Ava: New Plan

Vanessa and I have come up with a plan. It's a little crazy, and something we've been trying to avoid, but—there's a chance it's going to make things a lot easier for me.

We're going to spend a week on the perimeter, chasing down areas of corruption. No more wasted time walking miles back home every day. Granted, we'll be carrying a lot more stuff than normal, but I've already been banned from holding anything heavier than a whisper.

Is it crazy to admit that I'm a little excited?

Lucas frowns as he tugs my coat firmly closed. "I don't like it."

"It doesn't matter if we like it or not. We don't have a choice." Wrapping my hands around his, I keep my voice soft. "We can't risk our people getting caught up in this stuff."

His fingers work methodically to secure each button of my coat. "I just don't see why you can't come back every day."