“Em—”

  “How?” Her voice cracked.

  Caspian shook his head. “She was tortured first, likely for information. Then they left her to bleed out.”

  Em covered her mouth with her hand. It shook, and tears spilled down her cheeks. “Who did it?”

  Caspian shook his head again.

  “Who did it?” Em screamed. She rose to her feet, her hands balled so tightly in a fist blood was drawn from her sharp nails.

  “No one knows. Her body was dumped in an alley a few blocks from her place. They found it a few days ago. No evidence of any sort on her, and her apartment has been wiped clean. I already checked it.” Cas tried to be gentle, but he knew not to hold back any information from Em. She wouldn’t want anyone’s sympathy right now. She’d want answers. Names.

  “I’ll go. I’ll check again; there might be something left behind that you missed.” Em grabbed her boots and threw them on. “Where’s the body? I need to see it.”

  “Em.” I rested my hand on her shoulder, and she looked ready to shove me away before she caught my gaze, and the look in her eyes nearly broke me. “I’m so sorry.”

  Her shoulders bounced, and she let out a sob. I took her in my arms and pulled her close.

  Her fingers trembled against my back, and she gripped onto my shirt as if it were the only thing holding her up. I ran a hand down her hair, keeping her tight and secure, letting her sob into my shoulder as I blinked back my own tears.

  “Why? Why would someone do that to her?” Em whispered.

  I shook my head. I had no answer for her. What reason would anyone have to target someone like Ava? She didn’t know anything.

  “I’ll go with you. We’ll look together,” I offered, and she nodded against my shoulder.

  Em let out a long breath as she stepped back. Her eyes met mine, and she didn’t need to say anything out loud for me to know she was sorry for the fight we’d just had, just as I was. She knew I would do anything for her, and right now that meant being there for her when there was nothing else I could do.

  She wiped away tears with the back of her sleeve before she cleared her throat, and that killer look came back. I knew she would mourn Ava, the lady who trained her and practically raised her, but more than that, I knew she would avenge her death. Nothing was more terrifying than an assassin with a vendetta.

  Nothing useful was found in Ava’s apartment. It had been expertly cleaned and not even a trace of us being in there remained.

  Her body was harder to look at. The morgue was full of dead bodies lying across metal tables, but none looked like Ava’s. Cuts covered her arms and legs, and a deep wound at her stomach had turned black where she’d clearly bled out. Her skin was no longer a bronzed color but rather brown and dark green with decay, bloated, and nearly unrecognizable. I almost vomited at the sight and smell. Em, however, couldn’t look away. After checking her over as much as I could manage, I left Em alone to say goodbye.

  I had returned home and spent a long time in the shower, letting the hot water soak over my body. My mind was a dark place, and I wasn’t sure what to do or how to make it right. Every person I came into contact with seemed to end up worse after meeting me.

  We couldn’t help Vic. We didn’t even know where she was. Sienna and Theo were faced with the same fate, and I couldn’t stop it. And Ava…she hadn’t even meant to get involved. All she had done was save the girl’s life.

  Someone had wanted information from her, and they’d gotten it. But what? What had she told them? What information did she even hold?

  I tossed on a pair of black underwear and a matching tank top before strolling back into my room. On my bed were my leather arm straps and gun belt, the items given to me when I’d become a Watcher. I didn’t deserve these things; I didn’t deserve to be a Watcher. All I did was cause pain.

  I picked up the leather straps and belt and threw them against the wall. They thudded to a pile on the floor as I let out a frustrated cry, running my hands through my hair. The contents of my nightstand went next. Books and a small lamp smashed to the ground with a sharp crack, but I wasn’t finished. Just as I tossed a pillow on top of the fresh pile of discarded weaponry and shards of glass, I felt a pair of eyes watching me.

  I whipped around. Leaning against the casing of my door was Caspian, his arms crossed over his chest and a crooked smile on his face.

  “How long have you been standing there?” I demanded.

