The ground sloped gently upward toward the buildings. As nervous as she was of their approach, of what was to come, Ada was giddy. This wasn't exactly where she had planned on saying those words, but she had said them all the same. Of course she had loved Sam for ages, almost from the very beginning. She thought the words every time Sam curled up in her arms at the end of a long day, every time she refilled Ada's coffee when she was distracted. They said 'I love you' in many ways without words, a thousand times before, but nothing compared to the warmth, the pure contentment speaking them brought. There was an undeniable verity to it.

Ada forced herself to focus as the dark, massive buildings came into view. A whitewashed farmhouse sat lifeless at the end of the driveway. Shutters hung limply from their hinges over foggy panes. It took only a quick peek to tell that this building was vacant and about as hospitable as a cave. Wildlife had clearly made their home within over the years. They left it behind, heading for the old wooden barn off to the left. There, Ada held up a hand to halt the others.

"Wait here."

Ada knew from Aidan's brief reconnaissance that the people patrolling were closer to the larger building to their right. He assured her there was no one nearby. Ada kept to a crouch and moved as quickly as she could manage around the front of the building. There were large doors for the animals to use—back when there were animals here—and a rickety people-sized door to the side. It was risky, but there didn't seem to be another entrance, Ada had no choice. Aidan had already checked for a ladder to the hayloft, but it had long been removed.

The door swung inward with a soft creak that made her freeze against the wall outside. No sounds came from within. Ada sighed, dropping back to a crouch. Though she couldn't see the others from there, she smiled in their general direction before dipping inside. The lights were out inside, and peering in was essentially useless. Ada sucked in a deep breath and crept in. The stench of cannabis was overpowering within and only grew stronger the deeper she went. She kept her palm against the wall, fingers bent back to keep distance between her exposed fingertips and the rough wood. Her eyes were wide, the darkness pressing against them as she strained to see anything at all inside. Two micro-steps later, she froze. There was a pillar before her, or something of the sort, which was blocking the very thing she was trying to avoid. A pinprick red light was the only anomaly in the sea of black. When she leaned back, it disappeared, and forward it reappeared.

Ada couldn't take the chance and made her way back to the exit. Considering there were no shouts or running footsteps, she probably hadn't been seen in the brief moment she had been in view of the camera. Considering the lights were off, she could only assume the cameras had night vision enabled. They would have to find the control room first.

Outside, Ada dashed into the darkness and stumbled upon Sam and Aidan a good distance away. Noah was nowhere to be seen.

"He went to find a place to watch from." Sam took her hand for a moment and squeezed, then stuffed hers back in her pockets. "What did you find."

"Cameras inside, total darkness. We need to-"

Their radios hissed static for a second before Noah said, "You need to move, you have one heading your way. Head straight back then cut toward the house."

Aidan, who had his radio out already, responded for them. "Got it, thanks."

They did as instructed. After only a few steps, a flashlight beam became visible. They were already far away from him. In the shadow of the dilapidated house, they were far enough away from the patrol to speak.

"Okay, we need to find the control room if we're going to have a hope in hell of navigating this place without being spotted." Ada sighed, gazing off toward the largest building.

"Can't we do this from the outside?" asked Aidan in a hushed voice.

Ada shrugged. "Maybe, but I don't want to take a chance with a building that big. Look at it. This fire might be indiscriminate, but concrete and metal don't exactly burn. Plus, if I set them outside, they'll be spotted much faster. Just looking at that building, I need to get at least each of the corners going. The barn will be easier, but we have to do that one last." Ada paused, thinking of the barn again. "I don't think they're growing in there, by the way. It doesn't smell fresh enough to be live plants. I think that's where they process it. We'll probably find the crops in there."

They followed her gesture to the black blob of a building. It was safe to assume their goal was in there. There were no other buildings in sight, and unless the dilapidation was an intentional misdirect, there were no other buildings in which the room could possibly be. Getting to it, though, without being spotted by said cameras would be a challenge.

"Shall we?" said Sam, pushing off the wall.

Ada nodded and led the way, walkie in one hand, brass knuckles in the other. The soft hiss of static as she pressed the button made her jump, even though she was expecting it.

