“Me, too,” Lexie says. We all turn and stare at her in surprise. “What?” she says, like she has no idea why we’re so incredulous. “If something is going down in Olympus Hills, you’d better believe I’m going to be a part of it. And there’s no way I’m waiting here.”
“I want to help, too,” Joe says. “I got Daphne into this situation, and I want to help get her out of it.” He looks at her for her approval.
She nods ever so slightly.
Garrick clears his throat. Everyone looks to him, waiting to see what he has to say. “I think you are all a bunch of lunatics,” he says. “But I also don’t like the idea of sitting around in the middle of the desert, letting you guys have all the fun.… Count me in—as long as somebody lets me drive on the way home.”
I laugh uneasily. The sound ripples through the group.
“We should leave under the cover of night,” I say. “Midnight. Skylords don’t see as well at night, and the roads will be emptier.”
They all nod like they’re taking an order from their captain.
“It’s settled, then,” Daphne says. “We’ll follow you into the dark.”
After a few minutes, the others scatter. Garrick takes the rest of his dinner out into the yard, and Dax and Tobin wash the dishes so Daphne’s mother won’t find our mess when she gets home. Joe fills a couple of water bottles while Daphne and Lexie gather road-trip snacks from the cupboards. Brim picks at the dinner I’ve left abandoned on the railing.
I stand on the deck, watching the storm that awaits us. Hoping for a break that doesn’t come.
I don’t hear Daphne approach. I don’t know she’s there until she slips her hand into mine. I wrap my fingers around hers.
I don’t know what the future holds. I don’t know how or if we’ll get through this. But for the first time in my life, my destiny is in my own hands.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
First off I must express my extreme and undying gratitude to my editor, Greg Ferguson, for guiding me through the journeys of writing my first four books, and to Andrea Cascardi for picking up the reins to help me finish this one.
Many, many additional thanks go to everyone who works tirelessly on my behalf: Margaret Coffee, Michelle Bayuk, Bonnie Cutler, Erin Molta, and Torborg Davern from Egmont USA. My agent, Ted Malawer, who championed this story from the very first time I told him about the inklings of the idea over five years ago. Michael Stearns and my foreign agents, who spread my stories across the world, and the designers who wrap them in such beautiful packages.
To my true friends and steadfast family who celebrate with me when there are blue skies, but most importantly stand by my side when the storm clouds gather and the lightning threatens to strike—and for whom I am always ready do the same. Extra special shout-outs go to my music experts and amazing friends, Michelle and Brent Sallay; my mom and dad; my siblings, Kim Webb Reid, Rachel Headrick, and Shani Despain, for always lending their enthusiasm, support, and listening ears.
Lastly, but most importantly, to my dear husband and our two amazing boys: I would follow you into the dark. No question about it. I.L.U.R.U.T.T.M.A.B.A.