  “Longer than you’d like.” He smirked as he picked up the tossed pillow and placed it neatly back on my bed.

  I crossed my arms and glared at him. “Didn’t anyone ever tell you it’s rude to stare?”

  “Only once and I didn’t listen to them.” Caspian shrugged as he sat on the end of my bed.

  “What do you want?”

  “Just came to see how you were doing.” Cas rested back on the bed, ignoring the bite in my tone. “And…dare I ask?”

  “I’m fine,” I said.

  “Looks like it.” Cas nodded to the pile of stuff I’d thrown on the floor.

  “Doesn’t matter how I feel. It won’t change anything.” I threw my arms up. Cas remained quiet, waiting for me to let it all out. And I did. “Why did I ever think I could make a difference? Every time I try to do something right, something else falls apart, and someone ends up getting hurt because of it.”

  Caspian’s mouth twisted to the side. “Pouting is very unbecoming of you, Jayla.”

  I punched him hard in the arm. “Is this your idea of cheering me up?”

  He grinned as he rubbed his arm. “Is it working?”

  “No!”

  “Okay, then. Continue pouting.” Cas waved his hand. “Go on, tell me how this is all your fault. How you should have somehow seen the future and known this would happen. How there should have been a way to stop all the bad things in the world from happening.”

  “Why can’t you just leave me alone to sulk?” I crossed my arms and leaned against the wall.

  Cas stood up and strolled over to me, taking slow, intentional steps as he inched close enough for the fine hairs on my arms to stand on end.

  “Have I ever done that?” he asked, his voice low and husky.

  I shook my head, not trusting my voice.

  “Go on then, sulk. Tell me how rough you’ve got it—blame me for all I care. But don’t hold it in, and don’t tell me everything’s fine when you and I know better.” His voice was soft.

  I looked down to my feet, suddenly aware of my lack of clothes. I’d never been shy, especially not around Cas, but once again we were toeing a dangerous line. Even if his presence alone was slowly calming my beating heart. My ragged breaths had already eased, and the tightness in my chest was being swept away, far, far away, and Cas was so close.

  “Am I making you nervous, or are your feet suddenly very interesting?” he whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.

  I tilted my chin up and met his gaze, his face so close my lashes nearly brushed his skin when I blinked. His lips parted into a smooth grin. I glanced at his lips then back to his eyes.

  “What if I said yes?” I leaned into him, my hands brushing down the arm he rested on the wall. “What if you made me nervous?”

  His smile widened, and he tilted his head down. He glanced at my lips, inches from his, and he moved closer. His other hand rested beside my head, trapping me between his arms. His nose bumped mine gently, and my eyes closed. My mouth parted in anticipation.

  He paused, and his lips brushed my own, as he said, “Then I’d say I’m doing my job.”

  My eyes flashed open.

  Cas pushed away from the wall, and a devilish grin spread across his face as he strode towards the door.

  “Get some clothes on. We have one more person to cheer up. Unfortunately, she’s not as easy as you are.” I could hear the cocky smile in his voice with every word. I stuck up my middle finger to his back and mumbled, “Prick,” under my breath.

  I heard his low chuckle before I slammed the door.

  Chapter 28

  Jayla

  The next morning was rough. After a night of drinking and dancing—Em’s idea of taking her mind off things—we were all feeling a bit hung over. When we received word from Commander Reyes she wanted to meet, I wasn’t surprised when Em requested to stay behind.

  “If you bring me and that vermin, Simon, says one thing out of line, I just might take his head off. Literally,” Em had said from under the blanket she was curled in on the couch.

  So, Cas and I went alone this time.

  We walked down the main streets of downtown Cytos towards the tall building where the Watchers Headquarters was located. The Watchers did a good job of hiding in plain sight. The important people in Cytos knew us, but to the average citizen, the headquarters would look like any other building in the city. The building was tall and encased with glass windows covered in neon lights and Linked images.

