I normally don't do author's notes before chapters, but I just wanted to thank you all.

Yesterday, when I checked Wattpad, this story had 545 reads.

Today, it had 717.

We are #9 in adventure!

How, I have no idea. After publishing chapter 25, I started getting a bunch of notifications from people commenting, voting, or adding this story to their list. (Of course, this meant follower sprees! If I forgot one or two of you, please let me know!) 

So, one big thank you to all my fabulous readers! 

Ok, I'll let you read now....

~Natalia (Yes, name reveal!)

"We have a lot of support from the Echoes and Forseers," Iris informed them. "Taylor and Jerik were like brothers to them."

"We'll have to do this in secrecy. Is the note in place?" Liana asked, her voice hushed.

Kian nodded. "I left it in the field near Black Hawk Bay. It's gone now."

"Very well. Then everything is set for tonight." Liana closed her eyes. "I'm going to talk with Jerik now, okay?"

They all shivered- like they had when she told them about Jerik's telepathic abilities.

Can you hear me?

She called a couple more times before finally getting a response.

Are you okay? What's the plan?

We're exchanging you and Taylor for Blackthorne.

What? He's too valuable.

She glanced over at her friends, who all gave her questioning looks. It's an act. We'll have snipers in the trees to take them out once we have you guys.

A strange echo sounded in her head, like a snort. You're doing something exceptionally dangerous. Exceptionally stupid. And exceptionally risky.

That's me!
This is not a joke, Liana. Jerik's voice sounded louder than before. I'm guessing you're going against Demitri?

It's for the better. The Bluebloods need you. And... I need Taylor.

He talks about you a lot.

She felt a warm blush rise in her cheeks, but tried to stay on topic. Will you be ready? You have to argue with me. Make it seem convincing.

He hesitated for a couple seconds, but it felt like eons. I'll be ready.

Liana severed the link, turning towards her friends. "He's ready. He's going to pretend to not know about this."

The others nodded, and an awkward silence hung over them all. They had to be in the field by midnight, and everyone was anxious. She wasn't sure how long she could wait before going crazy.

God, I wish Taylor was here.

The tiniest whisper startled her. You do miss me!

"What's going on?" Iris asked, but Liana put her hand up.

"SHH!"

Taylor! Don't scare me like that!

Jerik thought you would want to talk to me.

He was right. She stifled a laugh.

Don't get in trouble with Demitri, okay? The man's bad news.

You're worried about me? You're the one in danger of getting executed! The phrase was supposed to be lighthearted, but it came out all wrong.

Well, I'm rather attached to my head, so you better come soon.

I'm coming. Until then, try not to die.

You're just a ray of sunshine, you know that?

Liana rolled her eyes. Just shut up and don't do anything stupid.

Aww, I miss you too.

In a heartbeat, he was gone.

"You're smiling like an idiot," Kian finally said.

She rolled her eyes. "I am not."

"Were you talking with Taylor?" Charlie questioned as Kian made kissy faces behind her back.

Liana nodded. "Seems like everything's set for tonight."

Iris inhaled quickly, and Travis placed a hand on her shoulder, whispering into her ear.

"Time to do something exceptionally dangerous, exceptionally stupid, and exceptionally risky."