That night, I lay in my tent, hands folded behind my head, eyes staring up to where the tent pole disappeared into the darkness. I listened to the shuffle of feet outside as stragglers got ready for a night's rest. When all was quiet, I would wait a little longer, and then sneak out to gather my supplies.

My feet began tapping against each other with impatience. Maybe I could go out right now and—No. I had to wait. I couldn't risk someone seeing me.

With a sigh, I resumed the foot-tapping.

I startled when the tent flap parted, and someone ducked inside. My breath stuck in my throat. They knew. They had discovered my plans, and now they were here to deal with me.

Take me with you.

"Tessia?" I wanted to slap my forehead. Of course it was her. Who else could speak directly into my brain?

I heard her breathy, silent laughter. Yes, it's me.

"What are you doing here?" I whispered.

She settled onto the ground by my feet. I want to go with you when you leave.

I didn't answer. She wasn't supposed to know my plan.

I didn't snoop on purpose. I just . . . She fidgeted with the hem of her dress. I wanted to know what you were thinking. About me. If you were maybe being polite earlier with your reason for leaving me out. Maybe you don't want me with you.

I sat up. "Why would you think that?"

She shrugged and continued fidgeting. I make it hard to have private thoughts.

"Tessia, I like you. You know that. But what I'm going to do is"—I dropped my voice even lower—"going to make Niralessa mad. Like, really mad. I can't endanger you like that by getting you involved."

She wouldn't hurt me.

"How do you know? She seemed pretty unstable today."

She protects her people. She always has. Her methods may be questionable, but I always thought she had a noble heart.

"Then why go against her now?"

I think she's losing her way. Corin was her voice of reason. Now he's gone. She sniffled. I don't want to be part of something terrible.

She had a point. I wouldn't want to stick around for a massacre either. "Okay," I finally agreed. "You can come. The first thing we need to do is—"

I already took care of it.

"Huh?" I was thinking we would need food, water, something to sleep on, and a ridiculous amount of luck. What did she mean she already took care of it?

You don't have to worry about any of that.

I pursed my lips. "I still don't know what that means."

She hesitated.

"Tessia, what did you do?"

It's okay. The things are all in one place in the woods. I can show you.

"You . . . really?"

I overheard your plans earlier today. So I started getting ready. No one pays attention to me, so it wasn't hard.

"Wow, okay." The girl certainly had initiative.

You're not mad?

I smiled. "No, you're pretty brilliant."

For a moment she didn't reply, and I wished I could see her face.

Thank you.

"Anyone who tells you different is a nearsighted muskrat."

You're so nice to me.

I shrugged. "I only speak the truth. Is it safe for us to come out yet?"

I think so.

I stuck my head through the flap.

All was quiet.

This way. Tessia squeezed past me and scurried to a tight cluster of trees.

I followed close behind, heart racing, convinced someone was going to hear our steps and confront us.

I whispered, "We need to—"

You don't have to talk. Just think it, and I'll hear you. We want to keep quiet.

Oh. That's right. This felt so strange. An entire conversation being conducted in my head. We need to find Kibi.

Let me show you where the supplies are first.

I followed her deeper into the trees, anxious that I was trusting a girl who may or may not have known what to pack for the trek ahead of us.

Tessia stopped short, and my eyes widened at what blocked our path.

Fen stepped out from the shadows, into the dim moonlight. I'd recognize his massive outline anywhere.

Yikes! What's he doing here? Better vote before he sees you!