  Cas walked just as slowly as I was, although he might have been doing it as a courtesy to me. Not only did we all have about three too many drinks, Em had convinced me to stay on the dance floor most of the night. She’d even dragged Cas out for a few songs before he snuck back to his bar stool a few feet away. My feet ached and throbbed with every step I took.

  “Want me to just carry you?” Cas gave me a side glance.

  “I can walk on my own, thank you very much,” I spat, weaving through the growing crowd.

  “I know you can, but we need to get there today, and at this pace we might not make it ‘til next week,” he joked, catching up to my increased pace, albeit still slower than usual.

  I punched his arm. Turning back to the street, I nearly ran straight into a woman carrying two cups of delicious smelling coffee. I slid out of the way just in time.

  “Why do you always resort to violence?” He rubbed his arm.

  I shrugged. “Must have been the training.”

  He shook his head and leaned into my ear. “Did they teach you those dance moves, too?”

  I rolled my eyes. “You’re just jealous you couldn’t keep up.”

  “I didn’t want to keep up.” Cas gave a devilish grin. “I rather enjoyed the view from my spot by the bar.”

  Again, I smacked him, this time in the stomach, although a bit half-heartedly. The hum of the magnetic roadway vibrated softly under my tired feet in an almost soothing way as we crossed the street.

  “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy every eye in the club watching you two.” Cas nudged me, and I reluctantly broke a smile.

  “I hardly noticed.” That was a lie. When you’re spinning on the dance floor with someone as beautiful as Em for a partner, people were bound to take notice. I only noticed one pair of eyes on me the entire night. And even though the night was for Em, I didn’t mind the distraction, either.

  “Sure you didn’t.” Cas winked as he opened the door to the office tower.

  I brushed past him, ignoring the slight flutter in my chest as I stalked over to the front counter.

  “We’re here to see Commander Reyes,” I told the young receptionist seated behind the tall desk.

  “She’s been expecting you. Conference room seven, please.” The lady pointed to the elevator where a guard was already waiting to take us up to the conference room.

  We stepped out of the elevator into the large hallway. The sun filtered through the heavily tinted glass windows looking out to the core of Cytos. I glanced out at the SPACs and transport shuttles littering the streets. I never understood the use of SPACs. I would much rather walk or run places than sit in a cold metal box that usually made me dizzy because they moved so damn fast.

  The conference room was a glass box that could be seen into from all four surrounding walls. Before the guard left, he pressed a button on the wall, triggering the privacy settings, which frosted the glass walls. Our party was already waiting for us inside.

  “Please, have a seat.” Commander Reyes gestured to the chairs across from her. Only two other chairs were occupied around the large table that could easily fit twenty or more. I didn’t recognize the two who sat beside Reyes.

  “I’ve brought you here for a mission that requires your team’s particular skill set,” Reyes began. “Officer Cortez and Technician Gillis will be your contacts.” She inclined her head to the two men seated beside her.

  “How can we be of service?” I asked. Noting the official way Reyes was speaking to us, I knew if this mission was connected to our work with Simon, none of that would be mentioned in this briefing.

  “The Governor is throwing a dinner party tonight to celebrate the Peace-Making with a few socialites and politicians of Cytos, and he’s requested the presence of our Watchers to get some information for him.” Reyes slid a tablet across the table. On the screen was a handsome, older gentleman. He had speckled grey hair that was the only indication he was older, as his face was youthful and attractive. “This is Mr. Holden. He’s on Governor Wallace’s council team and a rather large donor to his campaign. He’s also a suspected mole. Wallace needs you to find out if he’s been selling secrets to anyone, and if so, who.”

  I raised a brow. “What’s his type?”

  “Excuse me?” Officer Cortez scrunched his rather large brow. He was a short, stocky man. Prone to scowling if the lines on his face were any indication.

  “His type. What does he like? Does he prefer blonds or brunettes? Male or female?” I tilted my head with a sweet smile.

