Rebels (40 page)

And yet, part of me feels it's possible. More than possible.

It's then that I think we're experiencing a groundquake. This close to the core, the results could be devastating. The books fall from the shelves and Roscoe huddles us under the doorway, where the structure is most stable. A low, slow horn whines.

“What's happening?” Livia asks.

A group of four rebels charges right past us.

Roscoe steps us back. “We're under attack. . . .”

It's my fault
, I think.
Hauser . . . he's already here?

“Girls,” Roscoe says, “your time to make a choice has run out.”

“If what you're saying is true,” I say, uncertain, “if all that's true—and I'm not saying it is—then there is just one issue. What if we don't want to?”

“What my sister wants to know,” says Livia, “is simply this: What if we choose
not
to be chosen?”

“I do not think you will,” says Roscoe. The alarm's still whining, and we experience another groundquake, which I now realize is an explosion.

“Why not?”

“For the simple fact that your mother is out there. And she is waiting for you.”

There are no crowds or well-wishers. They are fighting for their lives. They're fighting for us.

Just on the other side of the secret Rebel Base entrance, a squadron of PCF—Rock Bottom Patrol, Lex can hear, even from this distance, battling with rebels that have saved our lives, and changed them forever.

Zavier's men have packed enough supplies for the four of us. There is little time to discuss plans; we must trust what has been drawn up in advance. I accept this easier than Lex does. Her guilt weighs heavy upon her. She was one of them once. Now? It's too early to say.

We're as prepared as is humanly possible. Still, my body throbs with giddy unease.

“Just pretend we're going to Paradise Island,” says Kane. Lex is already ahead of us, leading the way to the hidden tunnel. She doesn't like the sight of us together.

Our group is only four now. She will have to get used to it.

This resistance won't stand forever. The PCF won't stop hunting us. But I will try and do as Kane says, as hard as that will be, even if I know there is no peace to be found there either. Another make-believe.

“On our way to party with the Hubbies, that's all. Drink too much and lie in the sun. If you think that, then it will be easy.”

His smile is for my comfort. I feel something join the uneasy
excitement. Something that, in all the planning, I have not felt until this moment, in the face of despair.

Hope.

I check my wrist monitor. Eighty feet to the entryway.

“Promise me you won't make rash decisions. You'll work with the team,” Zavier says. “Promise me, Lex. That you won't do anything crazy.”

He's asking for promises I can't keep. He has none of his sister's charm or understanding. He's a blunt force . . . with the hands of a surgeon, I guess. There are complexities within us all. This journey to the Outlands will be a learning experience to us all.

“I can try, Zavier. That's all I can do.”

He stares at me. Then, just for second, he does something I don't think I've seen him do.

He smiles.

I smile back. No promises I won't kill him.

“Forty-two more feet,” she tells us. Her voice seems to travel past us and keep going, perhaps to the very end of the tunnel.

There are some things that cannot be planned
, I think.
Some things for which you can never prepare.

I have a sister now. She angers easily and is stubborn, possessive and reckless. She is my only family for now. She will grow to like me.

Lex. Kane. Zavier. Before I met them, I thought I was doomed to be a Proper Young Failure. Now?

I feel ready to be what I'm meant to be.

“Twenty-five more feet,” I announce. We're almost there.

I turn to look back at Livia. She's already watching me like she's my protector, instead of the other way around. My sister. In the two days since we've met, she has tried to steal my only friend, because she is beautiful and arrogant.

She is also a killer.

“There!” says Zavier.

A blazing beam of light now illuminates our path. We stop for a moment to gaze at it.

The entrance to the hidden tunnel
, I think,
is this where our ancestors first tried to forge out of Lower Indra?

And it is now the beginning of everything else.

“Ready?”

“Yes. Are you?”

“I hope.”

We reach out in the dark and grasp hands.

Together, we move toward the light.

Kendall & Kylie's Acknowledgments

We want to thank our entire BIG family for always being so supportive. Especially our Mom, the most amazing Momager EVER! You make all of our dreams come true! To our Dad, for always being so encouraging. You always believe in us and taught us that with hard work anything is possible! We love you! To Liz, we never get tired of hearing your stories—we can't believe we created one together! Thank you for always being there for us and for all of the guidance you've given us over the years. You are the best!

Elizabeth Killmond-Roman's Acknowledgments

I first want to thank Kendall and Kylie for going on this incredible literary journey with me—it's been a blast! Working with you is never ever boring and I love it! To my fantastic husband, Mark, and wonderful son, Ethan, for your never-ending love, patience, and support! I am so blessed you are “my guys”! To my inspiring mentor and fabulous friend Kris Jenner, my appreciation for your trust and belief in me is truly incalculable. Thank you from the bottom of my heart! To my fantastic cheerleading section led by my mom, Mary Killmond, and in-laws, Hal and Jan Roman, followed by my whole family, and my incredible friends. I would be lost without all of you! Thank you all for always being there to encourage me along!

Everyone's Acknowledgments

To our cowriter, Maya Sloan, for taking the leap of faith on this storytelling adventure with us. Your tenacious and creative spirit truly helped make our story come to life. You are so talented and we are so grateful you shared your gift with us. To Karen Hunter and Charles Suitt from Karen Hunter Publishing, for your patience, cheering us along with enthusiasm and always having the faith that we'd make it to the finish line. To Louise Burke, Brigitte Smith, Jen Robinson, and Hilary Mau from Simon & Schuster, for believing in “Lex & Livia” and letting the story be told so it could be shared with our fans. To our editor Sean Mackiewicz, your insight and contribution were so vital to the fine-tuning of the story. Sorry about the endless nitpicking e-mails. To our super agents, Mel Berger and Lance Klein, and the whole team at WME. Mel, your guidance has been so invaluable. To our tireless support team: Jennifer Stith, Katherine Ellena, Matthew Ryan, Thomas Warming, Samantha Weil, Todd Wilson, Esq., Boulevard Management, Matthew Wallerstein, Esq., the always amazing Jill Fritzo and Michael Geiser from PMK*BNC, and our teacher Tiffany Pou. Thank you for always listening at every stage of this story and for your dedication to helping us with “Lex & Livia.” We couldn't have done this without ALL of you!

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