"Can you see us?"

"Barely. There's one coming around the south side of the building, heading for the main doors of the ... I don't know, milking building? The one you're heading for. You should be able to see his light in a moment."

"Yeah, it just came into view. Do you see another entrance anywhere?" Grass reached under her pant legs to tickle her shins.

"No, not from this angle; just some windows."

Ada hesitated. "Hold position for now. We'll figure out where you should be once we know where the control room is."

"Got it. Wait, stop, be quiet."

Immediately the three of them hit the ground. They waited with bated breath as distant feet moved through the grass. Though far away, it still made her nervous. Ada was aching from the tension. Her fist was tight around the weapon. She didn't want to use it, but she was more than ready.

The buzz of static made her jump. "You're clear, keep moving." More static, then another burst. "My bad, it didn't look like he was going in that direction."

"Where are the others right now?" Aidan asked him.

"Hold on." They moved slowly toward the building, eyes peeled for any sign of light or movement. "One is somewhere to the far side of the building you're heading to, the other went inside it a few minutes ago. I don't know if he came back out yet."

"Got it. Heading toward the back now, there has to be another entrance in a building this big."

The radio went silent, and they filed around the short south side of the building. Ada didn't think taking the front door would be the best option, at least not without searching for a better alternative. Besides, knowing Noah had eyes on them, and was actually pretty good at it, was reassuring. Ada felt confident leading them past full rain barrels and a mouldering wood pile in search of anything of use. There were a few small windows, but they were high from the ground. If she used one of those rain barrels, though, she might be able to reach.

"What do you think?" she breathed, flicking her light up the wall to the bottom of the nearest window frame. "Window, or front door?"

There didn't seem to be another exit back there. Perhaps fire safety wasn't a consideration when designing facilities such as this. There could still be one on the north side, but searching could be a waste of time. They had little way of knowing how much time they had before a patrol returned, and Noah wouldn't be able to keep an eye on them as they looked.

Aidan squinted above her. "I should be able to lift you up that high."

"How would you get up there?" asked Sam, following his gaze.

"I'll figure it out."

He squeezed between them and sank to a crouch at the edge of the building, palms pressed flat to the sheet metal for support. He hunkered low, glanced back, and tapped his shoulders. Ada shrugged and did as suggested; still, she worried about hurting him as she positioned her boots on either shoulder. Aidan grunted softly, and Ada swayed, catching herself on the wall as he clutched her feet and rose to his full height. Her chin just cleared the bottom sill. Ada pried at the pane where it was raised, nail stubs peeling from the friction.

"Have you ... almost got it?" grunted Aidan, grip tightening on her toes.

"It's stuck!" she hissed back.

"Here, try this."

Ada glanced down in time to see Sam retrieve the pocket knife and toss it up; Ada just barely caught it. Hastily, she freed the blade and rammed it into the crack between the swollen wood. Three tugs and a few muttered curses later, the window was open. Ada pushed it wider with one hand and folded the knife with the other, then dropped it back down.

"Okay, just let me have a quick peek."

Ada leaned through the opening and scanned for red lights, flashlights, really lights of any kind. The hallway below was overflowing with cardboard boxes, some open, some shut. She could just barely make out their shapes in the gloom. Directly beneath the window was clear, and after a quick mental preparation, Ada dragged her torso up and over the lip. Aidan, realising what she was doing, pushed her feet to help her up. She turned, straddling the sill in an awkward slump for a moment so she could peer back down at her friends. Aidan was massaging his right shoulder, but grinned when he caught her eye. Sam was burning with determination, her calculating eyes assessing the height and Ada's movements as though to memorise what to do. Ada gave them a quick thumbs up, then lowered herself to just her fingertips inside. A second later, she let go. Her stomach pushed her heart into her throat as she free fell. Even though she knew how high it was, she still had that moment of terror thinking she might fall forever, or simply crumple when she struck the ground. Instead, her boots hit linoleum and her knees folded to absorb the shock. Ada staggered back a step and then regained herself, flattening her body against the wall to listen. All she heard was the soft crunch of stones from outside.