  “He’s into something…a bit different.” Reyes cleared her throat before passing us an envelope. Inside it was an invitation to the dinner party. “You two will be going as Lillian and David Cassey, newlyweds who are here for business, visiting from the city of Kuros.”

  I glanced to Cas who snorted. “Married couples. That’s what he’s into?”

  “Yes, that’s what our reports have found.” Technician Gillis nodded. His thick-rimmed glasses slid down his nose, and he pushed them up with a gangly hand.

  I smirked. “Well, this is going to be interesting.”

  “I want Emery there, too. She will pose as a cocktail waitress for backup if needed,” Reyes said, pushing her chair back and standing. “We’ll have your clothes sent to the apartment. I trust I don’t need to remind either of you to behave?”

  I shrugged. “Of course not.”

  Reyes didn’t look overly convinced.

  I stood from my seat as Reyes reached the door. “Does Governor Wallace know I’ll be the one there?” I asked.

  Reyes stopped at the door Cortez held open for her and she smirked. “He asked for you specifically. Said you were good at your job.” She winked. “All the information you need on Mr. Holden is in the tablet. Please have a thorough look, so you don’t miss anything.”

  As Reyes strolled out, the frosted glaze disappeared. The sudden sunlight hit my eyes, heavy and tired from last night’s escapade. I blinked back the spots as Cas led me out of the room.

  By the time we returned, Em had managed to get herself off the couch and made a breakfast of plain toast and a glass of orange juice to chase away the hangover.

  “That’s it? Find out what secrets some guy is selling?” Em asked.

  “I’m guessing not.” I tossed her the tablet. “We were instructed to look closely at all the details of the mission, but the only file on this tablet is this one-page descriptor of some old dude who likes to spice things up with married couples. And our aliases, the Casseys.”

  Em opened the tablet, finding exactly what I’d told her she would and let out a little grunt. She flipped the tablet over and opened the battery case at the back. She pulled out the battery, and underneath it was a small microchip. The corner of her mouth quirked up as she held it up before inserting it into her own tablet.

  Another file popped up with additional writing on it. I read it over Em’s shoulder.

  Jayla, Caspian, & Emery,

  Mr. Holden is not only selling secrets, he has access to them as well. Somewhere on him, you will find an ID Card that will get you into his office on the floor below where you will be dining tonight. Emery, I need you to get codes for all undocumented shuttles leaving Cytos in the next two days, along with the flight crew and authorized personnel on board.

  Friendly reminder that if you are caught, I will deny any knowledge of this side mission. Failure is not an option. Destroy this chip as soon as you’re done reading.

  ~Reyes

  Em grinned. “Now, that’s a bit more exciting than being a cocktail waitress.”

  Chapter 29

  Sienna

  “Two days. We just have to stay here two more days,” I mumbled, as I shoved a piece of stale bread in my mouth.

  Theo nodded and took another bite of his own food.

  “Do you think, I mean, is it even possible she’s okay?” I dropped the bread, no longer hungry. Just the thought of not knowing where Vic was made me sick to my stomach. I couldn’t stop this awful feeling that she wasn’t all right.

  We’d had no contact with Jayla or Emery. No news from Vic, if she could even find a way to get word to us. And Instructor Yarik offered me nothing when I asked if she could tell me where she was or if she was safe. She’d mumbled, “no,” and shoved me out of her office.

  We had no way out even if we tried. Guards watched us every hour. We were trapped.

  Theo put his fork down and gripped my trembling hand. He shook his head. “I don’t know, Sienna. I have no idea what to think anymore.”

  He’d always been the positive one, always trying to comfort me. But even he knew everything about this was wrong. Ever since that explosion at the Genetics Lab, things had been off. We weren’t safe anymore, not in here or out there.

  “Let’s just get through the graduation test. We can’t do anything inside here. We just have to get out and make a plan from there. That’s all we can do. We stick together.” Theo squeezed my hand and offered a crooked smile.