The past few days, Amy couldn’t find Milo in her dreams.

Now, the icy ground split open as Karl extended his hand, blue sparks crackling at his fingertips. The group slipped underground, descending swiftly into the vast, frozen cavern that served as Karl’s base.

Soldiers turned as they emerged, eyes wide. Whispers rippled through the crowd. Julius scanned the room uneasily. Even Karl’s brow twitched at the sudden hush.

They stopped in a massive chamber bathed in cold blue light. It shimmered off the walls, casting the ice in a ghostly glow.

At the center stood a girl, no older than sixteen. She gave Karl a curt nod, her gaze skimming over Amy without pause. Her smile was casual and her uniform spotless. Every movement she gave was fluid and confident.

Behind her, full-grown men stood silently, waiting for her to speak.

“Welcome back, Karl,” she said, bowing. Then her smile twisted. “If you notice the tension in the base, something big happened. While you were gone, the Empress was killed. She’s dead.”

Julius stiffened. Karl’s eyes narrowed. “What?”

“The other rebel leader—Christopher—killed her,” Libbet explained, tone dry. “No one knows where he is now. But he made it public, and the throne remains empty.”

Karl and Julius locked eyes.

“Whelp, it’s what you’ve always wanted. What we’ve all been waiting for,” Julius said, though his voice trembled slightly.

Karl remained frozen. “The Empress is dead?”

Libbet crossed her arms. “Yes, and you’ve been gone. And for quite a bit. You need to move. Fast. Rally the fractured Empire factions before someone else claims the throne. In the capital, the government’s already panicking. We still have time to sway the troops—and the public — to our cause.”

Karl didn’t answer. His jaw was set, eyes distant.

Amy watched Karl in nervous anticipation. In the meantime, Julius nodded toward Libbet, forcing a smile. “This is why you were promoted to team leader at your age.” He gestured to her hands. “And it helps that you’re one of our strongest fire users too!”

Libbet dipped her head, but Amy saw a twisted smile. “You flatter me.”

Then her eyes slid to Amy. She tilted her head, studying her as if gauging her worth. Then, her eyes squinted as if Amy was a puzzle piece that didn’t fit with anything.

Amy flinched, stomach twisting. Her vision swam.

Mom’s dead.

She barely knew her. From what she gathered, Aurora was the villain.

But still.

“What about this one?” Libbet asked, voice unreadable.

But Karl’s eyes weren’t entirely focused.

“Karl…” Julius said gently, a warning in his tone.

Karl exhaled sharply, nostrils flaring. He turned to Amy.

“She can stay here if she wants.” Amy snapped her gaze toward him in surprise. “If she doesn’t want to…then…”

But to Amy’s horror, he didn’t finish his sentence. He had more important things on his mind. He pivoted toward the exit, waving a lazy hand. “She’s just a stray we found. Do with her as you please. Julius, we’re meeting with the Empire’s troops. Libbet—alert Delta Team to follow me. And Julius, prepare your speech for the public.”

Julius lingered a second. He placed a hand on Amy’s shoulder. “Amy… I have to go. Take care, okay? I’m.. sorry. Again…”

Then he left.

Amy stood there, frozen.

What happens to me now?

Mom’s dead…

I didn’t know her. I’m supposed to hate her. But still…

What am I supposed to feel?

When the adults had gone, a second girl popped out from behind Libbet, beaming. Amy’s tear-filled eyes met hers.

“Are you okay?” the girl squeaked.

Libbet gave a crooked smile. “Are you crying because of Karl? Don’t mind him. The Commander can be a prick—ow!”

“Shh! Don’t call him that,” the girl scolded, swatting her arm. “You have too much to lose.” She had an athletic build, upright posture, and the steady confidence of someone used to protecting others. She held out her hand to Amy. “I’m Princessa,” she said brightly. She tilted her head. “And, wow! I love your hair! I think you’re really pretty!”

Amy wiped her tears, blushed, and hesitated. Then smiled, she took her hand. “Thanks. I’m Amy.”

Princessa’s grin widened. “I love your name too! Also pretty!”

“Not as pretty as yours,” Amy laughed.

“All right, friends,” Libbet cut in, half annoyed and amused. “So…based on Karl’s charming farewell, I’m guessing you don’t have a place to stay?”

