Chapter Twenty-Two The next two weeks passed in a flurry of preparations for the departure. Mia’s parents, Marisa, and Connor each requested a leave of absence from their jobs and put their finances in order. Of them all, Connor seemed the most hesitant, though Marisa convinced him that they had to go—if only for their baby’s sake. After many discussions, it was decided that if the Elders didn’t grant them immortality, then they would come back to their regular lives—after first signing an agreement not to reveal any confidential information about the Ks. If the petition succeeded, however, then Lenkarda would be their new home, just as it was for Mia. To alleviate any concerns about her sister traveling during pregnancy, Mia spoke to Ellet and had her examine Marisa one last time. “She’

