“This is all I have.” Flint shrugs, setting the pieces back into the box. “Besides, I’m used to Rei’s colorful personality.”
Rei snorts, leaning back against the bedframe. Her shaved head glistens in the afternoon light.
“I can’t believe I let him win so much. I should have just thrown the board across the room sooner.”
“You almost did,” I tease. “Your patience is commendable.”
Rei gives me a sidelong look, half annoyed, half amused. “Don’t make me start on you next. You let him win without even trying.”
I raise my hands in defense. “Escapeis not my choice of entertainment. It’s overly complex for no reason. Besides, Flint wouldn’t win against my sister. Her brain is twice the size of mine.”
“Do you think we’ll meet her?” Flint asks. “At the Founder’s Day celebration?”
Founder’s Day is the regime’s most sacred holiday, marking the dissolution of the old government seventy-two years ago and the creation of the Director’s Office. The streets will be filled with banners, fireworks, and military parades. Most working-class people get the day off to celebrate. It is one of three government-approved holidays.
“I hope so,” I say. “You’ll adore her.”
Flint finally stands, stretching his arms above his head. “Well, you need to rest up before training tomorrow. It’s going to be intense again now that Vale is back. Is it bad that I prefer Spider and his tantrums to Vale’s ruthless leadership?”
“Don’t remind me of that monster.” I groan.
Rei stands too, dusting off the chip crumbs from her pants.
Before she leaves, she pauses by the door.
“Be careful tomorrow,” she says. Her voice is softer than usual, and for a moment, I think I catch something almost protective in it. “I don’t think Aric and his friends liked all the attention you were getting when you were kidnapped.”
“Will do,” I reply, giving her a small nod.
They leave, and the room falls silent again. Flint left the board behind. I guess he intends to return here for the next few games. I hide it under my bed. In this place, it would likely be considered contraband.
My eyes glance at the camera. I can’t disclose anything that could endanger me. I need to be careful.
Because I know for certain that Ender Vale isalwayswatching.
chapter
twenty-two
Haven
Spider throws his arms around me just as I stuff a spoonful of soup in my mouth, nearly making me choke. Sunlight streams into the room through the barred windows. Flint and Rei aren’t here yet. We usually time our entrance together because there is strength in numbers, and nobody wants to be caught off-guard by Aric and his friends.
The air is tense on their side of the room, and I’m relieved when Spider drags out the chair beside me. Nobody dares to come near us when Spider is here. Or Knox.
“It’s so good to have you back!” he says. “I really took you for granted, didn’t I? Nothing like a good old kidnapping to remind you of one’s value.”
“Good to see you too, little psycho,” I say. “I heard about your antics. You’ve been back for a few days, and people are already bitching.”
He grins sheepishly.
“It was good to work off some steam,” he says. “But now that you’re back, we can resume our one-on-ones. I have a lot riding on you winning this thing.”
“And here I thought you were so concerned about my well-being because you considered me a friend,” I say, sighing dramatically. “Be still, my foolish heart.”
Spider elbows me. He’s smiling so wide, his dimples look like permanent indents.
“Come on,” Spider says. “I already know someone has their eyes on you.”