That made Amy’s smile wobble. Her lips trembled. She nodded, eyes brimming again.

It was Libbet who stepped forward this time, extending a hand. Amy met it. Her grip was strong. Amy had never seen anyone more confident. “Wanna join the resistance?” she asked, grinning. “I promise, we don’t bite.”

——

The next few weeks were surprisingly pleasant.

On her first day, Amy saw firsthand why Libbet was a team leader. During a sparring match, Libbet took down a squad of adult men in a blur of fire and fury. Her final strike sent a man twice her size flying. When the smoke cleared, she turned to the watching crowd of teens and grinned.

Amy thought of Kristo, of his flames. Then, she remembered how his flames had died. She shook her head, shoulders drooping.

Meanwhile, the others roared with approval. Amy’s shoulders straightened. Then, she found herself smiling too.

Still, the sadness came in waves. She thought about all the things she never said. Sometimes the grief struck without warning, sudden and paralyzing. But somehow, Princessa always seemed to know when she was silently grieving. She had a way of appearing right when Amy needed someone.

At first, Amy just thanked her, offering a shaky smile. She avoided the real conversations.

But Princessa was patient. She didn’t push. She just… stayed.

And eventually, Amy broke.

“That’s when Samantha killed my dad,” she whispered one night.

Princessa said nothing at first. Then, to Amy’s surprise—she started crying!

Amy stared, startled.

“I’m sorry,” Princessa said, voice trembling. “It’s just…I had no idea.”

Amy nodded slowly, throat tight. For the first time since Kristo, she let someone hug her.

“It’s hard,” Amy admitted, looking into Princessa’s eyes as she was released. “After my dad died, I felt like nobody would ever care about me.”

Princessa’s smile faltered, then shifted, bright again, like always. “If anything, believe in me!” she said. “I care about you.”

Amy smiled, accepting Princessa’s hand as she helped her to her feet.

“Thanks,” Amy said. “And same.”

Princessa nodded. “Here,” she handed Amy gloves, presumably for training. “Let’s go eat.”

Amy took the gloves and wiped her face before following.
—
As they entered the cafeteria, Amy glanced at a boy she had met, Bennet, and quickly looked away. Bennet was another teen who had immediately caught her attention. He had dark skin and perfect hair. His eyes were gentle and sparkling.

“You must be Amy!” He had said a few days ago when she was wandering around, lost and alone. “I’m Bennet!”

She immediately liked his energy and nodded.

“Welcome to the resistance!” he had exclaimed. “Are you going to sparring practice?”

“That’s what Libbet told me…”

“Me too! Follow me!”

Now, Princessa led Amy to the table where Libbet and Bennet sat.

“Amy!” Libbet said. “You can sit here.” Libbet got up, gesturing Amy to sit in her spot. “I have to go to my duties now, anyways.”

“Oh.”

Some of the other teens gave her a thumbs up or hollered. Libbet raised a hand as she walked away, welcoming cheers.

As the commotion died down, Amy sat awkwardly. Bennet noticed the tension and scooted closer. “Hey Amy!”

She turned away so he couldn’t see her blush. “Hi Bennet!”

“Oh…you chose the vegetarian meal too?” Amy turned to face him now. He put his hand on her shoulder, making her ears turn red. “Hey, after training, you should hang out with me, Princessa, and Libbet! We’re playing cards and board games!”

She hoped he couldn’t see her blushing. She wondered how he was able to lift her heart so easily…

“Yes,” Amy said. “I would like that very much.”

She looked at him before turning to look at Princessa. These people, and the opportunity to be a part of this resistance group, was a surprising extension of mercy after what she had gone through. But this happiness…made her feel guilty. But no, Kristo would want me to be happy.

She looked at Princessa and felt her throat tighten. If she could bottle this moment, she would.

She did play cards with them that night. Somehow laughter still came, even after Kristo. The guilt rose then died again. Because here, she connected and belonged. At her old school, she hadn’t. Even in her adoptive family, she didn’t. No matter how hard Kristo tried to fit her in.

But here, amazingly, she did. I…belong. And it came so… naturally. She shared a bunk bed with Princessa. They roamed the base arm in arm joking, talking, laughing. Bennet would go out of his way to seek Amy when she was alone, her cheeks flushed red. He carried her assigned backpack once as they traveled to training. At times she could have sworn he was flirting.

