Chapter 162

  - Kaysi -

  Elia stood at the door, frozen.

  For the first time since I'd met her, the sharp confidence cracked. She swallowed hard.

  "I—uh," she said, gncing at Micah. "Tell me what I can do to help."

  Micah didn't hesitate. "You. Wash your hands. You're on support. And breathe—if you panic, she panics."

  Outside, the city hummed as the artificial sun had fully risen now. It has to be at least 8 or 9 if the system runs like the surface.

  Inside, time narrowed to breath and pain and life forcing its way forward.

  "We'll hold the perimeter," Josh said quietly, already backing toward the door. "No one comes close."

  Evan nodded. Becky's eyes glowed faintly as she stepped into the hall beside us.

  The Waymakers took their pces.

  I stood watch at the front entrance, every nerve alive, listening to the sounds beyond the walls—boots on metal, distant voices, and the ever-present thrum of Shell City pretending not to notice what it was doing.

  Mary screamed again and again for what felt like hours.

  "They'll come," Becky murmured. "Not now, but soon."

  "I know," I said. "We just have to st until then."

  The only reason why they haven't come yet is that they are waiting and watching; they must know from the screams she's in bor. They are waiting for the child.

  A small child's first cry split the air—peace, even if for a few seconds.

  I felt my knees weaken as silence followed—the quiet that comes when life settles into the world.

  Inside, ughter broke through tears. Jakeh's voice cracked as he said Mary's name like a sweet prayer.

  I cracked the door open just enough to check inside.

  Elia stumbled back from the bed, hands shaking, eyes shining.

  "I—I help," she breathed in relief as she turned and looked at me. "It's a girl."

  Micah smiled softly. "You did good."

  For a heartbeat of a second, everything felt still. Sacred. Like the city itself had paused to listen.

  Then footsteps echoed outside.

  I shut the door as I locked eyes with James. "They're here.

  An hour had passed—just enough time.

  Mary forced herself upright, clutching onto Micah for support.

  "You need to lie down," Micah argued.

  Jakeh tried to stop her. "I'll handle this."

  "I'll answer it," she said, face pale and exhausted—and resolute.

  "I don't need them to see you; they'll take more than they already want. I got this. You keep the baby in here." She said firmly.

  She kissed his forehead once. "Stay back."

  I stepped forward as she opened the door, pcing myself between her and the officers. Micah stayed close, steadying her.

  The silent police stood, faces hidden, voices calm as ever.

  "Mary Maxwell," one said, gncing at me out of the corner of my eye. "We're here to finalize your reassessment.

  “My husband is at the pnt,” Mary said evenly lifting her chin. “Paying off the remainder. There’s nothing to reassess.”

  Their gaze flicked briefly towards the sound inside.

  “That remains to be determined,” the officer said, a crooked smile fshing. “We have an opportunity. One that could clear your debts for a very long time. Give your family—and your newborn—a peaceful, luxurious life.”

  "The answer is no," Mary said firmly; her husband must have filled her in. "I already know the cost, and I am not willing to pay the price."

  “Taxes rise. Debts grow,” he said, leaning in too close. “And freedom has a price.”

  My fingers brushed my charm.

  Evan’s sword released with a soft hum, its edge hovering at the officer’s throat.

  "You are introducing variables into a controlled process.” Are you willing to pay the price?"

  Evan leaned closer, eyes bzing. “She said no. Kindly back off—before I help you.”

  My heart smmed. Evan was seconds from losing control.

  They're Human, I whispered. Breathe.

  His muscles eased, and he took a deep breath.

  Before they could continue, a sharp tone came through their communicators.

  Static, then a voice.

  "All units, new directive, priority override."

  They stiffened.

  "Outsiders," the voice continued. Locate immediately if it cuts in and out.

  "Can you repeat that? I have 6 teenagers right in front of me.

  "No," The voice snapped. "You idiot," the voice came through sharper now. 5 adults don't waste my time. That's a direct order from the governor here on the city level one, the farming district."

  My eyes narrowed. “Which means the governor is here. Maybe we should talk to him about how this city handles its people.”

  The other officers exchanged looks.

  "Orders are orders," one muttered. They stepped back.

  "This matter is postponed," one said. "You will be contacted at a ter time."

  They turned and vanished into the city like shadows retracting from light.

  Evan released his sword back to his earring. "I need to cool my head."

  Josh stepped forward. “I’ll go with—”

  "I'll be right back." He looked at me as I gave him a nod. "I promise."

  We went inside and closed the door. Micah had already returned Mary to bed and scolded her for her heroics.

  The rest of us stayed frozen, standing in pce as we took a breath.

  I sagged against the wall, breathing shakily. I hope Evan is okay and doesn't get into any trouble.

  Later, much ter, Evan showed up at the door with a small bruise on his cheek and bruised knuckles. I left it alone; he must have punched a tree, is what I let myself believe for now.

  As he walked in slowly, hoping no one would see him. I gently handed him the baby. “Here,” I said. “Let the new-baby smell fix your bad mood.”

  Evan went wide-eyed. I absolutely broke his brooding pity party. He held the baby like she was the most fragile piece of gss.

  “She’s not going to break,” I whispered, ughing softly. Evan blushed in embarrassment just a bit.

  I leaned in close enough so others didn't hear what I said, but that was a bad idea. The baby girl grabbed my hair and pulled me closer. I was face-to-face with Evan, both of us with frozen eyes, our eyes locked.

  “JAKEH,” I yelped. “HELP—SHE’S STRONG.”

  Everyone ughed as Jakeh untangled her fingers from my hair.

  Elia walked around the small living room space, eyes catching on a framed photograph tucked beside the door.

  An older couple stood smiling beside a much younger Jakeh.

  And the woman held a small girl in swaddling clothes, her dark hair peeking at the top.

  Elia stared, her breath caught.

  Jakeh followed her gaze.

  "That's...my sister," he said slowly. "She was adopted out when we were kids."

  Elia's hand flew to her mouth.

  She reached into her pocket and pulled out an old, folded photo that matched the one by the door.

  "Oh," she whispered. "Oh no."

  Then she ughed—and cried at the same time.

  "I have been looking for you my whole life," she said shakily. "Guess I finally came home."

  Jakeh pulled her into a hug.

  It all makes sense why she knew about the agency; she was a product of her environment. And now she saved her family from the same fate.

  Inside, a family was made whole, and somewhere above us, Shell City kept breathing—unaware that its bance had just shifted and would continue to.