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“True, but she also knew he’d find his mate there,” Leaf returned. “And when she found out her daughter’s life was at risk if she continued, she stopped and apologized. She understood exactly what the Prime’s manipulation did to you all. She turned her efforts to finding everyone’s mates and defeating Nero. Even when the taint threatened to ruin everything, she educated us about the problem.” His thoughts turned inward as he recalled the Prime’s letter. “It’s time for a new generation to take over. One that’s seen what neglecting the Well can do. I think Clarke is the chosen one… always has been.”
“Don’t I get a say in this?” Clarke asked, glancing at Rush. “Doesn’t he?”
Rush looked at his mate with apprehension, then glanced toward the Prime’s house and said, “We’re not living in her house. That’s all I care about.”
“But—”
“Clarke.” Leaf drew her attention back to him. “Have you felt an increase in your power recently, specifically after Aleksandra unmade herself?”
She laughed nervously, eyes darting around. “Yeah, but that was because the taint cleared from the Well. We all felt a boost, right?”
Multiple sets of eyes widened in disbelief. One by one, each Guardian or their mate shook their head. The truth settled on the redhead like a blanket. Her shoulders sank.
“I can’t be the new Prime. I’m a thief! I cheat. I steal, and I… literally just tried to manipulate you all moments ago. I mean, I didn’t. And I said sorry, so I guess I owe you all…” Her voice trailed off as Rush’s lips curved into a prideful smile at his mate. She whispered, “But I’m not qualified to lead.”
“Seems like the Well has already chosen,” Ash said, cocking his head and listening to the wind. Satisfied with what he heard, his gaze hardened. “Now that’s settled, we must decide what to do about Nero.”
Nova raised her hand. “I think I can help with that.”
“But…” Helplessness bloomed in Clarke’s eyes.
“Babe.” Laurel hugged her. “You’ll be the best boss lady this place has seen. And we’re all here helping you.”
Murmurs of agreement rippled around the circle. Each person present nodded their approval of Clarke taking over as the next Prime.
“Oh my God, I’m going to be sick.” Clarke’s face paled.
Rush yanked her into his arms and kissed the top of her head. “Now you’ll be insufferable with your demands.”
She punched him in the gut, but his grin widened. Clarke turned to Nova and said, “I didn’t mean to interrupt. What were you going to say about helping?”
Nova cast a nervous glance around the group, then rubbed her hoop earrings. “It’s a theory.”
Leaf smoothed his hand over her shoulder. “A theory is better than anything we have right now.”
She took a deep breath, then exhaled slowly through her mouth. He sent her courage through their bond until she smiled gratefully and started speaking.
“When we were young, my twin and I would play games against each other. He loved beating me at everything. And mostly, he did… but there was one puzzle that I always solved, no matter how hard he tried. We used to play together, then he would try to outsmart me. When he revealed his true self to me those days before the fallout, he admitted to overestimating me. It made me think of that puzzle—of how he’d claimed it was the best place to hide a map to treasure… or the codes to nuclear warheads.”
“What puzzle?” Clarke asked.
“What does it look like?” Peaches added.
“It’s called a cryptix.” Nova held her hands apart, then gestured the shape of a small cylinder. “It’s made from brass. It has little moving wheels on the barrel, and when aligned just right, they open the device like a lock on a safe. If you get it wrong and try to open it, a vial of ink breaks inside, destroying everything. I think Niles hid a map to where he stashed one last nuclear warhead. I know how his mind works. If he couldn’t win the game, he threw a tantrum. That bomb will be his tantrum.” Nova met Leaf’s gaze, and a chill ran down his spine.
“He’ll either come for you,” Leaf said. “Or he’ll come for his bomb.”
“I don’t think he’ll bother with finding me.” She shrugged. “I think he’ll find that first, make sure it’s where he left it two thousand years ago, then maybe if he’s feeling benevolent try one more play at taking over Elphyne. Either way, we have to find it first.”
“Why hasn’t he retrieved it yet?” Rush asked.
“We might know,” River replied, looking at Ash.
The two shared a moment, both having the same daunting realization. Leaf had never seen the crow shifter look afraid, but Ash’s expression shut down, and he stepped back. “I’m not going back there.”
“Where?” Leaf prompted.
“To the Collector’s,” River replied solemnly. “When we were young, we witnessed Cloud trading a device he stole from the human leader. It matches your description.”
