The Hunt by Megan Shepherd Page B

the station by now. I can’t afford to lose another four days before it docks.”
    â€œThree days, then. But that’s the soonest. You cannot run the Gauntlet if your mind ruptures.” His words had a ring of finality, but he didn’t leave. Instead, he cocked his head, eyeing her up and down.
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œYou still do not trust me.”
    She gave him a hard look. “It’s a little hard to get over the fact that you nearly killed me once.”
    He looked down at his hands and then closed his eyes. For a second it seemed like he was meditating, but Cora had seen thisbefore. The change that passed over them when they uncloaked. Facial muscles easing. Joints loosening slightly. When he looked up again, his eyes were clearing.
    â€œI’ve uncloaked so we may speak honestly,” he said. Even his voice was different. Not quite as deep, words blurred together a little more. “I’m not in the habit of apologizing to humans, but for you, I will. You need to understand how much we are all risking for this initiative. For you .”
    Her hand drifted to the base of her throat where he’d strangled her, as she nodded for him to go on.
    â€œCassian has spent nearly ten human years infiltrating higher ranks, and I’ve spent the last five. He became a Warden so he could find an ideal human candidate. I became a delegate, so I can work from within the Intelligence Council. If we’re found out, we’ll be as good as dead.”
    â€œI’m risking a lot too.”
    â€œI know that. Cassian knows that. But the other initiative members . . .” He glanced at the doorway. “Some are less certain of your potential. They want to know specifics of which perceptive abilities you have achieved, and to what extent.”
    Her headache had returned. She started pacing, blinking hard against the pain. “Ask Cassian.”
    â€œYou don’t understand our ways. As a delegate, I may be his superior on paper, but not within the Fifth of Five initiative. We don’t ever question our superiors. Which is why I’m asking you.” He stepped closer. “ I don’t need reassurance. I believe in you. But the others don’t know you.”
    â€œThe fail-safe exit,” she said, somewhat warily. “In the cage. I sensed that the exit was hidden beneath the ocean.” She didn’tmention the time she’d sensed Kindred standing behind a panel, or the time she’d read Cassian’s mind. Another thing Queenie had taught her: always keep your best cards close, even with people you think are your friends.
    â€œThat is all?”
    â€œYes.”
    He smiled. “I am sure Cassian will be able to further develop your abilities, but in the meantime, the others will be reassured. I will inform Cassian that you will be ready to resume training once your mind has healed.” He squeezed her shoulder a little too hard. “We are on your side. Remember that.”
    As soon as he left, Cora slumped back against the wall. She rubbed her head, wondering if what he’d said about her mind rupturing was true. How far would she have to push it for that to happen? Would the damage be permanent?
    A knock came from the shower room drecktube.
    She stared at the drecktube door in surprise. It was waist high, locked so the wards could only open it a few inches to dispose of garbage. Hesitantly, she bent down.
    â€œChicago?” she whispered, feeling like she might be going insane. “Is that you?”
    And then the door swung open, and she shrieked and stumbled back.
    Massive shoulders. Short dark hair. A faded gray T-shirt covered in white, chalky dust. Black tattoos swirled around his left eye.
    â€œHi, sweetheart,” Leon said.

14
    Cora
    CORA CLAMPED A HAND over her mouth. “Leon!” She hadn’t expected to see him again, especially not here, especially not covered in grime. She threw her arms around him.
    â€œI