Part 1The Replacement Rule

On the day my family gathered to celebrate my eighteenth birthday, my phone buzzed with a series of bizarre text messages.

"Darling, you are not human. Please be careful not to reveal your identity."

"In a world overrun by humans, you must survive."

* * *

My hand froze, hovering over the birthday cake. A smudge of frosting smeared onto my phone screen.

My mom, sitting right next to me, noticed. She poked my forehead gently. "You're eighteen now, Chloe. Still so messy..."

Her voice trailed off. Her finger lingered on my forehead a second too long.

I don't know why, but a primal instinct kicked in. I locked my phone screen instantly before she could lean in.

Mom looked a little hurt, but she recovered quickly with a smile. "My baby's all grown up. Keeping secrets now."

She shifted her gaze across the table to my cousin, Tyler. "Why is everyone looking at their phones today?"

I felt a pang of guilt. How could I doubt my own family over a spam text?

Maybe it was post-exam stress. I had just finished my SATs, and my brain was fried. For a split second, I actually believed the text.

It had to be a prank.

Some senior prank, maybe? "You're not human"? Please. Why not tell me I’m the heir to the throne of Genovia while you're at it?

I definitely didn't buy it.

I glanced at Tyler. He was only a few hours younger than me, practically my twin. Was he the one messing with me?

Just as I was about to check the sender ID, another message popped up.

"MEMORIZE THIS. Humans use the following methods to identify Mimics. We use these rules to blend in."

"1. Before the age of eighteen, Mimics and Humans are indistinguishable." "2. Humans do not possess special abilities. Mimics awaken an ability after turning eighteen." "3. The Golden Rule of the Costco Food Court: The hot dog and soda combo is always $1.50." "4. Humans vastly outnumber Mimics. This is not our world. Remember this." "5. If a Human suspects you, clear your name immediately. Or you will die." "6. Not all Humans know Mimics exist. Use this ignorance to hide."