He’s inside a Shell, tall, cut and without flaws. His dark hair is slicked back, his beautiful body glistening with sweat.

    Shells can be programmed to sweat as well as shiver; they can also be programmed not to sweat and shiver.

    I’m glad Killian flipped the On switch.

    Am I drooling? I think I’m drooling.

    He’s teaching Javier how to box his way—no rules, no honor, anything for victory. Both boys are shirtless, wearing only boxing gloves and shorts. Both are brawny and defined with sinew—though Killian is far more ripped—and covered in tattoos.

    The 143,10 tattoo causes the most feminine parts of me to flutter and heat.

    To be fair, I’m fascinated by every image etched into Killian’s skin. Underneath the array of lines, stars and severed heads, I sometimes think I spot a map. What I can’t figure out—is it a map of Myriad? Or somewhere in the Land of the Harvest? He’s never said.

    Concentrate now, ogle later.

    Right.

    —Javier looks to be in much better condition today.—Deacon’s voice comes from the Grid, claiming my attention. —In fact, he almost appears...healthy.—

    We’re standing in a shadowed corner, unnoticed by the occupants. Cheers ring out, and Deacon sighs.

    —He’s going to be a pain to deal with. Put on your big girl panties, Ten.—

    Before we arrived, Deacon had told me, “We’ll appear inside a building. There will be MLs inside and outside. As soon as we’re noticed, I’ll put up a Buckler, but for the love of life, try not to get us noticed.”

    “Why hasn’t Myriad erected a Buckler around the building?” I’d asked.

    “It would give away their location. TLs would see it.”

    “Wait. We put a Buckler around Dior’s safe house. How did we not give away her location?”

    “You didn’t see behind the scenes. We erected other Bucklers all over the world at the exact same time. It’s a complicated strategy and not one we execute often. There are other ways to mask one, but let’s move on to what matters right now. If you can, lure Javier away and tell him whatever you plan to tell him. If Killian spots you, he’ll try to stop you. So will the other MLs. I’ll take out as many as I can. Just remember, as soon as our Buckler goes up, an army of MLs will be dispatched to disable our shield and pin us in.”

    Deep breath in...out. —Big girl panties...on.—They better be. I’ve got one shot at this. Only one.

    Bile agitates my stomach. I think I could wash a load of laundry in there. Well, ruin a load of laundry at least. I’m about to sneak past Killian Flynn or challenge him. And I’m about to do it simply for a chance to speak with Javier.

    As a girlfriend, I currently suck eggs.

    Can’t make any progress standing here. On your mark, get set, go!

    Adrenaline surges through me as I move toward the boxing ring, weaving around treadmills, elliptical machines, weight benches and recumbent bikes. There are no other MLs present—not that I can see, anyway—and only three other humans are working out.

    What’s my first move? Think, think.

    “Hands up,” Killian tells Javier. The closer I get, the more I feel as if I’ve been snared by an unbreakable gravitational pull. “Aye. Like that.”

    I love when his Irish accent comes out to play.

    For a moment, I imagine the war is over, and we’re openly dating. I see myself pressed against him, his warm breath fanning my skin as his husky voice whispers my name. A promise. A passion. Goose bumps spread over my spirit but thankfully not my Shell.

    Stop mooning!

    I’m not. Really. See it, do it. Right?

    I pause, my mind whirling. The second I’m standing behind the ropes, Killian will notice me. How will he react? Will he shout for reinforcements?

    No. Not his style.

    Javier will notice me, too. He might or might not know I’m a Shell. He might call for reinforcements. The Buckler will go up and the countdown clock will start. Ticktock, ticktock. As soon as the MLs disable the Buckler, Deacon and I will have to leave or risk being overrun.

    Think, think. What’s the best way to proceed? To intrigue the human and protect Killian?

    “This is merely the beginning of what Myriad has to offer,” Killian says now. “Strength like you’ve never known. The ability to defeat anyone who challenges you—even those who don’t. And as you can probably tell, win any woman you want.”

    Well. The sales pitch has officially begun.

    “I can win any woman I want now,” Javier replies, throwing another punch.

    He is very handsome, despite the Penumbra writhing under the surface of his skin. A guy’s good looks would never be enough to help a girl get over Archer, but I guess this particular guy gave good distraction.

    The girls stationed around the ring giggle and wave at him. They blow kisses to Killian.

    Mine! Eyes off!

    Well, well. Who knew Tenley Lockwood would mutate into the Hulk when jealous?

    To his credit, Killian appears unaffected and unimpressed.

    “Riches and fame,” Killian continues. “Whatever you desire, we will procure for you.”

    What of love, compassion and peace? The kind of bone-deep peace I feel every time I pass through the Veil of Wings is worth anything. Everything. And it’s a peace Killian has never known.

    What I wouldn’t give to share it with him.

    First things first. Win Javier, protect my man. In the back of my mind, an idea springs to life. At first, I dismiss it. Too crazy! But also kind of..ol? Could it work?