Chapter 63

As the train pulls around the curve into the station, I take in the gleaming terra-cotta bricks on the domed ceiling of the tunnel. Soft yellow light streams down from the stained-glass skylights and brass chandeliers, illuminating the passage like a vintage filter might. We come to a halt right in front of an arched stairwell leading up. The plaque proclaims this gorgeous place as City Hall.

The doors of our train creak open, and Ava, Zelda, and I exchange befuddled glances. What does it mean that the station is completely deserted? Have we been sent to a whimsical afterlife—forever fated to wander picturesque tunnels in the belly of the Earth?

The conductor blows a whistle. “This is the termination of your journey. Please watch your step as you exit the train.”

Termination Train.

The gap between the platform and us looms unnervingly wide and steep. But we all three join hands and take the daring leap.

When we hit the smooth surface of the landing, a muffled meow rumbles my backpack. I unzip my bag, and Sprite comes tumbling out.

“Silly kitty,” I scold. “Cathy will miss you.”

Sprite rubs against my legs, furring up my jeans in the process—and who knows how long I’ll have to wear these. She stands on her hind legs and paws at my knees for me to pick her up. “Fine. I’m glad you’re here, okay?”

She purrs when I cradle her against my chest. Zelda scratches her behind the ears with a silly grin on her face.

The train pulls away, and we stand and listen until the last echoes of its departure have faded.

“So what do we do now?” Ava asks.

“We climb out into the unknown and see where life takes us,” I say, sounding more confident than I actually feel.

Zelda bounces on her heels. “I’m ready!”

A figure stands at the top of the stairs, in shadow, but when he descends toward us, I recognize Finn’s wavy hair and pinstripes. His eyebrows rise when he sees it’s me without Nebraska, but he bounds over with a huge smile.

“Riley! You finally made it!”

“Is this Reader World?” I ask, all my hopes knotted in my throat.

Finn’s grin widens. “Welcome to New York City.”