Contents
Chapter Nineteen
Overview
A sudden blackout forces Holland and Gabe to flee, with Gabe revealing an ability to open and start things by touch. No one pursues, leading Gabe to suspect they were allowed to escape. At a stolen beach house, he insists Holland is the key to the Alchemical Heart, and she admits hiding much.
Summary
Holland spots a car blocking the driveway, and Gabe yanks her toward the back as the entire street goes dark. He won’t explain who is outside, insisting they flee through the yard and over a fence. Pain from something hidden in January’s sneaker slows Holland, but Gabe keeps hold of her and pushes for a car.
They pass an old VW Bug and instead approach a sleek sports car that unlocks and starts at Gabe’s touch. On the drive, Holland presses about his “magic.” Gabe rejects the word and says it’s rude to ask about abilities. Checking the mirror, he finds no pursuit and suspects their escape was allowed, then turns suspicion on Holland and demands what she’s hiding.
Gabe parks at a foggy coastal neighborhood and opens a beach house just by touching the handle. Inside, the cheery decor contrasts with Gabe’s bloodied suit and rising tension. He says everyone now believes Holland is key to the Alchemical Heart and that they could die here if they don’t learn why.
Confronted, Holland finally confesses she’s been keeping a lot to herself, setting the stage for revelations about why pursuers might have let them go and what makes her valuable.
Who Appears
- HollandProtagonist; flees a blackout ambush with Gabe, notes his unusual ability, and admits she’s been hiding information.
- GabeProtector with an ability to open/start things by touch; engineers their escape, suspects a setup, presses Holland for her secret.