supposed to make my dreams come true? Everything felt so magical then, the world full of nothing but possibility.
I should feel proud of how far I’ve come. Triumphant in ending this disaster.
But I feel nothing.
*
Siege confesses to keeping the heroes locked in his guesthouse, neutralizing their powers with the same kind of cuffs he was dragged away in, stolen from Room E33 before being fired. Standing on his property now, I see the circle of white Adirondack chairs where we met before. I had sat across from him, in total awe, while Joy was locked up just a few feet away. Could she hear me, gushing over him? Asking him—her kidnapper—for help? I hang my head, ashamed.
I’ve reached a level of exhaustion I didn’t think possible, and I bury my face in Bridgette’s back. I want to see Joy, but I’m terrified. What kind of scene are we about to walk into? Matt’s broken and bruised face flashes before me, and I wonder if she has similar injuries. Or worse? I could barely deal when she had a minor head wound, so how can I possibly handle this?
The Warrior team leads us through, searching for traps. Bridgette pulls ahead, anxious to get to wherever the heroes are.
“We’re coming for you!” she croaks into the guesthouse. I wish I shared that enthusiasm, that this ending filled me with hope rather than dread. I keep imagining the worst, picturing them dead in pools of their own blood. But there’s no more time to worry about it, because the search party has found our missing heroes.
Tucked away in the back bedroom, Joy, Matt, Ryan, and Ashleigh are on the ground, all four tied and bound together. Rope burns on their skin, bloodstains on the floor. Super suits ripped, hair matted, slumped against each other in defeat. The smell is awful, open sores festering. I swallow the urge to vomit.
There’s a lot of confusion at first, as the heroes are sleep deprived and extremely dehydrated. But when Joy’s eyes meet mine, unbelievable grief floods my system, making it impossible to breathe, to move, to think.
I did not expect to feel this way.
I should be happy—relieved—to see Joy in one piece. But all I can think about is how a hero did this: My hero did this. Disgust riles up my insides, bile rising in my throat. I stand frozen, paralyzed by shame and guilt, as Bridgette drops to her knees, gently caressing Matt’s battered face.
The Warrior medical unit comes rushing in, quickly attending to the heroes’ needs. But while Bridgette refuses to leave Matt’s side, I clear a path, hanging out in a corner until the professionals have brought in a gurney for each, the heroes’ weakened powers making it difficult for them to move. Only after Joy is safely strapped to a bed being wheeled out of her prison do I go to her, staring down at this incredible creature who was needlessly tortured by a monster.
A monster whose face still graces my bedroom walls.
“I’m so, so sorry,” I sob, instantly blubbering over her condition. While not as battered as Matt, she still looks like she’s been to hell and back, a giant gash oozing across her cheek.
Joy reaches for me, a pained, slow movement, and I wrap her dirty, bloody fingers in mine. “What do you have to be sorry for?” she croaks.
Everything. Nothing. Logically I know I’m not responsible for any of this, but my heart has clearly abandoned all logic. “I hate that this happened to you.”
“It’s okay, killer.” I lay my head on her chest, wanting to hear the strong, reassuring beat of her heart. The rhythmic pulses soothe me, helping me find a small sense of solid ground I haven’t felt in days. “It’s over now,” she whispers, touching her other hand to my hair.
She’s right. It’s over. I am not built for this world, not capable of watching people I love get thrown into danger they do not deserve. I thought I could handle it, that forums and grail diaries would prepare me, but I was wrong.
I have to say goodbye to Warrior Nation.
Dear Blue Streak,
Thank you for saving my life. My mom and I were so scared on the train. You were so brave and strong—I will never forget what you did for us.
Never cease, never cower! Warrior Nation forever!
Love, your biggest fan,
Claire Rice
WE DID IT. IT’S OVER. WE WON.
Matt hugs me like it’s his final wish, like my embrace is giving him life. Burying his