Her cheeks were constantly warm, she avoided Milo in her dreams, and…
——
One day, Bennet and Princessa were busy. Amy wandered around, needing social stimulation. She saw Libbet in a gym by herself. As she watched Libbet train, Amy admired her, wanting to be more like her. She wondered how she could get closer to Libbet.

“Hi Libbet!”

“Hi Amy!”

She saw Libbet kick a sandbag in a flurry of movement. Amy had just learned how to do that in yesterday’s training. But she wanted to connect with Libbet over something. She just didn’t know how or what to say. Then, an impulse came — in the worst way.

I’ll compliment her maybe. That was the first mistake.

“That’s cool,” Amy said. “Can you teach me?”

“Sure,” Libbet replied, casually.

Then, she heard movement by the door.

“Amy, didn’t you already master that yesterday?” one of the older boys asked.

It shouldn’t have been a big deal, but Amy’s stomach twisted as she felt a shift in the air. She paled as she looked at Libbet. It was a small mistake, but it felt significant. No, it was significant.

“Oh, so you already knew…” Libbet narrowed her eyes. “You’re…”

Fake.

There was an awkward moment where Amy’s heart sank to the pit of her stomach. She thought about potential answers. I just wanted to hang out with you. I wanted to compliment you? No, these all suck. Why did I say something so fake? I’m a bad person. I suck.

Amy's smile wilted. Her chest felt hollow. She wanted to call after her—say something, anything—but her mouth wouldn't work. Libbet already pushed past her and left.
The older boys didn’t realize what happened.

What happened wasn’t a big deal…right? Amy didn’t do anything really bad…did she?

The boys clearly couldn’t hear her thoughts.

“So let’s keep training, Amy!”

Amy forced a smile. “Yeah,” she said. “Let’s train.”
——
Early the next morning, she sought Libbet to apologize.

“It’s okay,” Libbet had said. “We all make mistakes.”

But after that, Libbet avoided her. Princessa and Bennet didn’t realize at first, and everything was normal. Amy thought she could finally exhale — that she had survived.
But then came Libbet’s silent glares. Amy remembered the first incident. She and Libbet had passed each other in the hallway. Libbet’s eyes were so wide and directed that Amy was actually taken back by the malicious intent.

But maybe I just imagined it.

During training, she wondered if she should seek Libbet out again...Clear things up. But she changed her mind quickly when Libbet gave her that glare every time they passed. It’s cliche, but if looks could kill, Amy would be dead.

And worse? Nobody else saw it. It haunted her in her dreams. Amy never felt safe.

And then came the distancing.

“Oh, hey!” Bennet said in the hallway. Her heart lept with false hope before he brushed past her to talk to another teen. The next day, Bennet passed her as if he didn’t know her. Instead, she saw him with a girl named Fara.

But no matter, because she saw —

“Princessa!” Amy had shrieked. Princessa gave a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes and claimed to be busy. Later, Amy learned that she had moved dorms without telling her.

Later, she saw the three hanging out, laughing. They didn’t seem to see, or care about, Amy.

One day, Amy caught Princessa in the hallway right after the group had hung out.

“Hey, are you and Bennet doing anything?”

“No, I haven’t seen Bennet since yesterday morning!”

Amy stopped walking, letting Princessa walk away. Princessa had no qualms leaving Amy stranded in the hallway.

As she stood there, others brushing past her, oblivious to everything. It wasn’t that she was angry. She was just isolated and scared. She remembered Libbet’s eyes during her glares.

Eating became hard. Sleeping, even harder. Even training felt like moving through fog.

Why am I here? She thought. I don’t even understand what Karl is doing. What I’m training for. This base is all I know. And right now, it sucks. The only reason I’ve been training is…

She swallowed.

She wondered what Kristo would say. She felt the loss of him all over again. What she would do to be counseled by him. She wondered what Milo would say. Perhaps express his disappointment in her for trusting them — for letting them in.

Regardless, one thing was clear: Karl said I’m allowed to leave. So I’ll leave.

She didn’t understand Libbet’s hate. And she had no idea what Libbet had in store for her. All she knew was that this place no longer felt like mercy. And, with a heavy heart, she entered her dorm, packed her things, and exited the room.