Just as Ada selected and made for a new shelter, Sam's fingers grasped the sill. She hauled herself over, and as she paused at the top, she scanned for Ada. She smiled and raised a hand, earning a relieved grin in response. Then, Sam lowered herself to her fingertips and dropped, landing catlike in the heart of a deep shadow. She groaned lightly, massaging her ankles for a moment before she rose.

"Are you all right?" Ada asked on a breath, drawing her away from the window. Even through her gloves, the heat of Sam's hands seeped through to her own.

Sam walked into her arms between two stacks of boxes which obscured them in the darkness. "I'm fine. Are we safe here?"

"Seems like it, for the time being."

A moment later gravel crunched outside, and Aidan grunted distantly. His fingers grasped the ledge, shifting a few times for a better grip. They stared, awestruck, as he slowly heaved his weight up and half-over the sill. He met their gazes for a moment as he caught his breath and swiped sweat from his brow. With some squirming and effort, he managed to get one leg through as he dangled at an angle by his fingers. The other soon followed, and at last he landed with a gentle tap.

Radio static and a muffled voice came from Ada's pocket.

"Repeat?" she said into it when she finally fished it out.

"I can't see anything useful from here, what should I do?"

"Hold tight for a minute, there might be an easier way in." Ada gestured for Aidan to watch their backs. "Keep an eye on the guards for now."

"Got it. One heading around the front of the building now."

Ada beckoned for them to follow her toward the north end, stooped and hesitant. Ada felt her way down the hall without light; she didn't want to give them away—cameras would see them long before they saw the cameras. But after she stubbed her toe for the third time, Sam laid a hand on her shoulder.

"Let me lead," she breathed with a smile Ada heard more than saw.

"Huh? Why?"

She tapped her temple. "Low-light vision."

Ada gaped at her as she took point, sandwiching Ada in the middle. This was the first she was hearing of it, but it wasn't the biggest surprise. In fact, it explained a few things. Her clear vision, though, did not cure Ada of her unreasonable nerves. She hated not being in front, especially when it came to her safety; but, admittedly, it made camera spotting significantly easier for her.

The hallway ran the length of the west, north, and east facings, with the south connecting directly to what had been the milking room. There were huge doors on the southern wall to let in the cows. These days, she guessed those doors were used only to move large quantities of fresh product to the barn for processing. The hall itself had only two doors, both toward the northern end, and a set of double doors behind them. It all gave the impression of a cavernous room consuming the vast majority of the facility. The two doors they passed on their way north had crudely spray-painted labels—Cleaners and Packaging.

Around the corner, they saw three things simultaneously: an innocuous fire exit, a door labelled "Cameras" to their right, and a man with his back to them, scrolling through his phone. Even in that brief instant, Ada clearly made out the pistol holstered at his hip. She caught the back of Sam's sweater and drew her back around the corner silently. In doing so, she walked right into Aidan, who hadn't yet seen what they had. He grunted, the man turned.

"Shit," Sam sighed.

Ada pushed past her and counted on Aidan to steady her as Ada's vision tunneled. The man was already scrambling for his gun as she reemerged. Her grip was painful on the weapon she was sporting. Ada locked eyes with him, and she was sure he saw his own demise. Lucky for him, death was not her objective. She drew back her fist. His eyes went wide as he fumbled with the holster release. Her feet ate up the distance.

The snap popped free.

Crack!

Ada's breath came in gasps as she stood over the crumpled figure. Her hand ached something fierce around the metal. Blood dripped from the pointed ears in an uneven rhythm.

"Ada!" Sam hissed, already at her side, hands smoothing her rigid muscles.

"I'm fine. Aidan, give me a hand."

He sighed through his nose as he approached, hand outstretched. Ada was already digging through her bag for a length of rope. She had anticipated this. Well, not this exactly, but a situation which may call for physical restraint. Like she said, she wasn't there to kill anyone.

Still, she couldn't help but grin as she restrained a snicker at Aidan's annoyance, which only worsened at her amusement. It wasn't the fact that he was a fan of ropes that she found amusing, it was both his surely response, and how utterly unsurprising she found the knowledge that tickled her. Not to mention how frequently it came up.

