8

DAHLIA Months. It’s been months of constant, careful plotting, thorough calculating, and painstaking patience. Months. And today’s finally the day. I wipe my clammy hands on my jeans as I park my bike in a parking space and power walk through the dimly lit streets. I actually followed Kane’s advice and came in my most relaxed outfit—a plain gray T-shirt and my comfiest sneakers that are slightly beat up. If I said I wasn’t scared, it’d be a flat-out lie. I’ve only heard rumors about Vencor’s initiations, and they all mention a grueling interrogation process, having to endure physical and mental tests, and being stripped bare of one’s humanity. But they all remain rumors. No one but Vencor members know the truth. Despite the slight tremor that invades my limbs and the heaviness in my steps, no amount of fear will deter me from bringing Violet justice. Violet and I aren’t blood-related, but we met in a foster home—one of the most abusive ones I lived in—and we bonded. She protected me wh