Page 148 of Shades of Silver City

Archer angrily pulls Scathe’s helmet out of his bike’s compartment and puts it on the hound’s head. He pulls mine out next and steps toward me.

“You are absolutely infuriating, Fantasia Foster,” he mutters, his deft fingers working swiftly to place it on my head and adjust it.

I can’t help but smile behind the helmet’s shield, knowing he can’t see me. “We are equals, Archer Acciai.” I throw his full name back at him sassily. “Anything you’re willing to risk, I am too.”

“I’m not willing to risk you.” He turns and pulls on his own helmet, indicating the conversation is over.

As soon as we get on the bike, I eagerly wrap my arms around him.

My teeth chatter during the ride, despite the air being comfortable. Another reason I don’t want to tell Archer my plan is because I’m pretty sure he’ll think it’s stupid. Reckless. And maybe it is, but Arlo has answers about my dad. He clearly wants something from me. I worry that if I let the men do what they intend, Godric might end Arlo’s life before I’m able to get my own closure.

This way, I can control the situation.

I can ensure we all get what we want.

Plus, something tells me Arlo wouldn’t let Godric get close to him anyway.

Unfortunately, my plan is contingent on everything working perfectly. Godric needs to find dreamdust—and fast—and meet us at the warehouse. He needs to put the glass together, with me inside, so it looks like I never left.

However, instead of sealing the glass perfectly, he’ll leave it breakable. I’ll have the dust in my mouth, and I’ll break out of the glass, blowing it into Arlo’s mouth. Just like what the Scout did to me—except in reverse.

If he doesn’t die, well, plan B. Archer and Godric can tie him up. We’ll keep Arlo somewhere without nature, where he can’t recharge his power, and then we’ll question him when he’s at his weakest.

When I get my answers, they can finish him however they see fit.

You’re right, Scathe says. Very stupid plan.

You said you wouldn’t tell Archer, I say.

And I won’t, but it’s better if you let me bite Arlo—I’ll take him down with my venom.

I sigh. We don’t know how powerful he is, Scathe. He’s clearly capable of a lot. The moment he sees you, he’ll disappear. You won’t be able to get close.

And you will be? he asks.

Yes, I say confidently. He let me close at the ball—twice. Whatever he sees in me, it certainly isn’t a threat.

Scathe growls into my mind, and I shut him out, tightening my arms around Archer’s waist. Despite the dangers of the bike, nothing makes me feel safer than being this close to Archer. I know wholeheartedly that he wouldn’t put me in danger. Not purposefully. In fact, he’s worked quite hard to keep me out of trouble.

A short while later, we pull up to the warehouse. Archer hides his bike around back. As we begin to scout the place out, he calls Pixel and puts her on speaker so she can keep us updated about Arlo’s whereabouts in the city.

“Eyes at the Ministry of Trade,” Pixel says. Clicking noises fill the air. I imagine her tapping away at her computer, hacking the various security cameras to keep tabs on Arlo. A minute later, she says, “There are no cameras near your location, boss, so be careful over there.”

“Heard,” Archer says into the phone. “Scathe, stay out here.”

Scathe whines but obliges, sitting back on his haunches while we enter the warehouse. Soon we’re in the room where Arlo was holding me. I shudder at the sight of the broken glass on the floor.

“You sure about this?” Archer mutters, his jaw tensing.

No. “Yes.”

“I trust you.” He reaches out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me toward him. Without warning, he presses his lips to mine. Heat blazes in my stomach as I kiss him back. I wrap my arms around his neck, tugging him as close as possible.

“Uh, guys?” Pixel’s frantic voice breaks us apart. “Arlo’s gone.”

Archer lifts the phone, his jaw tightening. “As in?”

“He straight up disappeared. Gone. Like in the blink of an eye.”

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