The Continental Exposition would take place across four buildings. One was reserved for inventions of all kinds, one held historical exhibits, one was for art and performance, and the last was sponsored by the House. We slowed to a stop as the road became too congested to make way. Ahead of us, with a roundabout in front of it, stood the Hallof Radiance. It was a perfect replica of the House of Industry, scaled to fit in the park alongside the river. It looked like people were already lined up to get in tomorrow, eager to be the first to see displays of radiance and innovation.
Then I realized that the people on the steps in the front of the hall weren’t in line. They were holding signs and marching back and forth, shouting things I couldn’t hear over the bustle of the city street.
“What’s happening there?” I asked, leaning to get a better look.
“Resistors,” Nikola said proudly.
As we moved closer incrementally, I began to make out the signs.
STOP POISONING THE PEOPLE PROGRESS IS KILLING US
The next sign startled a gasp out of me. “‘The House is enslaving children,’” I read aloud. My throat went dry. “But they’re resistors. I thought they wanted to kill all of us … them.”
“You were made to believe that,” Nikola said, a hard look in her eyes. “There are some who would gladly see all Children of Industry eliminated. But most resistors want children with radiance freed. The same as you do. You’re not alone, Josephine.”
We circled the roundabout, getting close enough to hear the shouted chants, close enough to make eye contact with the people who hated the House as much as I did. I clasped my hands over my heart in gratitude, hoping that those who saw me understood.
Tomorrow,I promised them silently.Tomorrow we’ll show the House that they can’t control any of us anymore.
As we made our way back to the Far Bank, our chaise passed one of the smaller Missions that served the outer districts of Sterling City. I’d worked there a handful of times, doing practical lessons. For the first time, I noticed it was much newer than the buildings around it. “They tore down homes to build that Mission, didn’t they?” I asked Nikola.
“Most urban Missions were built in residential neighborhoods,” Nikola said. “It’s cheaper to tear down tenements than established businesses. Even easier when the residents can’t afford to fight it.”
“It’s going to take a long time to undo the harm the House has done.” My chest felt tight. “Is all this what you wanted me to see?”
“What you see is up to you.” Nikola urged Almond forward, squeezing our chaise into the space between two larger carriages to pull ahead. “All I want is for you to keep your eyes open.”
Looking at her strong profile, I realized that she and Ainsley would admire each other. I felt an odd pang of homesickness for Frostbrook. But I’d been wrong to think that home could be a city or a town or a Mission. Home was this—existing in the world, eyes wide open. “I will,” I promised, to Ainsley as much as Nikola. And most of all, to myself.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
At dawn, dozens of Nikola’s associates helped us finish moving her prototype onto the stage in the center of the roundabout in front of the Hall of Radiance. Disguised as apprentice Conductors, we wore black and worked to the sound of banners snapping in the wind. Each massive banner depicted a bold statement about the power of Progress, about the glory of radiance. They were slogans I’d believed not long ago.
“Pulse of the stars, steady my heart,” I murmured. The House had taught me that blessing, but I was taking it back and making it my own. It had never truly felt fortifying until now.
A Sterling City police officer approached us, and Julian, dressed in the formal uniform of a Senior Conductor, intercepted her. Nikola had somehow secured him a waistcoat emblazoned with the House’s sigil, as well as over a dozen apprentice scarves for me and the others helping us work. I’d tied my scarf loosely, but it still seemed to strangle me.
“Forgive me if I’m not as focused onpaperworkas I am on ensuring that this demonstration of Progress is ready for the House’s procession,” Julian was telling the officer in an acidic tone. “I recommend youtake it up with the Continental Exposition liaison at the House. I’m sure they’d love to hear why you’re interrupting our efforts. But, before you leave, please give me your badge number. As you know, the Elders have a keen interest in Sterling City’s law enforcement standards.”
The officer cleared her throat, paling. “None of that will be necessary. I’m sure you understand my confusion. This demonstration isn’t listed on the program.”
“Precisely. Because it’s asurprise,” Julian said. “As is this inconvenient delay.”
Ezra leaned close to whisper, “He’s such a spectacular bitch when he wants to be.”
I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from laughing. Julian in all his glory was certainly a sight to behold.
The officer returned to her efforts to discourage people from congregating on the steps of the Hall of Radiance, and Julian turned his back to her. I saw him take a shuddering breath and knew the act had taken far more effort than he’d let on. He glanced at me, and I gave him a small encouraging smile. Neither of us relished pretending to be loyal to the House.
Despite it being just after sunrise, people were already gathering on the streets. We’d made our way into the park right before the roads closed to allow only foot traffic. Families carrying picnic baskets and pushing infants in prams poured onto the grassy lawns, finding places to stay for the day to watch the various parades and outdoor demonstrations. In the distance, two hot air balloons expanded. I’d never seen one outside of illustrations.
A small part of me wished we were here under different circumstances, that we could celebrate the spirit of innovation, that we could sprawl on a blanket, imagining how to make the world a better place for all. Someday, I hoped. Someday we’d return to this place and the House of Industry would be nothing but a cautionary tale—the last dying gasp of Progress that served only to line the pockets of wealthy oligarchs.
“As soon as the House’s procession arrives, we’ll begin,” Nikola told the group of impostor apprentice Conductors surrounding the stage. Unlike the rest of us, she wasn’t dressed as a Child of Industry. She wore a green waistcoat embroidered with creeping vines and a handsome velvet top hat. Her hair fell down her back in a thick braid woven with matching green ribbons. Shiny boots with a high heel made her as tall as Julian and Ezra.
I couldn’t keep my eyes off her. I supposed that was the point.
As the crowd on the street thickened, I saw people carrying signs. Some kept them low, as if trying to hide for now, but others marched and shouted about the House of Industry’s oppression. The morning felt charged—not with radiance, but with electricity.
