Page 131 of The Art of Exiley

“Impossible.”

I tell him everything Izzy just told us. “They’ve disabled the Atlas, and I think they’re coming through the tunnels.”

“And how do they even know about the Atlas?”

I bite my lip and avoid answering that particular question. I told theFamilies so much before I understood the danger. “The point is that the vacuums and doors have been opened and disabled, and they’re on their way with an aerosolized version of antimatter.” Or so says Izzy, and she sounded pretty confident about it all.

Rafe pinches the bridge of his nose and, after a few breaths, says, “How many of them are coming? And do you know their intentions?”

“Probably around five or six. And I think they’re after the Testament scrolls.”

“Well, if it’s the scrolls, I can take care of having them better protected. There aren’t that many Guard on Arcadia, but there should be enough to handle a small group,” Rafe says.

“Are you sure?” I ask. “They have this new airborne antimatter.”

“What can you tell me about it?”

I’d grilled one of the Families’ scientists all about antimatter. As a concept, it’s something that modern scientists have a basic understanding of, but only on a theoretical level. The knowledge of how to cultivate and use antimatter was stolen from the Makers during the original Inquisition and was passed down only among the Oculus. Until recently.

Roman is apparently on the team that synthesized the gas, so Izzy had a lot of details.

“It’s a gas that, when inhaled, temporarily suspends Sire abilities without doing any permanent harm.”

“That sounds like it would do a tremendous amount of damage to Sires,” Rafe says in his I-am-being-very-stern voice.

“There’s only a small trace of antimatter in it. Supposedly it’s been tested extensively and hasn’t done any long-term damage to Sires. It’s just meant to—of course!” I slap my forehead.

They both stare at me expectantly. “Do explain,” Rafe prompts.

“Would it be possible,” I ask, “to spread an aerosol through whatever pumps the mists around the island?”

“It’s not a pump. It’s a forced temperature contrast created between the hot springs and the—” He stops and goes as still and as white as marble.

“What’s wrong?”

“I think it’s possible. Do you know for certain that they have a way to contaminate the mist?”

“I… I don’t know. They asked me a lot of questions about it.” I had thought they were just asking because of their interest in sustainable geothermal energy. “I didn’t tell them much, but they have multiple informants.”

Georgie has started typing intensely.

Rafe pulls both hands through his hair, sending his hair tie flying across the room. “If they can do it, it would be truly devastating.”

“I mean, I know it’s not great,” I say, “but it should only temporarily suspend Sire abilities.”

“No. You don’t understand. For a regular Sire, it may only prevent their ability to conduct, but that’s not the only conductive Ha’i that would be affected. Do you know how many people might be in the medical wing at this very moment, being kept alive by Sire healing until their conditions stabilize? Or people who are now well but rely on conductive technologies due to injuries or illness? Anyone with enhanced biology, like Valkyries, rely on conductive Ha’i. Who knows how breathing in antimatter might affect them? Not to mention that antimatter is extremely volatile. If there’s any chance it hasn’t been stabilized properly, it will explode as soon as it interacts with regular matter. If this plan succeeds, many could die.”

My stomach sinks, and my blood feels as if it is pumping twice as fast as usual. Kor may be lost on the path of his ideals, but he would never want what Rafe is describing. I’m sure of it.

“I’ve reached out to Cicero,” Georgie interjects. “No full confirmation on the mists as the vector, but she says the team seemed confident that they have a way to temporarily pollute the air of the island.”

“Who in perdition is Cicero?” Rafe looks as if he wants to tantrum all over the room.

“Irrelevant right now,” I say.

Georgie asks him, “Is there any way you can… turn off the mist?”

He shakes his head. “It doesn’t work like that, and we don’t even know if they’ll be using the mist. What we have to do is be prepared for their arrival and stop them immediately.”

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