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‘This feels familiar.’ Maria hitched up a smile. ‘We still haven’t decided if we’re criminals or spies, have we?’

‘I think we’ve proven we can be both,’ Nick said. ‘I can’t believe we’re about to send you off on your own, Paige. It was hard enough when you went to Paris.’

‘I’ll be fine,’ I said.

‘I know you will. Send our love to Nadine.’

‘I almost envy you,’ Maria said. ‘Part of me wants to stay out here, but Jaxon needs a few handlers, and I couldn’t be more delighted to volunteer. We can be your voice while you’re away.’

‘Thanks.’ I embraced her. ‘Don’t have too much fun without me, will you?’

‘I can’t promise that.’ She held me close, mindful of my injured arm and back. ‘We’ll make sure Warden doesn’t sink. Leave it to us, sweet.’

‘Don’t make me cry. I’ve done more crying out here than I ever did in Scion.’

She ruffled my hair and went after Verca. Nick hugged me.

‘Be safe,’ he said. ‘We’ll be waiting.’

He walked away as well, leaving me with Arcturus, who escorted me towards the water taxi.

‘Vindemiatrix will be ready for you,’ he said. ‘Do not let your guard down, even far beyond Scion.’ When we reached the jetty, he turned to face me, placing a tender hand on my waist. ‘Have no fear, Paige. I will do all I can to advocate for your beliefs in your absence.’

‘I appreciate that,’ I said, ‘but if you decide Jax isn’t worth it, just throw the bastard off a mountain on your way to France. Then the Council of Kassandra won’t be able to complain.’

‘I will consider it.’

I smiled, but it soon faded.

‘Sala is going to have to explain what happened,’ I said. ‘If she plans to tell the truth, it will mean exposing all of this. All of you.’ I breathed out. ‘I’m afraid of what happens next.’

‘Sooner or later, our two worlds must come together. They can never do that if one lies under the shadow of secrecy.’ Arcturus touched my cheek. ‘It has been two centuries. It is time.’

I nodded.

‘You have a phone. If you leave Scion, call me,’ I said. ‘I’ll come back as soon as I can.’ Arcturus wrapped me into a tight embrace,and I clutched him. ‘Please don’t get yourself hurt or captured again while I’m away.’ My voice was muffled by his coat. ‘You hear me?’

‘I hear. Would you extend me the same courtesy?’

‘I’ll try.’

We had fought so hard to be together. It didn’t seem fair that I had to leave him now, right as he most needed me. But we had always known that we were taking the hard road.

‘Fly, little dreamer.’ He pressed a kiss to the crown of my head. ‘I will see you in Scion.’

It had been almost thirteen years since I had last been in an airport. The sights and sounds turned my palms clammy. Ducos walked me to the right desk, and I handed over my new passport.

‘Your flight is on time,’ Ducos said as we proceeded to the security line. ‘Best of luck, Paige.’

‘Oh, it’s Paige, now, is it?’ I said. ‘Do I get to useyourreal name?’

‘I’ll tell you when the war is over.’

‘That might not be in either of our lifetimes.’

‘Then you’ll never know.’ She slid her hands into her pockets. ‘Steve Mun has accepted personal responsibility for your welfare. His job is on the line. I’ll give you a few days to settle in, then come to check on you.’

‘Okay. See you soon.’