Page 191 of Storm Caller

That’s when several things happen at once.

The door to the Fog’s headquarters slams open, and a dozen armed people spill out. At the same moment, I notice a group approaching from down the street. It takes me a moment to make them out. Rook is watching, too.

“The Veil,” he whispers.

Then I remember Fisher texting on his phone a moment ago.

“You’ll have to go through all of us,” Henry says, stepping out in front.

My gaze flicks behind the general, causing her to turn around.

“Attack!” Fisher shouts, and the soldiers of the Veil charge from behind.

A few seconds later, every side clashes, weapons and fists flying.

We’re instantly plunged into chaos.

I rush toward Domino and Journey and quickly untie their restraints.

“You’re okay!” I shout, wrapping them both in a tight hug. “Skies, I was so worried.” Journey is so pale that I wonder what they did to her. I hug her a second time, relieved to see her again. “C’mon,” I say as I drag them both toward the Fog’s headquarters. “Go upstairs and lock the doors. There’s food and water if you need it.”

“Get her!” Sol is screaming. “Don’t let her get away!”

I shove them both through the door, but Domino pauses. “Will you be okay?”

“I’m not sure,” I say, taking her wrist. “Dom, if I don’t see you again, I want you to know how much I’ve cherished our friendship. I love you. Thank you for being the friend I needed so much.”

She offers me a watery smile.

“Take care of Journey,” I add. “Promise me you’ll look after her.”

“I always do,” she says, and then she disappears into the building. I slam the door and turn around.

Everyone is fighting, and I search for Rook, but he’s lost to the crowd.

A fist swings at me, and I duck, crashing into a body, nearly losing my balance.

“There she is!” someone shouts, and I notice several Patrols advancing on me.

I shove my way through the crowd, my progress hindered by flying punches and kicks.

Someone seizes me from behind. My hands are yanked on either side.

“No!” I shout, fighting as I’m dragged toward where Sol stands waiting with one of her Circle Guards. We’re surrounded by dozens of people, and no one notices as she snags my wrist in a bruising grip.

She offers me a smile, but there’s no warmth in it. “Let’s go,” she says. “Once we get the pumps back up, we’ll start by connecting you to the network. I thought we’d use the Solitude, but I think you might be stronger.”

“No!” I scream. “No! You aren’t taking me! Help!”

She ignores me as she tugs me through the crowd, her Guard following close on my heels. Her grip is unyielding, and I feel the tip of a stunner pressed into my back. I fight and scream, but my words are lost in the commotion.

We turn a corner, heading down an empty street. A few more blocks, and the sounds of fighting grow distant.

How long will it take for someone to realize I’m gone? And how will anyone find me?

“Let me go!” I cry again.

“Shut her up!” Sol snaps.