Forged Read Free

ready for a fight. I guess Vik’s pristine appearance could assure people that he’s organized and professional, but his build reminds me of Harvey—a touch delicate—and it’s surprising so many have put the fate of their battle behind someone who looks so . . . nice .
    Vik stands when Adam strides in. “Well? Is it confirmed?”
    Adam hurries over and they embrace the way they always have—a hug as intimate as if they were siblings. When they step apart something is passed between them in the silence, told with just the shifting of their eyes. Elijah and Clipper are in the room now. I didn’t even hear them come in. One look at them, and I know this meeting is not about taking action. It’s about something much, much worse.
    Adam scratches the stubble on his chin. Vik smooths his pressed pants.
    â€œI’m afraid we have some bad news.”

TWO
    WE WAIT WHAT FEELS LIKE an eternity.
    â€œWe lost contact with Rebel headquarters earlier today,” Vik says finally. “A little before noon.”
    â€œAnd you’re just telling us now?” I say. “It’s nearly dusk!”
    Elijah pivots toward me. “We didn’t want to worry you if it was only a temporary communication issue.”
    â€œYou knew about this, too?” Sammy says.
    Elijah doesn’t answer. By the look on Clipper’s face, I’m guessing the boy also knew. Of course he did. He’s been allowed in the com offices with higher-ranking Expats on account of his tech skills, and if it weren’t for our ridiculous greenhouse schedule, he likely would have told me by now. Clipper keeps no secrets from me. I realize then that he’scrying. Silently. The tears paint two glistening rivers down his cheeks.
    â€œDon’t be too hard on Elijah,” Vik says. “I didn’t loop him in until very recently. Not until after Clipper was able to help us confirm a few things.”
    The boy nudges his twine bracelet—a gift from his mother—with his forefinger. It swings lazily around his wrist.
    â€œWhat the heck is going on?” I demand.
    â€œClipper tried everything, but we can’t get through to the Rebels’ technology wing. He doesn’t think it’s a connection issue either. It seems more like . . . well . . .” Vik sighs.
    I know what happened. I know it and it’s slitting my chest open.
    â€œWill you just spit it out, Vik?” Bree snaps. “We’re all thinking it. Put us out of our misery.”
    â€œWe think they’ve been hit,” he says after a moment. “It was only a matter of time, to be honest. I’m half surprised it didn’t happen sooner. Frank has always suspected the Mount Martyr Range as the general location of the Rebel headquarters. It’s possible he took a risk and decided to level the whole of the mountains with an air attack.”
    Our group is silent, numb. The only sound is Clipper, who has finally started to cry audibly. His mother is still at Crevice Valley. Or was. And he couldn’t get through to them. Couldn’t confirm or deny anything. All this on his birthday.Sammy is right. I don’t know a single thirteen-year-old who has worn heavier burdens than Clipper.
    â€œLast we talked to Ryder was 1900 yesterday,” Vik continues. “He didn’t mention any suspicions regarding a possible attack, nor had he received any warnings from his Taem spies. This strike seems unprompted, unless Frank was responding to Rebel antics Ryder didn’t share with us. We’re holding out hope we’ll hear from him soon, but it’s not looking good.”
    Blaine and I make eye contact. Ryder didn’t want to send Blaine west. It was supposed to be only Elijah overseeing our new alliance with the Expats, and if Blaine and I hadn’t demanded otherwise, my brother could be dead right now. And all those people still at Crevice Valley . . . The entire goal of teaming