Page 11 - My FlipBook

THE RED LABYRINTH

I reach the outskirts of the festival, all the way back by
the apothecary. The orange clay building boasts a sign in the
window: Shop closed for Waterday Festival, visit our booth in-
stead! My silver airbike is parked in the rack by the door. I’m
tempted to hop on it and speed away.
I check my comm; thirty-two minutes remaining, and no
response from Landon.
I tiptoe behind the building, out of sight from the festival.
The moment I’m away from the crowd, I relax. It’s only for a

minute. I just need to catch my breath. Then I’ll go back to the
party and wait for the Leader’s address.
I scrub a hand down my face and lean against the side of
the building.
“Ducking out of the festival early?”
The familiar voice sends a gust of frost through my veins.
Nina, the guard walking with Chantry earlier, saunters out
from behind the next building in her silver uniform. My sister
follows, a notepad clenched menacingly in her grip. Chantry’s
blonde hair is twisted into a tight knot on top of her head.
While Nina’s uniform is bare, my sister’s uniform collar parades
a gold Guard Captain pin. Of course the Leader appointed her
the captain. He probably did it just to mess with me.

My heart pounds faster. “I was just checking on my bike.”
I keep my head down. “I swear.”
“That’s interesting.” Poison taints Nina’s words. “Because it
looks like you were skipping out before the Leader’s address.”
Nina’s a Two; she can change her appearance at will and also
use telekinesis. They’re pretty useless Skills, but jealousy still

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