This is all my father’s fault. Ever since he threatened me with solitary I’ve been on edge. It’s why I orchestrated this attack even though I don’t go after rebel settlements. I don’t like the idea of making children orphans. I had no intention of arresting the little ones.
There was a secondary plan on how to clear them safely, knowing that they would not be allowed to live due to that messed-up law my father passed. Knox, Spider, and I agreed that we would protect the children. Only the three of us knew about the extraction plan. As much as I trust Black Star, Clover is much like her father, a stickler for the rules, and Orion is difficult to read. Knox and Spider both have pretty big hearts, so it made sense for us to handle it.
I can see why the Supreme Director didn’t want to integrate them into the system. Why would someone serve the government that took everything from them?
It’s why I suspect Haven. Her mother was executed for conspiring against the government. Haven and Mercy had been present at the execution and watched their father condemn her. I can’t begin to imagine what kind of lasting impression that left on a child.
There is a high chance that Haven is my traitor. But she isn’t the only person with a bad start in life; other recruits serve out of obligation rather than desire. That is the problem with a government that executed more than it protected its citizens. It led to hostility and uprisings. It created power structures like the Resistance.
I never agreed with my father’s ruling style. It was brutal and harsh. And it was the legacy he was preparing me for. One that I would be forced to uphold in the near future.
chapter
thirty-four
Haven
Ihave been sulking for days. As someone who claims they don’t care about anyone’s opinion, I certainly seem to give a damn about Ender’s. It isn’t the worst thing he’s said to me, but it is the cruelest. I made myself believe that he was impressed with my skill, that the proud glint in his eyes when I won was genuine.
You’re nothing but a weak Common.
If only he knew I was Gifted, he would swallow his stupid words. Not that being a Common makes one unworthy.
I haven’t been to Block C in a while. I have Ender to thank for reminding me exactly where I belong. I feel guilty for not making a better effort to visit Sora. She was my first friend in this place. And it’s been months since we last spoke.
“Mercy!” Sora cries.
Her arms wrap around me the second I step into my old dormitory. It’s strange to return here. Now that I am in better accommodations, I can tell how bad this place is. Mold crawls along the ceiling, and sections of the plaster are bloated with old water, most likely from a busted pipe. The mattresses are thin and riddled with loose springs.
“I haven’t seen you in ages.”
“I am to blame for that,” I say. “I’m sorry I’ve been so terrible at visiting.”
“I suppose you won’t be able to answer any of my questions.”
I shake my head. “I’m afraid I cannot tell you much. Except…”
“What?”
“Rei and I are sort of friends,” I confess.
Sora gasps. Eyebrows shooting up to her hairline.
“Rei Carver, who tried to kill you every chance she got?”
“That Rei,” I say.
Sora’s mouth is gaping, and I playfully close it shut.
“There’s going to be a party tonight,” I say. “Rei mentioned this guy named Maxen throws a legendary gathering every so often. He’s the dorm leader and has access to the roof. It starts at midnight. Gifted-only, technically, but who cares.”
“What if Aric and the others are there?” Sora asks, chewing her bottom lip. “Won’t they make a scene?”
“Probably.” I shrug. “We’ll just avoid them and have a blast. Rei will be there. I’ll make her apologize for being mean to you.”
“I’d love to see that,” Sora says, with a sparkle in her eyes. “I’m in.”
I smile widely. Tonight is going to be fun.
