Chapter Five

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Leo's expression was blank and he sat down. Obviously not wanting to be here.

"Happy you understood when I told you this was an important meeting, brother," Atlas said and clapped Leo on the shoulder.

BROTHER?? What the hell is going on? Is this... the family thing he was talking about? There's no way.

I broke out of my shock and glanced around. A few people around me were whispering to each other and sending weird looks in Leo's direction. I turned back to Leo, confused.

Atlas began talking to us all again, "Now as you all know, I have been talking to my fellow leaders of the Resistance. We all agreed it was time we did something to fight back and make our first real move."

"What's Sarah doing here?!"

Leo was standing now, fists balled at his sides and anger obviously written across his face. I wanted to cower down into my chair.

"Sarah. You. Me. We need to talk. Now." Leo commanded. His voice was a tone I had never heard out of him before. Atlas raised a brow and glanced between us, as did everyone else. I slowly began to stand from my chair.

"No, stay seated. We have a meeting to discuss, and Sarah is part of this family now," Atlas said. His voice was direct and Leo looked up at him in shock.

"She's what," he exclaimed. Leo was very angry now. He snapped his head in my direction and all I saw in his eyes were confusion. Maybe even hurt? He opened his mouth to say something to me but nothing came out.

Atlas placed his hand on Leo's shoulder but he quickly shrugged it off.

"Stop making a scene, Leo. Sit."

Leo's nose twitched and he sat down. The atmosphere was tense, but Atlas cleared his throat to continue as if nothing had happened.

"Like I was saying. The time is now. After much discussion, my fellow comrades and I decided the upcoming Rose Ball is the perfect time. It will be full of people and although the fee to attend is large, we have come up with enough to allow one person to attend. That being said, I decided to have one of you attend the event."

Almost every girl's face around me lit up. Several girls raised their hands and began waving them in the air to get Atlas's attention. Some of the guys even began sitting up straighter. I mean, who wouldn't want to play pretend royalty for a night?

"I will make the final decision, but you should all know a night of fancy outfits and overpriced food isn't your mission here. The plan is to send someone in who is poised, trustworthy, cunning, and brave. Our goal is to get inside the castle posing as a person of wealth and status, like the many attendees sure to go. This night will be crucial because, whoever is chosen to go, must be able to find a way to leave the heavily secured ballroom and venture into the castle itself. You'll be tasked with memorizing the halls, rooms, and any entry points you can find. It is a very large building so I do not expect you to explore much, especially given it is only an evening, but do try your best. Pick locks if you must, try opening any windows or find doors that are often left unattended or unlocked. Then you are to report here immediately after, and make us a map of the castle interior. Be sure to remember every detail you can, so consumption of alcohol is ill advised. This will be the beginning to a very large plan that is soon to set motion. Your work and discoveries will be shared among all Resistance leaders and will help us to get a better inside look into the castle walls. This is a very important task and the person chosen is to take it quite seriously. We may not get a chance like this again," Atlas finished his speech and the room quickly broke into pleas.

Honestly, a night in the palace sounded like a dream, but I don't think I need that type of pressure on my hands.

More and more people started shouting at Atlas, trying to sell themselves into the chance to go, but I remained silent, my eyes on Leo as he sat in his chair, head down.

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