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are unfounded. “Digory, I didn’t mean to just spring this on you. I thought you’d be happy there was someone on your side, willing to listen. Someone that could do something. I can’t risk anymore. I have what’s left of my family to think of.”
    He nods. “It means a lot to me that you thought you were helping, but you’re not. I don’t want any part of Cassius’s deal.” He stuffs his hands into his pockets and looks away.
    Seeing the disappointment in his eyes sends guilt coursing through me. “If you’re worried I’m going to tell Cass—anyone—about you, don’t be. It was a bad idea to mention it.”
    “Probably worse than you realize.” His eyes dart through the crowd before returning to me, filled with sadness. “Besides, I’m more worried about you . Be careful, Lucian. If Cassius Thorn promised to protect you and your brother from the Recruitment, you can bet there’s a price. Just be sure you’re prepared to pay it.”
    He turns and walks away, swallowed by the crowd.
    “Digory! Where’re you going? Come back! I didn’t tell him anything! I swear it!” I shout, not caring who hears me.
    But he’s gone, vanished as though he never existed, leaving me surrounded by thousands and feeling utterly alone.

Nine
    The palatial Ceremonial Suite is nearly twice the size of Cassius’s private quarters. I hurry past two Imposers flanking the archway that leads to an open-air observation platform.
    “What took you so long? Is anything the matter?” Cassius asks. He’s seated at the head of an oblong table with Cole and Mrs. Bledsoe, shrouded in shadows created by the awnings of the suite’s massive Palladian windows. Just beyond them, glaring sunlight beats down on the panoramic balcony roosting over town square.
    I smile and sit in the empty chair. “Nope. It was hell getting past the mob out there.” I avoid his gaze. “Did I miss anything?”
    He sips from his goblet. “Just breaking bread and getting reacquainted with the charming Mrs. Bledsoe and little Cole here.”
    Mrs. Bledsoe pushes her empty plate aside. “Charming? Me? I don’t think anyone’s ever referred to me as such!” Her attempt at laughing degenerates into a bout of coughing. She clasps the handkerchief to her mouth.
    I go over to her, kneeling by her chair. “Are you all right?”
    She waves me away. “Yes, yes, don’t mind me. It’s all the excitement.”
    “You should relax, Mrs. Bledsoe,” Cassius says. “After the ceremony, I’ll have my personal physician take a look at you.”
    “Why, I couldn’t possibly—”
    “I insist ,” Cassius interrupts her. “You are the mother of a Recruit who prevailed during her Trials. You’ve also been like a mother to Lucky.” He smiles at me. “That makes us family.”
    “Lucky!” Cole runs over and pulls me to my feet. “You can see the whole Parish from up here!” He giggles. “Uncle Cass says everyone looks like itty bitty ants!”
    I turn to Cassius, who’s beaming. “Oh, he did, huh?” But suddenly the image of the townspeople as insects makes me very uncomfortable.
    A familiar Imp stops at the threshold, clicks her boots, and salutes. It’s Captain Valerian. “Sir.”
    Cassius rises. “Did you get the itinerary I requested, Captain?”
    “Yes, Sir. It’s ready for your approval.”
    “Very good.” He turns to us. “Please excuse me for a second. This won’t take long.”
    “Sure, don’t worry about us,” I say.
    His eyes penetrate deep. “But I do worry about you. Very much so.” He stands and crosses to the archway leading back into the suite, huddling with Valerian as a half-dozen government aides clad in stiff gray suits bustle about, checking hovering mics in anticipation of Cassius’s speech and lighting the torches on either side of the podium erected on the balcony.
    I turn to Cole and Mrs. Bledsoe. “So what do you think of him, guys?”
    She cranes her neck to stare at him. “He certainly looks all grown up.”
    I take in