I nod.
He whistles low. “You’re serious.”
“Dead serious.”
He cracks his neck. “Alright. I’ll pull archived identities. You’ll need a bio-wipe first.”
“Already running.” I toss him my wristband. “Compad ID?”
“Got a burner. Pre-registered under a decommissioned engineer. You’ll be ‘Kala Venn.’”
“And Nessa?”
“I’ve got her flagged as your niece. Travel tag attached to a refugee transport registry. She’ll pass under scans.”
I exhale. “I knew I kept you around for something.”
Drel grins. “Charming.”
I step closer, lowering my voice. “If I don’t come back…”
“No.” He cuts me off. “Don’t say it.”
“I have to.”
“Then make it count. Run smart. Stay dark.”
I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat.
Then we get to work.
Back at the apartment, I scan for bugs.
I find one—tucked into the back vent of Nessa’s toy bin.
I crush it with my boot.
She’s still asleep. Arms splayed across the bed, mouth open, a soft snore whistling from her nose. Her hair curls wild around her pillow.
I sit on the edge of the bed and watch her.
Gods, she’s beautiful.
I don’t know how to say goodbye.
Or if I’ll have to.
But I know this?—
If Tarek thinks I’ll let him take her, he doesn’t know what I’m capable of.
CHAPTER 18
VAEL
Pain is a better companion than silence.
At least it doesn’t lie to me.
