for you, girly. I’m stumped. But,” she added, a devious smile coming across her face, “you could ask him.”

I arched a brow. “Are you kidding? Do you know how weird things ended between us?”

Edith shrugged, her smirk still well in place. “Sounds to me like maybe things haven’t ended like you thought.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“I’m just saying—”

“Hey,” Wes’s voice in my ear caused me to jump.