At six o’clock the next morning, Alina dressed in her traveling clothes and placed the last of her things in her pack. She buried Zaiden’s disc and the panel at the bottom, where no one could see it, then slid the guidebook into a side pocket where it would be accessible. The book didn’t seem as ominous to her now. Jade’s words soothed her, and Trinee brought a welcome diversion when she called after Jade went to sleep. The girls chatted and giggled late into the night, and when the dawn came, Alina felt ready to face the journey ahead of her.
Rex tapped on the door and entered, dressed in similar khaki-colored pants and waterproof boots.
“Is Jade awake?” he asked.
“Not yet.”
“We need to wake her. We’re supposed to meet Baylor in the lobby in fifteen minutes.” He looked at her bag on the floor. “Did you pack the guidebook?”
“Yes.”
He sighed. “I suppose we better take it, though I’d soon burn it for all the good it does.”
Alina walked to the bed and rubbed Jade’s arm. “Wake up, Jade. We need to leave in a few minutes.” Jade stirred for a moment, then swung the covers off and went into the bathroom. Alina put on her pack and followed Rex into the hallway. He leaned against the wall and closed his eyes.
“Did you sleep okay?” she asked.
He shook his head. “Not a wink.”
“Maybe you can sleep on the drive.”
“Baylor said the road’s pretty bumpy. Lots of ruts and dips.”
“Well, think of how good you’ll sleep tonight when we’re in the wild. You’ll be glad to be tired then.”
“I hope so.”
“At least we don’t have to clean bathrooms anymore,” Alina said, trying to perk him up. He forced a smile.
They said nothing more until Jade joined them in the hallway in her traveling clothes. She hoisted her pack onto her back and straightened her hat. “Are we ready?” she asked.
“Let’s go,” said Rex.
A small crowd gathered in the lobby to say goodbye: Dr. Scott and Jade’s nurses, Lance, Eleanor, and Baylor’s family. Trinee surprised Alina by being there so early after their late night. Her eyes looked puffy, but she smiled as she linked arms with Alina.
“Promise me you’ll look after Dad?” she whispered.
Alina’s face softened. “Of course.”
“Mom’s really worried this time, more than usual.”
Alina glanced at Janet. She looked sick.
Trinee furrowed her brow. “This trip will be the most dangerous he’s been on.”
Alina’s heart sank. She was the reason their journey was so dangerous. “You know I couldn’t live with myself if anything happened to him.”
Trinee’s eyes widened. “That’s not what I meant—I don’t want you to feel responsible. We all know fighting Sampson is dangerous. I’ll never blame you if something goes wrong.”
“I know. But I’ll do everything I can to keep him—all of them—safe.”
“I know you will.”
“I’ll miss you, Trin.”
“I’ll miss you too.”
They hugged tightly. Trinee turned back to join her parents, and Alina walked to Lance, who stood on the side by himself, observing the group. He smiled at her as she approached.
“You know, Alina,” he said when she reached him, “despite what people say about me being the best hope for Carthem, the truth is, you are. I’m glad you’re immortal so you’ll be safe. But there may come a time when you have to change so the mission can progress. Be prepared and learn all you can so when the time comes, you’ll be ready.”
Alina didn’t understand him, but she nodded as if she did.
“Baylor will get you there safely. I hope you have a wonderful reunion with your father and grandfather.”
“Thank you, Lance.” She pulled out the vial of serum tears and handed it to him.
He beamed as he took it from her. “Thank you. I knew you could do it.”
The crowd followed them out the door, with Jade and her nurses the lively ones of the group. Tears rolled down Janet’s face as she held Baylor’s hand. He had his other arm around Trinee, who forced a smile.
Their vehicle sat in the parking lot, loaded with supplies. Baylor threw their packs in the back, hugged and kissed his family one more time, then hopped into the driver’s seat.
Jade and Alina climbed in the back, leaving the front passenger side for Rex. The crowd waved as they drove away. Janet and Trinee held each other, both in tears. Baylor didn’t look back, but his eyes were wet.
As they turned a corner and pulled onto the main street, Alina’s mouth dropped in a startled gasp. Despite the early hour, the entire town lined the street, waving and cheering as the vehicle came into view. She grabbed Baylor’s shoulder.
“Do they know about me?” she asked.
He turned his head and smiled. “Yes. Lance made a public announcement last night. It’s time for people to know you’re here. You need some encouragement as we head off—it helps us remember what we’re fighting for.”
Large signs and banners waved with the crowd.
Good luck Alina!
We’re fighting with you!
Make Carthem free!
The roof of the vehicle was down, and Alina scrambled over the packs and stood to wave. Children jumped up and down when they saw her, and others blew kisses, eagerly returning her waves.
“We love you, Alina!” they called to her.
She blinked back tears as she looked into each face, these people who had lived under Sampson’s oppression all their lives. J’koby’s mission, her birth, the Cause—brought them hope for a better life. She swallowed and tried to smile. If they knew her, they wouldn’t dare put so much faith in her.
The cheers grew more exuberant as Baylor drove to the end of the street and crossed through Stormport’s protective shield. Alina climbed as high as she could, waving until the paved road changed to dirt and the people became small dots on the horizon.
“Time to put up the roof,” said Baylor, and as Alina sat down, the car enclosed around them. “We should also put on the ear shields. Brainwastes can sneak into cars, no matter how tight they are.” He
