I smile. "Ava, you don't—" I start, but her eyes flash bright green and she lets out a low growl. "Mate, we're going to be there too. We've rested plenty, and we need to explain the emotion transfer to everyone," she says. "Maybe that councilwoman can tell us more about it."

Ava steps forward, fixing me with a blank stare. "Leo," she says firmly, "stop treating me like I'm helpless. I'm more powerful than anyone here, and they're after me. I'm not weak, and I need to do ...