Sam frowned between them as she retrieved the man's discarded flashlight, trying to figure out the interaction. Ada almost said something, but a little red dot caught her attention. Fuck.

The door behind her clicked open. Ada whirled, fist coming up to strike them down. Her bag hit the floor. The man was prepared for it and angled the door to deflect the blow. Just as quickly he was around it and lunging for her. Ada staggered back. She had no time to glance around for support as he grabbed her arm and wrenched.

Then Aidan was there, brows drawn into a critical scowl as with one fluid movement he sent the man sprawling. He massaged the back of his elbow and assessed the unconscious man. He turned to Ada with a half-grin.

"Sure you don't want me with you?"

Ada grinned back. "Thanks, but it's not me you need to convince."

Sam pointed the flashlight at Aidan. "I'm not sitting in a closet staring at a screen."

He rolled his eyes before shielding them. "Fine, fine. Help me get them inside."

Sam and Aidan carried the limp figures into the small, dimly lit room. A desk with three monitors took up an entire wall, leaving just a little floor space to navigate. With all of them inside, it was a tight fit. Sam clicked through the cameras as Aidan continued the knot he had started. Ada watched the other man for signs of recovery. The first had blood trickling from the side of his head. Ada took the sweatshirt off the back of Sam's chair and tied the sleeves around his head to staunch some of the bleeding. When Aidan finished, he propped them up against the wall in the corner. Ada adjusted his head so that the weight was on the wound and hoped for the best. Poor guy would at least have a concussion, possibly worse.

There was no time to feel bad for him, though. Ada did what she had to in the moment to keep them safe. Her fist alone hadn't the power to knock him out.

Ada pulled out her walkie and held down the button. "Head around the north side and see if you can find a decent vantage point through the windows. There's a fire escape and the control room."

"All right."

"Ada?" Sam murmured behind her. "I've counted six more people on the cameras. Also, I don't think they cover very much. Most of them are on where they're growing, see?"

All three monitors were showing angles of the cavernous room she had imagined, but beyond its size, it was nothing like she had pictured. Shelf upon shelf, row upon row of stacked planters with built-in UV lamps casting the room a warm fuchsia. Unlike the cameras in the hallway, night vision was disabled. The UV lamps cast more than enough light to see by. Toward one end was a plastic table, around which four people were playing cards.

"The other two just left, they looked like they were on patrol as well."

"Got it. Shall we?"

"Yes."

"Oh, Aidan, turn your volume back up."

He nodded, retrieving his walkie and fiddling with the small dial. Sam cleared the chair so he could take her place. She took a moment to show him the controls she had figured out before joining Ada by the door. She was busy staring at the unconscious men, both breathing slowly but steadily.

"They'll be all right," she whispered, touching Ada's arm. "We'll make sure they're outside before we abandon this building. Right, Aidan?""

"I'll take care of it, you focus on your task." He didn't look way from the monitors he was clicking through.

"Thank you. "Oh,"—Ada held down the talk button so Noah would hear, too—"if anyone gets in a pickle and you can't use your radio, send a couple of static bursts so we know not to give you away by talking."

"Understood," he radioed back.

Aidan simply held up a thumb over his shoulder. As they went to leave, he added, "Remember, I'm just a buzz away if you need help."

The radio crackled again. "I can't see much from out here, the windows are pretty high. I think I can see a light at the far end of the western hall."

"Thanks. We're heading for the east hall in a moment. Aidan is in place. The door to the camera room is right across from the exit here."

"Got it."

Now that the cameras were under control, they were able to click on their flashlights. Ada took the lead. Knowing Sam was behind her was comforting both because she didn't have to worry about her walking head-first into danger, and because she knew Sam was watching her back. There was indeed a faint light down the hall where they had come from. They moved quickly for the only one remaining.

Ada's plan was to start at the furthest end from Aidan's post and start a fire in two—hopefully—secluded areas before making their way back to light them at this end. They would have an exit right there and woods to fall into should they need somewhere to hide. Then it would be back to the barn to light it up. At least there it would only take one fire. A building of wood that old would burn brilliantly.

