***

  “Have you been briefed?”

  Robyn wiped at her eyes, refusing to look up. “Yeah.”

  Belle sat down on the floor next to her. “They didn’t tell us much, but Tobias thinks he has some of it figured out.”

  Robyn scoffed. “Doesn’t he always?”

  Belle pulled her sleeves up, exposing the swallows flocking near her left wrist. “Well, he’s not as smart as he thinks, but close enough.”

  “Love sure is blind.”

  “Yeah, right.” Belle sighed, leaning her head on Robyn’s shoulder. “He thinks you shouldn’t do it.”

  Robyn stiffened before she could stop herself. There’s no way he could’ve guessed what they were asking of her. “Shouldn’t do what?”

  “Whatever they want you to do.”

  Robyn breathed a little easier. So he hadn’t guessed. “Is it just because the puppeteers are involved?”

  “Isn’t that enough?” Belle moved just enough so she could meet Robyn’s gaze. “Shouldn’t we oppose them on principle?”

  “It’s not like they’re all one hive mind. They’re people like us.” She chose the words carefully, afraid of giving too much away. “It’s not impossible that some of them have goals that align with ours.”

  Robyn was thankful Belle didn’t mention her tears. Their Scorpion was rarely delicate.

  Belle leaned her head against Robyn’s shoulder again, staring at the opposing wall. “As long as you’re safe.”

  Robyn couldn’t promise her even that. After all, part of the plan hinged on her almost dying.

  * * *

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  Robyn knocked on the door and waited. Three seconds, maybe five. She knocked again, louder. He shouldn’t be out, and Belle was on duty so it’s not like he’d be with her.

  The door opened when she was about to knock again. Pegasus brushed his hair from his forehead, blinking at her with tired eyes. “Something happen?”

  “Hello to you too, Anderson.” It always annoyed him when she used his last name, so she tried to use it as much as possible when Belle wasn’t around.

  “I’ll take that as a no.” He yawned. “Belle’s not here.”

  “I know.”

  Surprised, he stepped aside, gesturing she come in. “Is this about your top secret mission?”

  “In a roundabout way.”

  “And you people say I’m vague.”

  Robyn smiled bitterly. Yeah. It was like she’d been taking notes.

  “Say what you want to say and let me get some sleep.”

  “I’m leaving in a couple of hours.”

  “Does Belle know?”

  Robyn shook her head. She hadn’t wanted to say goodbye. She very much didn’t want to admit she wasn’t coming back. “If anything happens to me. If I can’t come back…” Robyn shoved her phone in his face. On the screen, Sarah was sticking her tongue out at the camera. “Take care of her. I don’t care what you do, where you take her… Just keep her safe.”

  Pegasus took the phone from her hands, staring down at the photo with a frown. “Your sister, right?”

  “Yes. Sarah.”

  “Safe from whom?”

  Robyn couldn’t say it. It could be the New Nation, the puppeteers, the WRO. Hell, it could even be her. “Everyone.”

  “Why me? Why not Belle?”

  “Because you’d do it. You’d protect her from anyone, wouldn’t you?” Even me.

  “I’ll try.”

  Robyn stepped forward, getting in his space when he didn’t back away. “No, I need more than that. I need your life on the line.”

  “Dragon, what’s happening? What do they have you—” His words stopped, his gaze lowering again to the phone. “Is that why it has to be you?”

  Damn it. He was too smart for his own good sometimes.

  “What could your sister possibly—”

  “The girl I’m going to meet is not my sister.” This was what her mind had decided. To keep her safe. To keep her sane. She brought her phone up to him again. “This is my sister.”

  “Don’t do it. Whatever they’re after, don’t do it.” There was an urgency in his voice, as if he truly had it all figured out. But he couldn’t possibly.

  “I have to. It’s the only chance we have.” The only hope to end this fight with the ones invading their world.

  “A chance?” Wheels turned behind his blue eyes as he tried to figure out what they’d have her do.

  “I have to go.” She turned to the door, leaving her phone behind. Regardless of what awaited her on the other side, she’d have no need for it anymore.

  “Dragon. Robyn!”

  She paused at the door. Nothing he’d say could possibly change her mind.

  “It’s fine to take your time and think things through.” His voice was gentle, rarely the tone reserved for her. “It’s fine to stop. It’s fine to not do anything.”

  His words, perhaps more so because of their softness, seeped into her mind, aching in her chest. She couldn’t stop. She couldn’t hesitate. Everything was in motion, there was no turning back now.

  By this time tomorrow, she’d be watching the girl who was not her sister die.