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In that instant, I was determined to make myself worthy

I spun around to face her "Tellto feel "How do I earn o now Ursula insisted I didn’t need to earn anything, that the rooer to provefroy Ursula has been e

I drop the tube of lotion back into the nightstand and slam the drawer shut "Where are you?" I shout to the empty room "How could you just disappear?"

Frustrated, I throw myself onto her bed As I bounce, a pillow lurches to the side, knocking the book off the nightstand With a groan, I roll to the side, leaning down to pick it up

When I do, a sround

My heart rate triples

I set the book back on the nightstand, snatch the note off the floor, and sit up, holding the crisp paper in both hands Scrawled across the envelope is a single word: Gretchen

My breathing shallows as I lift the flap and pull out the folded notecard covered in Ursula’s elegant script

Dearest Gretchen,

If you are reading this note, then I ht happen Since your sixteenth birthday soun to notice I knew this ti preparations for the upco events, but there are still some mysteries I er Do not worry about my safety--I assure you I am fine But if I am kept froh we have re and working in the city I wish I could give you o on, but our separation has been essential for your protection Find her, as she can help guide you into this next phase if I cannot I apologize for the cryptic nature of this note, but if it is discovered by souard our secrecy at all costs

Yours ever,

Ursula

"What The Hades?" I reread the note, not believing it could be as mysterious as it first seems But after four passes, it still es, new phase, secrecy She’s in danger, but she’s safe Her sister? Does she know that I have a sister too?

I flop back onto her bed Great I found a note, exactly what I was hoping for, but I’ exactly what to do--sniff a ht now And I don’t like the feeling

Chapter 10

Grace

Standing in the cafeteria line, waiting to pay for a bottle of kiwi-strawberry juice to go with the hummus-and-spinach wrap and baby carrots already in , I’m not really excited to spend another lunch period in the library Last as bad enough, and I could at least claiirl status as my excuse