The radio was silent as they crept toward the double doors at the end of the long hall. This one was clear of boxes, or obstructions of any kind. Ada's knees and shoulders were sore from all this hunching. She shifted her grip on the knuckles and felt for her lighters with her free hand. Her right was definitely bruised.

Just before the doors Ada slowed and clicked off her light, then turned to Sam and beckoned her close. Ada held her shoulders and put her lips near her ear.

"I have to concentrate to make this work, so I need you to keep an eye out. Get the knife ready before we go in." Ada paused, relishing the closeness for a moment. "Whatever you do, stay safe."

Her cheek brushed Ada's as she turned to kiss her. When she spoke, her lips tickled Ada's own. "I will; don't worry about me, just focus on your task."

Sam smiled up at her, and Ada returned it. Ada would still worry. Until the blazing remains were in the rear-view, she couldn't relax. Ada took a deep breath and squeezed her shoulders before heading for the doors. They parted silently, and Ada opened one only enough to squeeze through. Sam was close behind.

The violet lighting threw her off even though she was expecting it. Her eyes stung from the vibrancy. The room was so long and full of plants Ada could barely see the other end. That, at least, bolstered her. Distant conversation drifted over from their table, casual as anything. They kept low and went to the planters in the nearest corner. These plants were just beginning to flower and the fragrance was all-consuming. Ada fished out one of her lighters and cast a nervous glance around. Sam touched her shoulder as she crouched. Ada drew strength from her smile.

It took three strikes to catch, and each flared her anxiety. Ada was sure someone would see the flame, but Sam was a silent shadow just behind her. Ada would know right away if something was amiss. With great effort, Ada shut her eyes and felt within. For one terrifying moment—or perhaps longer—she felt nothing at all. Ada felt, groped, but nothing responded. Then, as panic bubbled, the air around her pulsed. She heard a soft, surprised gasp and whirled, losing the brief contact.

"Sorry," Sam breathed a moment before raucous laughter echoed across the room. "Startled me."

Ada's next attempt was quicker to find it, and she managed a steady grip. The lighter in her grasp became something she could sense; another finger, for example. She focused on the little flickering flame in her hand. It took time and immeasurable patience to gain control of it. Ada pushed, soft at first, and then with gradual force. When tingling smoothed across her skin leaving goosebumps in its wake, Ada knew she was successful. A brilliant, robust ruby flame greeted her eyes. She touched it to the nearest plant, then scrambled back as it caught with a vengeance.

"Let's move," she hissed as Sam helped her to her feet.

Ada didn't let go of her hand or the imbued lighter as she dragged her for the opposite doors. Her hold on her magic was slipping; Ada held out the flame so it could catch whatever was in reach. Pungent smoke began to sting her eyes.

"Do you smell that? Seriously, am I going crazy?" The dim voices were growing louder, clearer.

The flame flickered out and Ada all but collapsed in the doorway. Sam heaved her upright as Ada, disoriented, staggered behind her up the cluttered hall again. A garbled voice sounded in their pockets. Sam freed her walkie and turned up the volume one-handed. Behind them came panicked shouts.

"What?" Their footfalls were too loud—mostly Ada's.

"Two just ran for the north door; I think they're splitting up."

"Shit." Ada pulled her into the same box shelter as earlier; the cracked open window was directly across from them, a thin trail of smoke drifting out of it.

A flashlight bobbed erratically, the light growing brighter by the second. Ada fought to keep her eyes open at least long enough for them to get outside. Sam moved her arm to Ada's waist as she swayed. She double-pressed the talk button, and they held their breath as the steps drew near ... nearer ... and blazed right past them. Double doors crashed open.

"What the fuck?" someone exclaimed.

"It just fucking cau-"

The door shut again, blocking out their voices.

"Come on, we have to keep moving," Sam hissed in her ear.

Ada did her best to put one foot in front of the other at a semi-quick pace. Sam was the only thing keeping her upright. Ada was a hinderance to their progression. She fished out the radio again.

"Aidan, I need your help. Left from the room. Ada is flagging."

