10
WE WALKED BACK as fast as we could without running.
Back through the building, down the stairs, through the quiet, leafy courtyards bathed in the harsh light from light pearls, past the guards. I had trouble keeping up, and Thayu, Veyada and Sheydu weren’t even breathing fast.
Thayu, next to me, was fiddling with her comm reader.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m warning Evi and Telaris to put higher security on the door, and Nicha to keep an eye on what happens inside.”
I felt cold. I would soon face the ultimate test of loyalty with Nicha.
The guards outside our building looked surprised to see us hurrying back. They hesitated, some reaching for their guns as if to look alert, even if they weren’t sure what they were supposed to be alert about.
“Is there a problem?” their patrol lead
