Interference: Book One

by A. F. Presson

  “I wish I’d known you were here. If nothing other than a wink now and then, well, it might have changed things for me.” I admitted.

  “I’m so sorry, baby girl. You and I have lost so much. Family, friends, love . . .”

  “She’ll pay, Dad. I need you to know that she’ll pay for what she’s done.”

  “I believe you, Mercy.”

  We sat between the filthy brick buildings, relishing the time we’d never get again. My life was so different from what I thought. Leaving school, hopeless and alone, to arrive at a home I didn’t belong—but all of those years, love surrounded me. Love watched over me and protected me. I just didn’t know it.

  The buildings moved inward, threatening to crush us. I placed my feet against the brick wall in front of me and pushed as hard as possible. My father never budged as the walls enclosed. I reached forward, gripping his hand, not wanting to let him go.

  When I knew my time had run out, I whispered, “I love you.” Then, I fell through the dirty concrete and hit hard dirt.

  As I struggled to stand, the hair on my arms stood up. I listened carefully, attempting to detect which direction the threat would come from, but they were all around me.

  Massive black beasts, with coarse hair and long teeth, growled fiercely from all sides. Beluas. Hillie warned me about them—the same creatures that graced my nightmares. In my dreams, the fire protected me. I fought fiercely for my elemental source but conjured nothing. There was something magical about the place, and my power didn’t exist there. That’s when I knew it had to be another test.

  Low to the ground, they inched toward me. Growling and slobbering uncontrollably, they craved and hungered for blood. Two on my left were on edge to the point of attacking each other, blood lust taking over all reason. As one sneaked up close, almost catching my leg with its sharp fang, another belua tore its neck out with strong jaws, territorial and starving. I saw a small opening to the right, between two trees, and I did the only thing I could think of. I ran.

  My legs pushed harder than ever through the thick forest. I could hear the clomp of hooves, and somehow I knew they enjoyed the chase—the thrill. Jumping wide roots and dodging low-hanging vines, I made my way toward . . . where? I had to think of a plan but couldn’t get my bearings while running. Snarling and nipping drowned out everything else as I approached the edge of a rocky cliff. If my only two options were jumping or being dinner for beluas, I’d jump in a heartbeat. Rushing water slammed against rocks and pulled my attention to the edge of the cliff where a waterfall poured into the river.

  That was my only chance. I forced my legs to run faster, needing the speed to make the jump. If I didn’t get distance, I’d end up too shallow and break my neck. Just as my feet left the ground, a sharp bite of pain swiped my leg as a belua gave one last-ditch effort before falling down the cliff after me. Jumping toward the water, I heard the hard crunch of bone as the beast tumbled against the rocks below.

  Cold water swallowed my weak body and pulled me downstream. It felt as though the current had a hold of my feet, pulling me further into the water’s dark depths. A tingle of magic burned in my chest, and I pulled from my source, begging it to awaken. All at once, I broke through the surface, gasping for air. Controlling the current, I pleaded with the water to direct me, and before I knew it, I landed on the side of the bank, alive.

  Coughing up water, I collapsed on my back to catch my breath. The blue of the sky was vibrant, as if hand-painted, and a memory pulled at my mind. Then, I recalled the picture I’d found of Fitz and my father—the sky was the same shade of blue. Seregalo.

  Clear, crisp water ran over smooth stones, and the fluffiest white clouds I’d ever seen were painted against a turquoise blue sky. Not a dead tree or wilted flower in sight. Perfection.

  I had no way of knowing how long I’d been in Stonedell, or if the others made it through. Waiting for them seemed pointless—so I walked. Worn paths throughout the trees made it easy to maneuver. Keeping my senses sharp, I sat every hour to meditate and center myself to my surroundings. Birds sang, frogs croaked, and squirrels jumped from tree to tree. I couldn’t pick up on anything else in the area.

