Whats happening? Winter asked.

Cinder and the alphas are discussing strategy, said Scarlet. The coronation is scheduled to begin any minute now. People are getting restless. Plus, everyone loves yousurprise, surpriseand theyve been waiting to see that youre all right.

Winter risked a smile, and the people cheered again. Someone whistled and another soldier howled.

Winter caught sight of a figure in the corner of her eyeJacin was leaning against the clinics wall, watching her with a knowing smirk. They havent started composing ballads in your honor yet, he said, but Im sure its just a matter of time.

Cress did it! Cinder yelled. She came charging through the crowd, a cluster of soldiers in tow. The people parted for her. The barriers in the maglev tunnels are down. Theres nothing else to bar our way into Artemisia. Theres nothing stopping us from demanding that Levana be brought to justice!

Another cheer, twice as loud as before, billowed up and vibrated through the ground and echoed off the dome.

Winter cast her gaze over the crowd, her heart expanding like a balloon. The people stared at Cinder with awe and clarity and the faint glow of hope. Shed never seen that before in the eyes of the citizens of Luna. Their faces were always obscured by fear and uncertainty. Or, even worse, gazing at her stepmother with dazed adoration. Love for their ruler forced upon thema reminder that they had no freedom, not even in their own minds or hearts.

This was different. The people werent blinded by Cinders glamour or being manipulated into seeing her as their rightful queen. They were seeing her as she truly was.

Alpha Strom, the map, said Cinder, with an excited gesture.

Strom handed her a holograph node and Cinder pulled up an image that everyone could see, outlining the path they would take into the capital.

Were going to divide into two groups to allow for faster passage through the tunnels, she said, indicating the routes on the map. When we reach AR-4 and AR-6, well divide our numbers further to disperse between the eight entrances into Artemisia. At every sector we pass, well need volunteers to rally as many people to our cause as possible. Gather weapons and supplies, then keep moving. Remember, our safety lies in numbers. She keeps the sectors divided for a reason. She knows that shes powerless if we all stand together, and thats exactly what were going to do!

Another roar from the crowd, but Cinderwild-eyed and exhilaratedhad already turned toward the steps.

Winter straightened, for once proud to be standing before her queen.

Weve seen evidence that at least eighty-seven other sectors have joined our cause, and I have every reason to believe that number has continued to increase. With the shuttles down, that terrain-speeder is the best method we have for spreading our news quickly and ensuring that all civilians are joined into one solid force moving into Artemisia. Jacin, Ive made a list of sectors I want you to go tothose that showed evidence of rebellion already and should have access to weapons. Also those closest to Artemisia that offer a solid hope for increasing our numbers fast. Hit as many as you can in the next two hours, then meet us in the tunnels beneath AR-4 at

No.

Cinder blinked. Her lips stayed half-wrapped around an unspoken word. She blinked again. Excuse me?

I wont leave Winter.

A shiver coursed over Winters skin, but Jacin didnt look at her.

Mouth still open, Cinder looked at Winter, then Scarlet, then back at Jacin. She shut her mouth with a scowl and turned to Scarlet again. Can you fly it?

Ive never even seen one of those things before. Does it fly like a spaceship?

Cinders withering glare returned to Jacin. I need you to do it. I trust you, and

I said no.

She shook her head, disbelieving. Then angry. What do you think is going to happen to Winter, to any of us, if we lose?

Jacin crossed his arms, ready to argue again, when Winter placed a hand on his shoulder.

Ill go with him, she said lightly, so her words might defuse some of the tension.

It didnt work. Jacins glower turned on her. No, you will stay here and recover from almost dying. Besides, Levanas been given enough chances to kill you. Youre not going anywhere near Artemisia.

She fixed her eyes on him, feeling the stir of determination shed had when she decided to find her stepmothers army and bring them to her side. I may not be able to fight, but I can be useful. Ill come with you and talk to the people. Theyll listen to me.

Princess, we dont have to

Ive already made my decision. I have as much to lose as any of them.

She makes some good points, said Cinder.

Surprisingly, added Scarlet.

Jacin pushed Winter out of their little circle, into a semblance of privacy. Look, he whispered, gripping her elbows. She could feel the calluses on his hands, more poignant than shed ever felt them before. Her pulse galloped at the unexpected intimacy. If you want me to do this thing for Cinder, then Ill do it. For you. But I wontI cant lose you again.

Winter smiled and pressed her palms against his cheeks. There is no safer place for me than at your side.