“That actually works?”
“Sebastian usually volunteers for cover-ups. He’d probably do it again if…”
If we can find him.His and Millie’s disappearance after the Madsens infiltrated C.S.A.M.M. hangs between us.
My phone vibrates in my pocket.
Hazel
The uniform suits you.
I’m in the cafe across the street.
I should’ve known she would hang around. I look back, but the cafe windows only reflect the traffic.
Hazel
Can I come help? I don’t want to miss the fun part.
Katie
Considering this thing could transform into a giant dragon and kill us all, I’m gonna say no.
Hazel
Fiiine. Give me a signal if you change your mind.
Katie
What signal?
Hazel
I dunno. Wave your arms or do the YMCA.
Katie
Just stay there and make a getaway plan. I’m not in the mood to watch my bestie get trampled by a pig.
My stomach twists. If this goes sideways, I don’t want that to be the last thing I ever said to her.
Wish me luck. Love you.
As I pocket my phone, Natalie hands me the net from the trunk. Though it’s big enough to cover the pig when unraveled, it weighs nothing, like holding sunbeams. Magic seeps from the golden threads into my bloodstream, giving me a buzz like an espresso shot.
“I can’t use magic freely with all these people watching, but I’ll do everything I can to push the chimera toward you,” she says, her fingers lingering on mine. “Make your move as soon as you’re close. Don’t hesitate.”
I swallow hard. There’s a pause, and she bends to brush her lips over mine, sending a ripple of heat through me. Her breath tickles my face, her taste sweet and intoxicating. After all these months, her kiss is still as exhilarating and seductive as forbidden magic flowing into my veins.
“I’ve got you, okay?” she whispers against my mouth. The words send a pleasant tingle through me, taking me back to better times—and begging the question of if I’ll ever get a chance to tell her how much I love her.
But right now, we need to focus.
I dip my chin, too nervous to speak. Her fingers trace my cheek before she steps back and squares her shoulders, all business.
With her kiss still warming my lips, we set off. High tide crashes against the rocks, and shouts carry over the waves. The pig trots around at the far end of the half-kilometer pier, the size of a paperclip from here. A handful of pedestrians remain, but they speed-walk away as the pig chases them. Most people are taking videos from a safe distance.
“Won’t it just transform into a bird and fly away the second it sees me with the net?” I ask, craning my neck to keep it in sight.
