I come out the other side and discover Kayla waiting for me, a Shell standing beside her. A new Shell for me, with new Whells attached. This one is a replica of the first, with only one major difference. There are two zits on her chin.

    Hilarious, Levi. Simply hilarious.

    “How did Meredith know I’d need a new one?” I step inside the Shell and anchor.

    “She didn’t. She suspected. As soon as she gave you permission to lead the mission. Oh!” Kayla says. “I’m supposed to tell you Gingerbread is tied to the pecan tree near the spot where you met with Killian and Sloan. The dog was hidden by a Myriad shield, but that shield has since been removed.”

    He did it. He really did it. Warm honey spills over my heart. “How do you—never mind. I can guess. The Eye.”

    I kiss her cheek and rush through the Veil—

    I end up where I started: in front of the farmhouse door. Clay, Victor and Elizabeth pace the porch, arguing about me while typing into their keyboards.

    Elizabeth spots me first and scowls. “I told you. I told you he’d choose his realm over you. You are now what his breed of slimeball likes to call nothing special.”

    Her venom misses its target—my heart—and doesn’t even rouse my anger. I know she’s wrong. Besides, we’re teammates, she and I, and we’ve got to find a way to get along...which means someone has to make the first move.

    Together we’ll stand or one by one we’ll fall.

    The ground quakes with greater force, and dust plumes the air. Obviously the battle still rages in the sky, the damage spilling into the Land of the Harvest.

    Clay pulls me close for a hug. “Thank the Firstking you’re all right.”

    “Yeah, well, my job isn’t over. Kayla told me Gingerbread is just beyond the wall.” Is Killian still there? Is Sloan? Looking between Clay and Victor I say, “Back me up?” Just in case the MLs haven’t moved on.

    “Of course.” Victor nods.

    “Now you want my help?” Clay quips.

    “Yes, please, and thank you.”

    We stalk down the yard, side by side, each of us clasping a weapon. I scan the area beyond the Buckler for any indication that Killian and Sloan have lagged behind, but I find none. Good. That’s good. If they threatened or hurt my friends...

    If my friends threatened or hurt them...

    Remain calm. Deep breath in...out...

    When we reach the edge of the perimeter, Victor holds out his arms to block me. “You’re in charge, Ten, and you can go first, if that’s what you want, but I don’t like the thought of a Conduit in danger. Let me check things out per protocol? Just in case?”

    “No. I would much rather place myself—”

    “Thanks for understanding.” He pats my shoulder and rushes through the Buckler, gun aimed and at the ready.

    Well. Irritation flares, but I tamp it down. Is this how I come across to Elizabeth? Pushy and relentless?

    Sow and reap.

    I have to start working with my team rather than bulldozing over everyone. They have more experience, collectively and individually. I can take a backseat...upon occasion.

    Victor peeks through the glittery wall and smiles. “All clear.”

    I remain on alert as I move forward, Clay at my side. Out of habit, I conduct a search of my own. No twigs snap to signal a coming approach. Up ahead, a jiggling rope is tied to the base of a tree.

    “Over here,” I say, already running.

    “Could be a trap,” Victor says. “Slow down.”

    Clay almost passes me. Almost. Just before we reach our destination, a gorgeous white-and-ginger pit bull chases a butterfly around the trunk.

    She spots us and wiggles her butt. There are no marks on her fur to suggest she’s suffered any kind of abuse, and she has meat on her bones. She’s been fed and cared for.

    So happy I could burst—mission complete!—I crouch to scratch behind the ears. “Hey, pretty girl.”

    I laugh as she licks my face. No wonder Dior missed her. This animal offers unconditional love. No judgment or snide remarks. No stinging rejections.

    There’s a note attached to her collar, addressed to 10. Curious, a little suspicious, I unfold it.

    You wanted the dog, you got the dog. You’re welcome. Now you owe me two favors, and I WILL collect. Yours, K

    I snort.

    “What’s it say?” Clay asks.

    There’s a spy among you.

    Killian’s warning sounds an alarm in the back of my head.

    I trust Clay. Victor, too, for that matter. He is Archer’s brother, for goodness sake. But I’m not going to gamble with Killian’s life.

    I stuff the note in my mouth, chew and swallow before anyone can snatch it. Shells are able to eat to better blend in with humans, but the food—or note, whatever—goes into a tube we have to empty later.

    Clay regards me with a blend of annoyance and exasperation before cutting the dog’s leash from the tree. Victor eyes me quizzically.

    I’m stuck on Clay’s reaction, though. Why annoyance?

    Because he plans to report to Myriad?

    I swallow a groan. Rampant paranoia would be a beautiful way for me to ruin my relationship with my team. What if that’s how I’m supposed to help Myriad?

    Ugh. Now I suspect Killian?

    No! My decision has been made. Instincts matter. I’m not changing my mind.

    We walk Gingerbread to the farmhouse, each of us lost in thought. The moment we’re inside, the pittie scents Dior and whimpers.