Page 24

“And you’re feeling brave? Courageous? Daring?”

Warily, I ask, “Why are you using synonyms?”

She bites her lip and looks into the distance. “You know how I’ve always had a heightened sense of hearing?”

Her tone has enough warning in it that I follow her gaze, vaguely noting Scarlett, Gabe, and Bentley moving our way, the latter holding a camera pointed at me. “Yeah?”

“Well, I think I know how your trip is going to start,” she says. “And you’re going to need all the fearless synonyms you can get.”

Within seconds, I hear it: thewhup-whup-whupsound of rotating blades cutting through the air.

My insides churn as the helicopter comes into view, the noise growing uncomfortably louder as it approaches. But that’s not the only reason for my twisting stomach, because Zander and Hawke have reappeared from within the hangar, both wearing harnesses and backpacks that I instinctively know aren’t carrying our spare clothes and essential items.

The helicopter lands just as Hawke and Zander reach our group, the engine powering down and leaving me able to hear my own thoughts again. I’m unsure if that’s a good thing, given my growing state of dread.

“As you can see, our ride is here,” Hawke tells me with a grin, holding out a spare harness. “You’re going to need this.”

I take it from him automatically, watching as he passes a second harness to Bentley, who steps into it while keeping a steady grip on the camera he’s using to film us.

Hawke helps me do the same, adjusting the straps until they’re snug against my body.

“No questions?” he asks as he tugs and tightens everything. “You’re not wondering why you’re wearing this?”

“I’m actually freaking out enough that I figure it’s best to keep my mouth shut so I don’t vomit all over you.”

Hawke throws back his head and laughs, his teeth bright against his dark skin. “We’re going to have a great time over the next few days, Charlie. I can tell.”

For obvious reasons, I don’t believe him. “Your version of a great time is likely very different to mine.”

He’s still chuckling as he steps away and says, “You’re all set.” He then calls Zander over, and tells us both, “The starting point of our hike is too deep in the mountains for us to get there easily on foot, so we’re flying in.” A devious look accompanies his next words. “And by flying, I mean falling.” He turns to me. “Charlie, keep thinking non-vomiting thoughts, or you won’t be Zander’s favorite person, since you’re jumping tandem with him.”

My mind short-circuits. “I’mwhat?”

“He’s fully accredited,” Hawke assures me. “Fredrik Haas is one of the most experienced instructors in the world, and he trained Zander personally. You couldn’t be in better hands.”

I’m too horrified to form a solid argument, so I just splutter, “Why can’t I go with you?” If I have to plummet to the earth like a dead weight, I’d feelmuchsafer doing it with Hawke at my back.

Bentley raises his free hand. “I’m afraid that’s my fault,” he says sheepishly. “I have a slight skydiving phobia, so Rykon and I have a long-standing agreement that the only way I’ll ever do it is when I’m strapped to him. That way, if we perish, at least we’ll be together.”

“That’s so romantic,” Ember coos from my side. But I barely hear her.

“Oh myGod,” I breathe, my eyes wide. “I’m going to die. This is it. This is my end.”

“You’re not going to die, Charlie,” Zander says, fighting a grin. “I’ve done this plenty of times. All those dragon battle scenes in the movies? Every time I fell through the air? That wasn’t CGI. We had to do what felt like a million takes for some of those shots, and each one required me jumping out of a plane or helicopter.” He lessens the distance between us, his voice quieting. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.”

It’s the earnest look on his face that stops me from accepting Ember’s offer to run while I still can. But even so, I ask him, “How much do you value your life?”

He blinks. “Pardon?”

“On a scale of one to ten,” I press. “How much do you enjoy living? Anything less than eight, and I’m staying put.”

He finally understands, mirth filling his eyes, before an unexpected sense of grief shadows his features. But he shakes it off and says, “I assure you that I have plenty to live for—and no plans for that to change anytime soon.”

Ember brushes her shoulder against mine, silently saying we can leave. But in doing so, she reminds me of all the reasons I agreed to this madness in the first place. So I exhale shakily and look Zander straight in his ridiculously blue eyes as I say, “Please don’t make me regret trusting you.”

There’s a heaviness to my plea that he can’t—and doesn’t—miss.

Nodding solemnly, he replies, “You have my word.”