Chapter 89

The Safe Call

Lex drove hard and fast through London's night, phone to his ear.

"Pick up, pick up, come on—"

Rhea answered, voice tight. "Lex. Something's wrong. The mirror—our daughter—"

"I know. I saw it," he said. "I found a facility. You... you gave them your memories, Rhea. And a failsafe. It's in her."

"I never—"

"You did," Lex said, gently. "Before you became Rhea. When you were still Ashna, when you were still hiding from them."

Rhea went quiet.

She hadn't heard that name in years.

"Lex… I'm scared," she whispered.

"Don't be," he said. "They haven't won. But we need to run. Now. There's more coming. They want her activated."

"Activated?"

"She's not just a baby. She's the vault. And maybe more."

Outside the window, Rhea saw a black car pull up down the street.

She didn't wait.

She picked up her daughter, grabbed the emergency bag, and met Lex's voice with calm determination.

"Tell me where to go."