“You can’t do it alone.”
“If I wait, we’ll be risking Hector finding out about the attack. We’re spread out around the city in small groups to not attract attention, but we can’t stay hidden for long.”
“Then try to observe the compound before attacking it. Maybe I’m wrong about it.”
“Okay, but I came here to rescue you. I dug a way out. It’s hard to reach, but I can throw you a rope to climb.”
I love the thought of leaving this city and returning to Florence, but I can’t lose my access to Hector and Caden in this crucial time. And if I go missing, it would be a warning to Hector that something is going on.
“I can’t leave, River. I’ll be more helpful closer to Hector.”
“But I might not be able to reach you again.”
“I can’t make him suspicious. I’m sorry.”
He goes quiet for a few seconds before saying, “Fine, but I don’t like it. Where’s Caden?”
I don’t even know where to start, but the others have the right to know what has been happening. I keep my voice steady as much as I can, sharing with River how Hector’s gift slowly took over Caden and made him doubt his own mind, yet he needed that gift to survive in the arena. I tell him about what happened in the sewers, when Hector gave him his final gift and altered Caden so profoundly that he might be lost to us forever.
River holds my hand. “I’m sorry it happened, but his soul must still be there. We’ll find it.”
“And what if we can’t?”
“I’m the expert on souls, remember?”
I try to absorb as much of his optimism as I can, even though he didn’t see what I saw. “At least Hector is a bit weaker now—he told me that himself.” Though even weaker, I have no idea what he’s capable of. He’s been careful about keeping his powers hidden.
“I don’t know how to fix any of this,” I say, “but if I had to bet, I’d say that taking out Hector is our best chance at getting Caden back. Maybe if he’s dead, his gift dies with him.”
“We’ll know for sure only after we kill him, and until we do…”
“We must have faith.”
“Correct! See, Goo? I told you that Finn is very smart and brave and handsome.”
“You did. You talk a lot.”
“Because I know many words.”
“River, there might be someone else who could help us,” I say, though I’m hesitant. “Caden told me about a man named Elijah, the head of House Powell. He’s against everything Hector has been doing, but he’s not strong enough to stop him. Maybe he can give you more information if you manage to speak with him, but don’t blindly trust him.”
“I’ll try to find him.”
I wish to stay with River longer, but I can’t take the risk. “I need to head back. Try to update me if you can, but only if it’s safe. Our main goal is still bringing down Hector and his army.”
“And saving you.”
“No.”
He stands up and offers me his hand. “I make my own goals.”
*
I wake up from a nightmare in the middle of the night, my throat itchy and dry. I sit up and rub my face, taking deep breaths to slow down my heartbeat. I dreamed of my fight for survival in the arena, but this time Caden didn’t jump down to save me. He sat next to Hector, watching the bloodbath with emptiness in his eyes. Even when they stabbed me and left me to bleed out on the sand, he kept watching like I no longer mattered.
Once I calm down, I climb out of bed to get some water in the kitchen. The apartment is dark and quiet, and the floor is cold under my bare feet. I gasp at the sudden sight of Hector standing by the glass wall, watching the city while holding a tall glass of wine. He’s naked, the light of the moon illuminating his pale skin. His tail sways behind him, emerging from his lower back.
“Another bad dream?” he asks without looking at me.
