The idea of going up against John, and publicly declaring what had happened to me, made me feel absolutely sick. I’d almost rather go down into the Underground all over again. It was Monica’s encouragement to make him pay, and the thought of protecting other women, that made me stick to my decision.
“I wish I could come with you,” Charlie said sorrowfully. “I hate the thought of you being in the same room with him.”
I will be there with her, Oberi said.We will get through this together.
I wanted to stay with Charlie longer, but I had to leave now if I was going to make it to the courthouse on time. We ventured toward the drop-off room at the front of campus, which was the same room we’d come in when we’d been bussed here, and the same room graduates left through once they got out.
The room was empty, save for Professor Takahashi. He turned toward me as we entered, giving a slight bow.
“It’s nice to see you, although I wish it was under better circumstances,” Takahashi stated.
“I will be your escort to the trial today.”
“Really?” I couldn’t be happier that Professor Takahashi was escorting me to the courthouse, instead of a bunch of stupid guards.
“Yes. I have promised to take full responsibility for you, and accept the consequences should you escape outside of the Institute’s walls,” Takahashi said.
“I can’t believe the Warden allowed it.” I was certain he’d send a whole battalion to guard me, his precious little gem, and make sure I didn’t get away during the trial’s proceedings. I was still wearing the tracker cuff that followed my movements, but if I got a moment to run outside of the prison, Oberi would break it off.
“It was rather unexpected,” Takahashi admitted.
The doors behind us opened, and Hemlock’s sharp footsteps resonated behind us. “I am here to see you off,” Hemlock said, whirling her cloak behind her. “As I am the only teacher on campus authorized to cast portals, my magic will work on school grounds to transport you to Kinpago. Mister Wahkin, I have obtained exemptions for Work-Study for you and your friends today, and have set up streaming services in my office for your group to watch the trial live. Your wife will need support, and it is best that everyone knows the details as they happen, rather than asking her to recant them upon her return. This trial will be highly publicized, and her friends should know the facts before rumors begin flying around the school.”
Charlie gaped for a moment before shutting his mouth. “But the Warden’s shut down internet access all around campus. Are you sure it’s safe?”
Professor Hemlock gave a short laugh. “It is quite hilarious you believe the Warden is capable of outwitting me. I am very good at what I do, Mister Wahkin. Trust that I have the situation handled.”
Hemlock handed me a small, folded up note. “By the way, Ava… I was told to give you this. Do not read it until you are outside school grounds.”
Her mouth was completely flat, like she hadn’t wanted to deliver this letter to me, but had no choice. She cast a portal. As it bloomed before me, I saw Kinpago’s warm streets be illuminated before my eyes.
“Remember what we talked about,” Charlie said as he squeezed my hand. I tucked the letter into my pocket.
“Okay,” I whispered. I didn’t want to wish him farewell, because that could be something final. If we never said goodbye, we’dhaveto be together again. This wouldn’t be the last time.
I wouldn’t let go of his hand, so he had to withdraw his fingers from mine. I rolled my chair through the portal, and Oberi walked beside me as we entered through it. Takahashi strolled behind me, and once his feet hit solid ground, the portal vanished behind us.
I’d traveled hundreds of miles in mere seconds, but the journey through the portal wasn’t difficult. It was like exiting one room and entering another. The atmosphere around me immediately warmed, and the sun shone on my face. It was rare for Darke Island to get any sort of sunshine, so I absorbed the light and took in a deep breath of fresh air.
I washome.I’d missed California— missed Kinpago, so fucking much. The cries of Familiars rang throughout the skies all around me, and the colorful streamers that hung off of buildings waved in the sea breeze. Compared to the bleakness of the Institute, Kinpago was a world full of wonder.
We’d been transported directly in front of the courthouse. I expected to see the center of Kinpago look just as it always had.
But it didn’t. Multiple buildings were capsized, or lay in rubble. A couple of complexes had been destroyed, along with a few stores. People walked by the devastation with their Familiars like this was completely normal, as if they’d all gotten used to the mess.
The angels had definitely retaliated for the bombing on Celestial City. The Hawkei were rebuilding, but there was tension in the air from everyone who passed by on the street. The tribe was once again in a time of war.
Oberi nudged my hand, and I rolled up the ramp that led into the courthouse. I couldn’t stay here and be sad for what the war was doing to my home, because according to my prophecy, I was the only one who could stop it. That wasn’t going to be today, and I’d come here on unfinished business, so my destiny would have to wait.
Daddy and Mama were already waiting for me inside the courthouse. Relief shone on their faces when they watched me roll in. Takahashi stood nearby, but at a distance in order to give me space.
“There’s my peanut.” Daddy immediately ducked down to give me a hug. His embrace was a bit too careful, like he thought I might break if he held me too tightly. “How are you feeling?”
“Well enough to put this jackass away,” I responded.
“That’s my girl.” Daddy puffed out his chest. “You’ve always been my little fighter.”
“You look so much better!” Mama stroked my hair back.
