WILL SAT FORWARD in his chair, staring at the lead box on Adi’s desk. He was ready to open it. At least, he thought he was.
“Are you sure about this, William?”
He hesitated. “No. But I won’t live my life trapped here.” And without Case. “This thing—whatever it is—it broke me. Nothing I’ve tried since Peru has fixed me.” He sighed. “Maybe this can.”
And without Case“Or make things worse.”
“Adi—”
Adi sighed. “It’s your decision. I meant that. But I’m worried for you. I…” She dropped her eyes. “I love you, William.” Her voice broke when she spoke.
He swallowed. Adi had never told him that.
Fader looked at him, tilting his head at Adi. Tell her, he mouthed.
Tell her“I…” Will said, “I love you, too.”
“And I don’t want you hurt,” Adi said, hurrying past his words.
“Already hurt,” he sa
