Page 58 of Storm Caller

“Andromeda,” Navy says, pointing up.

“Where?” I ask, remembering that it’s Rook’s favorite constellation. Navy points out several bright spots that, to my eyes, just look like smudges of light. She traces it with a finger, but it’s lost on me.

“What is it supposed to be?” I ask, cocking my head and squinting.

“She was a princess,” Navy says with a sigh. “Known for her kindness and beauty.”

“Princess? Andromeda means princess?”

“Yes,” she nods. “Isn’t it lovely?”

I stare up, remembering the first time Rook called me a Society princess, and how he told me Andromeda reminded him of someone. Now I realize that he might have meant me.

Finally, Rook approaches, slinging an arm around my shoulders.

“Ready?” he asks.

“I suppose?” He smiles and touches his forehead to mine before we pull away. I catch the expression on his mom’s face. Rook’s dad might disapprove of me, but it feels like Faroe Athira is already planning our future in her head. “It was so nice to meet you all,” I say. “I hope . . . Well, I hope to see you again.”

No one immediately replies as the weight of our mission settles around us.

“Of course,” Faroe says after a moment. “We can’t wait to welcome you back.”

I doubt I’ll ever return, but it’s a nice sentiment.

A moment later, General Sol and her Circle Guard emerge through the wide door. She sweeps her assessing gaze over us before her eyes land on me.

“The plane is ready,” she says. “It’s time to go.” The general marches away without a backward glance.

After one final round of goodbyes, we follow her toward the small airplane.

I’m about to enter when Rook stops and pulls me back.

“Is there a problem?” General Sol asks.

“I’m having second thoughts,” he says. “How do we know we can trust you?”

“Rook,” Summit says, but he waves his father off.

“You’ve spun us a very good story, but how do we know you aren’t planning to deliver us to the Extinguishers?”

Her throat bobs with a heavy swallow. “I’ve told you what I am, Rook. You know my truth. One that could get me killed.”

“The chancellors wouldn’t believe us,” Rook says. “If we told them what you are, you could easily refute it.”

“They’d want to believe it,” she says. “They’re looking for ways to control me.” She exhales a quick huff. “I promised I would train you, but what I’m going to show you poses an even greater threat than Marks or Orsen could ever imagine. It is my deepest secret, but I’m planning to share it with you.”

Rook and I exchange a confused look.

“Okay, go ahead,” he says.

“Not now. We need a storm,” she says. “But I will. As soon as possible.”

“And we should trust that?”

“Give me a chance to prove it to you. Otherwise, you can leave. I won’t stop you.”

Her expression is earnest, and her words ring with truth. But isn’t that how I felt about Rook when we were still in New Manhattan? She has just as many good reasons to lie as he did. I’m not sure if Rook is picking up on something, but his hesitation is also giving me pause.