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as if he can’t bear to stop touching me.
    â€œI’m worried,” he murmurs against my head.
    â€œDon’t,” I say, backing away.
    â€œWe have to talk about this. I’m leaving. Hopefully I’ll be back—”
    I touch my finger to his lips. “You will be. It’ll be like you’re just leaving the room. I probably won’t notice you’re gone.”
    He gives me a look. “Evie.”
    â€œWe should probably plan your trip though. Find the fastest and safest way there and back.”
    â€œEvie!” His voice is filled with frustration, but I hear his footsteps following me and that’s all I need. For now.
    â€œHurry. We’ll need to make sure you’re all packed and have a solid plan.” I frown as I step into the main Caverns. Where would I find a map of the Outlands down here?
    Gavin grabs my arm and pulls, stopping me in my tracks. “Evie! Stop.”
    I turn. “I’m not saying it.”
    â€œYou’re being ridiculous.”
    â€œMaybe, but I’m not going to say it.”
    â€œFor God’s sake, Evie! I’m leaving for the Surface. Just fucking say good-bye!”
    The whole time he’s talking, panic creeps into me. The fear I’ve been trying so hard to push down, so I can let him go and do this, pushes on me from all sides, making it almost impossible to breathe. I shake him off and continue walking toward the cutout.
    â€œSo you’re not even going to say good-bye?”
    â€œI told you, it’s not good-bye. It’s as simple as you walking into the next room. I wouldn’t say good-bye if you were going to the next room.” I almost choke on the words, as tears catch in my throat and I shove them down where he can’t see them.
    â€œI don’t believe this,” he mutters.
    I press my lips together and continue straight into the cutout where Asher is sitting up in bed, shirtless and pressing on the spot he was injured.
    â€œHey! Look!” he says. “They’re not even sore. It’s like nothing—” He stops when he sees me. “What’s wrong?”
    â€œWe need a map of the Outlands. We’re going to need to plan out Gavin’s trip to Rushlake,” I say.
    Asher lifts an eyebrow. “O-okay. But we left it at Evangeline’s…”
    Of course we did. Why would I think he’d have that here? We’ve been at Evangeline’s the last month. Tears immediately burn my eyes. “Well, we’re going to have to get it. I’ll find Nadia.” I start out the doorway, but Gavin stands in my way. “Please move.”
    â€œI don’t need a map. I know how to get there.”
    I swallow. My body starts to tremble, but I clench my fists and try to hold it together. “Then we’ll just need to come up with a plan to get you in.”
    â€œHe doesn’t need to get in. He just needs the guards at the gate to get my grandma. He’ll probably have to bribe them, but that’s easily taken care of.” Asher slips the watch off his wrist and holds it out to Gavin. “This should do it.”
    I can feel him staring at me as Gavin takes it without taking his eyes off me. “Thanks.”
    â€œYou’ll need food,” I say quietly.
    â€œI’ll stop by my house. The less I take with me from here, the easier it will be to leave.”
    â€œWe need to get Father.”
    â€œHe’s back,” Asher pipes up. “He’s with Dr. Moreau.”
    â€œActually, I’m right here,” Father says from the doorway behind Gavin.
    â€œWell, that’s just great then. I guess you’re all ready to go.” My voice catches and I almost lose control of myself as I think of all the things he’s going to have to do.
    I think I’m going to be sick.
    â€œDamn it, Evie. Just say it! I’m leaving! Through Sector Three, which has twice proven it wants to kill us. If I make it