Moments later, a figure appeared at the head of the hall. Ada was too tired to care much that everything was going to shit. She still had at least two more fires to light and felt ready to sleep for the entirety of the upcoming winter. The shouting behind them was growing in panioc. Ada caught something that sounded like, "Why isn't this working?"

Then Aidan was there, and he scooped her up with ease. Ada wanted to protest, but it would have been a waste of precious time. They all knew she would have slowed them down. Besides, she needed her strength.

"Wait," she said as they reached the front door, then squirmed out of his grip. She staggered, but caught herself, then made her way to the folding chairs in the corner. "We need one more."

"Ada, don't push yourself too much. They can't put those out, right? Just give it time." Aidan frowned at her but gave her space.

The walkie crackled. "Where are you guys? What's going on?"

"We're almost there, we're at the exit." Sam kept her walkie near her face.

"Hurry up."

Ada was already crouched and holding an unremarkable flame. It took all her willpower to fuel it even the slightest. Someone murmured her name, but she ignored them. She could do this. She would. Just one little fire, that was all she needed. She pushed harder, desperation growing.

The soap bubble dashed across her skin as it had the first time, and she opened her eyes in time to watch the lighter in her hand erupt with crimson fire. Ada dropped it onto the chair. Flames ate up the polyester cushions and warped the metal frame in moments.

Then she was in the air again and cold, fresh air shocked her alert. Ada peered over Aidan's shoulder, watching thick smoke roil above the glowing building. Foliage rustled around them and she lost sight of the building altogether. A moment later, he set her on her feet, but kept his grip on her elbows.

"Can you stand, or do you need to sit?"

"I'll stand, thanks."

Ada was only on her own for a moment; Sam put her arm around her waist as soon as she swayed. Moments later, Noah emerged from the brush nearby. His frown deepened as he took in her appearance.

"What happened to you?"

"Overexertion." She smiled despite her state.

He shook his head. "Well, looks like most, if not everyone has gone into the main building."

"Good." Ada yawned deeply. "Just one more stop."

Sam squeezed her gently. "Can we just light it up normally?"

"Maybe ... or we could just bring some of this fire over there. We'll have to move fast, though. That stuff ..."

Everyone glanced back at the flickering light filtering through the trees. As before, the flames were spreading steadily across surfaces that shouldn't burn like this.

"We'll need a thick branch," said Aidan, scanning their surroundings.

"Will this work?" Noah heaved a fallen branch out of a thicket and brushed off some dead leaves.

"Can you shorten it?" asked Sam. "I need to be able to sprint with it."

"What?" Ada said in time with the sharp crack of wood. "No, why you?"

She grinned confidently. "Because I'm the fastest on two legs."

"On four, as well," Aidan added, and she beamed back.

Ada didn't protest as she helped her sit and took the proffered stick. "Be careful; just toss it through the door and meet us at the road."

"I'll be back before you know it."

Sam jogged off toward the inferno, leaving them to find their way out. Aidan helped Ada to her feet and offered to carry her again; she declined. Though shaky, she could stand on her own.

Panicked voices were fleeing the scene. Ada heard one clearly shout to untie someone, and Ada suddenly remembered their prisoners.

"Aidan, are those two still inside?"

"No." He glanced over to where the voices were, barely slowing his stride. "I dragged them out when you lit the first fire, to be safe."

Ada was relieved and picked up her pace. Like the guards, she, too, wanted to be away before the authorities arrived. They jogged down the slight decline, angled toward the spot they had cut their way through for entry. Ada nearly fell a few times in the thick grass.

Behind them, the barn ignited brilliantly. Flames licked up the dry wooden structure. In moments, it was burning as bright as the first. Sam's dark figure approached swiftly; her arms were wrapped around something bulky.

"Made it," she gasped, grinning from ear to ear.

"What is that?"

Her grin grew sheepish. "A brick of pot."—Ada gaped at her—"What? It was just going to go to waste, and it was right there."

Ada turned so she could stow it in her bag, torn between annoyance at her carelessness and amusement. Noah was antsy, gazing up and down the dark, empty road. The voices were long gone. There was only the sound of their own shoes on the dirt road and the crackling destruction behind them.