I stiffen at his demand.
His hand is open, palm facing up. “Gun. Now.”
Every instinct in me screams to resist. Instead, I slide the weapon free and place it in his large hand.
Mercy and I exchange a glance. Her eyes flick to the holster, then to my face. That gun was a gift from Sullivan after I passed my first obstacle course, and Mercy knows it. Ender seems like the type to not return the objects he confiscates.
I smile at her softly, assuring her it’s fine. I’ll find my way back to my gun even if I have to steal it myself.
“What are you both saying?” Ender asks firmly. “Speak aloud.”
“Nothing,” Mercy says quickly.
“Nothing,” I echo.
“Kinda wish I had a twin,” Knox comments. “Seems like a lot of fun.”
Just before we step outside, Ender’s hand clamps around Mercy’s elbow.
“You,” he says. “Front seat.”
He turns to Knox. “Take the back.”
“Yes, sir,” Knox replies easily.
Ender’s jaw tightens as he looks at us. He knows something is amiss, but he can’t tell what. He’s going to be keeping a close eye on us. And we can’t let him suspect our deception.
Ender’s house rises from the mist like a specter. Dark stone walls reach towards the plum sky, and charcoal bars cover thewindows. A balcony juts over the entrance door, supported by a row of black beams. Symmetrical hedges line the path to the doorway, their vibrant green shade marking them as artificial.
The tires roll over the wet cobblestone, drawing us into a looping driveway, as the gates grind shut ominously behind us.
Ender cuts the engine and faces my sister.
“You’ll live here,” he says, in a disinterested tone. “My staff will escort you inside and see to your accommodations.”
Sympathy pricks at me when I look at my twin. Her eyes are filled with dread, and her fingers are tangled in a despairing knot. I wouldn’t subject my worst enemy to Ender Vale’s sour personality, and now my sister will be forced to co-exist with him. He is about as fascinating as a wet brick and about as kind as our father.
“And you,” he adds, turning to me, “Knox will take you to the Forge.”
Mercy and I will be separated for the first time in our lives.
The air rushes from my lungs. I’m not ready to say goodbye to her. My sister’s eyes meet mine, and I can tell she’s just as reluctant as I am to be parted. She is frightened, and I can’t comfort her with so many eyes on us.
“I’ll miss you,” she whispers.
“Everything will be okay,” I say softly. “I promise.”
Mercy nods shakily and opens her door.
A woman in a pristine white uniform waits by the entrance. Her posture is stiff, her expression unreadable. She takes Mercy’s arm without preamble and guides her toward the house.
Mercy glances back, her eyes wide with fear, and I give her a reassuring smile. At least, I hope it looks that way.
Ender steps out of the car and vanishes down the side of the building.
Knox gestures toward a second truck. A standard military-issue vehicle with blacked-out windows. He loads my travel case in the back.
Once the door clicks shut, I turn to face him. I have a few questions, and Knox seems like an open-book. Or at least more friendly than the Commandant.
