Page 151 of Storm Caller

“We can’t communicate,” I say. “Everyone’s been looking for him, but he’s hiding himself well.” I pause and then add, “I thought he might have gone home. He might be on his way to you.”

“It’s possible,” High Commander Athira agrees, and his confirmation feels like a steel fist tearing through my chest. “I’ll ask the others to keep an eye out for him on their way to the city.”

It takes me a moment to process those words.

“The city?”

“That’s why I’ve been calling,” Summit says. “There was another attack on the Veil. Only this time, they hit one of the Whisper Sanctums. They killed everyone.”

My mouth opens on a silent scream.

“All of them?” I whisper.

“Yes. My son . . . Beckett . . .”

I cover my mouth, my stomach pitching, rolling in waves. “Skies, I’m so sorry.”

“Thank you,” he says, and while I doubt the high commander is given to strong expressions of emotion, I sense him barely keeping it together.

“I still don’t understand what you mean, though. Who’s coming to the city?”

“The Veil must answer this attack,” Summit says. “We’ve put up with The Shield’s abuse for long enough. We cannot let this slide without delivering a message of our own.”

“You’re attacking us,” I say, my voice dropping.

“I’m sorry. I understand New Manhattan is your home, but they killed over a hundred innocent people who were unable to defend themselves.”

I shake my head, but he can’t see me. “No. I . . . understand. I’d want justice, too.” I swallow. “You should know that we . . . found the cure.”

“What?” Summit asks. “Really?”

I explain everything we learned from Dr. Mowry, and when I’m done speaking, he’s silent for several seconds.

“We need it, Poet,” he says, impassioned. “We need that information.”

“I know,” I say.

“I understand I have no right to ask this of you, but . . .”

“You want me to bring it to you.”

“You’re our only hope unless we can find Rook.”

“I’ll find him,” I say. “If he’s still here. I’ll find him.”

“Navy and Justin will help you. They’re on the way with Lieutenant General Rey.”

I remember the blond woman from the day she fought Fisher at Cloudspire.

“Okay,” I say, suddenly conflicted. I should tell someone that an invasion is imminent, but I don’t really know whose side I’m on. “Will your army hurt people?”

“That is what war is about,” Summit says. “I cannot ask you not to warn them, but it won’t matter anyway. Even if they’re ready for us, we’re coming.”

“I understand,” I say, nodding.

“Find my son. If he returns here in the meantime, I will reach out to Justin.”

“Of course,” I reply. “I’ll do whatever I can.”