REVOLUTION: A Rebel Among Monsters ✔

Twenty-Seven••Find The Rebel

She was a tree. Her roots rigged her to the spot, and her jaw was about to hit the floor like leaves falling from old branches. She couldn't see anything, and in truth, she was grateful for that, because she imagined everyone stared at her.

Number two-hundred is gone.

"I ask that you respect Valnia's privacy," said Lexa, her yell barreling out, muffling the angry whispers and gravelly grumbles that echoed around her.

The Monster cleared its throat. "Number one-hundred-and-eighty-eight isn't responsible for number two-hundred's actions. We don't blame her."

Wylan squeezed Valnia's hand, but she'd become so numb she barely felt it. It was her fault. She'd divulged too much to Melaynia, worsened her doubts, drew her farther from their cause.

I fueled her. And now... she's lost to us.

"If anything, it's our fault," continued the Eldian, waving its stubby arms to regain everyone's attention. "We sent two-hundred on a fake mission to get her away from us, as we wouldn't tolerate her insubordinate behavior. She... had rebellion on her mind."

Gasps. Fingers pointing. Insults. Nothing Valnia wasn't already used to... but now they were directed at her sister.

And the Monster was taking the blame for Lexa. For Valnia.

This was our idea.

Valnia's cheeks were so hot they burned. She yearned to run away, hide in her room, pretend it was all a nightmare.

"We should have caught it sooner." The Monster's slushy silhouette slithered closer to the attendees. "So we take full responsibility. We urge you to leave number one-hundred-and-eighty-eight out of this. But now... on to the reason for rousing you from slumber."

Lexa folded her arms and her nostrils flared. Contrary to the others gathered there, she fixated Valnia, and there wasn't an ounce of forgiveness flashing across her face.

"This loss is tragic, but we must take advantage of it. Number two-hundred's escape may provide a distraction for us, so we may proceed with our invasion. Which is why we are preparing. As Lexa said, Attendants will assign your tasks, dividing you up by specialty and abilities. Some will accompany us through the tunnels, some will travel to all four cardinal points above ground. And a few will stand by at HQ to monitor events through the crystals and send backup when appropriate. Begin."

Foggy and flustered, Valnia fought to lift her feet as Attendants howled for attention, and soldiers scurried about in a frenzy to figure out their new duties and stations.

Invasion? But... Melaynia is over there!

"Wylan," she croaked, her cries too small for anyone to hear, "Wylan."

To her relief, he dragged her out of the Main Hall. She relaxed, expecting him to take her to her chambers, to regroup, to plot. But by the time she came to and realized where he was taking her—through dank corridors and dim-lit, dingy side-halls—she understood he was taking her to the Monster's chambers.

Traitor.

Inside the stuffy room, she found all six creatures glaring at her, Lexa at their side.

"What... is this... an ambush?"

Wylan's grip tightened. "No, babe, no."

Valnia couldn't look at him, worried she'd bite his head off for bringing her here against her will. "Then what?"

"We have a special assignment for you and Wylan," said one of the female Monsters, unaffected by Valnia's demeanor. The wrinkles on her face scrunched as she spoke. "We could have used you to help disarm the enchantments at the end of the tunnel, with your vast knowledge, but... we need you elsewhere. Looking... for your sister."