I would've expected those words to have a huge impact, for it to be a solemn moment between Adrian and I. But it wasn't--not even close.

I think a part of me knew that no matter what, this was going to happen. That we would meet again.

Adrian just nodded, his face not betraying any of his emotions. I imagined he was feeling like I was--as if this could get us into unimaginable trouble. The fear blanketed us, the consequences of our thoughtless actions finally sinking into us. Banishment was just the beginning of all the things that could happen. We could be Incarcerated, shunned, imprisoned in the cells, hidden from all humanity. It was said that the Incarcerated went mad in those cells, all their contact cut off from the world. Just four white walls and their mind. There were rumors people killed themselves in there, preferring the blank silence to their crazed mind--a product of their guilt, of their remorse. 

I didn't want that to happen--to live in those cells, trapped forever in my mind. I didn't want Banishment either, that was equivalent to death; another fate I didn't want. 

We weren't supposed to do any of this. But it was already too late and we couldn't back out now. All that was left was to wait for my Initiation and then try to access those files again.  

As if he could read my thoughts Adrian said, "We should head home now. See you soon!" 

Trying to calm my hyper heart, I walked out of the White house, going back to the fun park for my Hover. I needed to come up with an excuse. Just in case someone at home noticed me and my Hover missing or for Mr Carteline. 

With a sigh, I guided my Hover to the landing pad of our apartment complex, observing the night sky casting the city into a silhouetted glow. I felt the cool wind on my cheek and pulled my hoodie tighter around my body. The sun was starting to peek out around the horizon, lighting the glass buildings and skyscrapers in an ethereal and heavenly glow. 

It was a beautiful sight--one I loved to stare at most mornings. I woke up early, sipping tea on the balcony of my room, marveling at the beauty of the sunshine hitting the glass of the buildings, reflecting into a beautiful glow. I loved to observe the sun rising, lighting up the whole city. It looked like the sun was peeling of the layers of darkness the night sky cast it into, driving away the night. Like the Oracles had done to the the horrible world that existed before Asticus, where they protected us, gave our ancestors a refuge in the war. 

I sat there, on the edge of the hoverpad, watching the sunrise until my alarm clock started beeping. Exhausted, I swung my legs off the pad, slowly lowering my whole body so I was hanging off the railing. Cautiously, I clung to the railing with my arms, feeling with my feet for the ledge above my window. 

Finally, my feet lowered on to the ledge and I lowered myself into a crouch on it. I allowed myself a moment to prepare for the next step, gripping the edge tightly. 

Taking a deep breath, I used my arms to propel my body and swung into my from the open window. 

This was a routine I'd done many times, something that had almost become second nature to me. We'd even gotten the ledge specially installed so that I could safely climb to the hoverpads when my nightly thinking sessions didn't let me sleep. 

With a smile on my face, I opened the door of my bedroom, freshening up as if I'd just woken. 

Alexa was already in the kitchen, making a pot of coffee for us. I took out a cup from the cabinet and poured myself some, hugging her before sitting at the counter and reviewing my schedule for the day. 

I collected my stuff, pulling out my digital key for the Hover. 

"Remind Daniel he's coming over with his parents for dinner tonight." 

"Of course Lexi, how could I forget?" I smiled at my older sister, knowing her devotion for Daniel--they were truly the prime example Partners are supposed to be. 

It's then that my parents chose to woke up. 

I groaned, I'd been hoping to get to the White House early for some extra credit, but it would never happen now. 

"How's everything going in the White House?" Dad asked, taking out some ice cubes from the fridge.

"Good," I replied, "but you know I can't give you any details; it's all confidential." 

"Oh I know dear. It can't hurt to ask." 

I observed him, noticing the bags under his red rimmed eyes. Turning to mom, I raised my eyebrows, asking her why she'd let him stay up again. She shrugged, mouthing 'I tried.' 

I turned to Lexi, gesturing at her to say something. 

"You stayed up all night again, didn't you?" 

"You really should sleep at night." I pitched in. 

"I told you not to overwork, Rob." 

He turned to all of us, his eyes twinkling, "What is this? An ambush on my sleeping habits?" 

"We're just pointing it out because I don't think you noticed that you stay up working every alternate night."

He looked at all of us, disbelief in his eyes. 

"You can't pull that card on me. You weren't home all last night Ava!" 

"But unlike you, not sleeping doesn't hurt me!" 

Mom gave the both of us a disapproving look. 

"You are both going to sleep on time from today. I'm personally making sure of that and if I catch either of you working, not even the Oracles can save you. Do I make myself clear or will I have to put you both on a curfew like kids?" 

I sighed. It was best I went along with this, at least they thought I was working. 

"Okay. But I've got to go now. Bye, love you!" 

I waved at them before heading out, guiding my Hover to the White House's hover pad. I headed to Daniel's office, sitting on the other side of the desk. 

"Lexi wanted you to remind me, didn't she?" 

I didn't bother responding, rolling my eyes instead. He knew he was right and he laughed, the deep sound echoing in the tiny office. How they read each others' minds every single time was beyond me. And although it was adorable at first, we'd all gotten used to it. 

I took out my HoloStick, logging in for the day. It's when I was going through the schedule that a new message popped up on the virtual tab. 

It was a summons, some senior Controller wanted to meet me. Curious about who it was, I looked at the notification, sliding it to transfer it to the main screen. When I saw who it was, I sucked in a sharp breath, reading the words again just to be sure. 

'Mr. Carteline requests your presence in his office.'