I nod. “Come on, I’ll show you where he is.”
We head back with enough explosives to bring the mountain down.
“Commandant,” Clover calls into the tunnel. “We’re breaking this wall down. Step back and confirm.”
“Got it,” Ender says.
I hang back, Spider’s arm draped on my shoulder.
“We thought you were dead,” Rei says.
“Fifteen hours with Ender Vale makes me wish I were.”
Rei smiles, and Spider snorts.
“Did he tear your clothes off and have his wicked way with you?” Spider whispers.
My cheeks burn. He suspects there is something between Ender and me. He’s far too nosy for his own good.
“Get your head out of the gutter.”
The grenade detonates. Dust and stone explode outward. Once it settles, Clover and Knox rush in. Ender emerges moments later, raven hair coated in ash. His eyes find me instantly. His mouth is pressed in a thin, displeased line. Dark stubble traces his hard jaw.
“Aide,” he barks.
A young red-haired boy rushes forward in his crisp white uniform.
“She’s injured,” Ender explains.
“I’m fine,” I say. “I’ll go to the clinic later.”
“Check her,” Ender orders. “Now.”
I glare at him and lift my shirt for the aide. The boy uses his powers to heal me, even though it is unnecessary. It is a minor wound that could fix itself if given time. I watch in fascination as the wound seals shut, leaving behind unblemished skin.
I don’t look at Ender again.
“Hey, stranger.”
“Gray!” I throw my arms around him. “You wouldn’t believe the night I had.”
I melt into his embrace. Gray always smells like home.
“Can’t be as bad as mine,” he says. “Night shift. Again. I swear he’s putting me on the worst rotations to spite me.”
“I don’t want to speak about him,” I say. “Like ever.”
“Fair enough,” Gray says, releasing me. His lips lift in a mysterious smile. “I’ve got you a present.”
He holds up two white passes. It takes me a second to realize what it is.
“A day pass?” I gasp.
“Happy birthday, Vee.”
I blink. It’s my birthday. I can’t believe I forgot the day.
November 16.