  Another mile or two, the trees opened up to a clearing with stone cottages in the distance, exactly like the ones from Fitz’s picture. It amazed me how Seregalo looked like Ireland, with a filter. The countryside was similar but flawless and vibrant. I took one step outside the tree line, and a knife appeared in front of my throat, freezing me in my tracks. So much for staying focused.

  “I’d advise you not to move,” a deep voice rumbled.

  “And I’d advise you to take the blade from my neck,” I replied.

  He chuckled lightly, amused by my boldness. The knife pressed into my skin in warning, and I decided I’d had enough. A girl could only take so much in one day. Using the energy around me, I forced him on his back and took the feeling from his limbs. As if that isn’t embarrassing enough, he yelled for help.

  “Seriously, Caleb. You scream like a girl. Shut your face before someone hears you,” another masculine voice called out.

  “I can’t see, you ass goblin. Don’t let her kill me. This would be a humiliating way to die,” Caleb cried.

  “I’d let her do anything she wanted to me.”

  “Are you two finished?” I asked.

  “You must be Mercy. I’m sorry about my brother. He bet my dad he could take you. I’m Colton.”

  My breath left my body, and tears filled my eyes. “You’re Caleb and Colton.”

  “Um, yeah. We just told you that.” Caleb rolled his eyes as if I were slow.

  “You’re Neela’s brothers,” I exclaimed. “Where is she?”

  Colton shook his head. “We don’t know.”

  . . .

  Caleb and Colton led me back to their cottage, and Ren waited at the door.

  He bolted forward, wrapping me in his arms. “What happened to you? I’ve made myself sick worrying the past few days.”

  “Days? It’s been days?”

  “Yes. I almost left thinking you guys never made it. The Parker’s convinced me to give you more time,” Ren explained.

  “I’m guessing you haven’t heard from Drake, either?” I asked.

  “Nothing,” he said. “What happened?”

  “I honestly don’t know. I went through several trials, but it only felt like hours.” My time with my parents was private. I wasn’t ready to share that.

  “Interesting. I wondered how detailed Stonedell would be with someone as powerful as you.” A deep voice sounded. A tall, intimidating man stepped forward, studying me. “I’m Joseph Parker, Neela’s father.”

  Mr. Parker, a large, wide-shouldered man, with dark eyes that could see straight into your soul stood in front of me. I took a step back at his intensity.

  A high-pitched voice, laced with authority rang out. “For heaven’s sake, get out of the doorway. The poor girl looks as though she’s been through hell.”

  We all moved into the cottage, and a petite woman with smooth dark skin, who reminded me of Neela, led me to a dining table. “Sit, sit. I’ll get you something to eat. I’m Naomi.”

  “Thank you. It’s nice to meet you.” Everyone sat down staring at me, the silence awkward and tense.

  “When’s the last time you saw everyone else, Mercy?” Mr. Parker asked.

  “The entrance at Stonedell. After Ren made it through, Neela entered, and I followed her. Do you have any idea where they could be?”

  Mr. Parker sighed. “There are a few drop spots after people enter Seregalo, depending on the trials they went through. It’s not something you can predict. Some are in the trials longer than others.”

  Mrs. Parker sat a plate on the table with fruit, bread, and cheese. “Eat, Mercy. You need your strength.”

  I stared at the food, but I couldn’t force myself to pick it up. “I need to find Drake and Neela. We’ve already lost Nora—I won’t lose them too.” I met Mr. Parker’s eyes. />
  “They’re smart, Mercy. I wouldn’t worry too much. They could be headed toward the domicile to find you.”

  “What’s the best way to get there?”

  “You’re sure you want to do this?” Mr. Parker asked.

  I nodded. “I’m sure.”

  “It won’t be easy. Custos guard the Seregalo domicile, and Aadya has forced the Elders from their homes to live under her ruling. She likes to keep an eye on them.”

  Of course she does, I thought. “I never expected it to be easy, but there has to be a way.” Mr. Parker contemplated my answer. I could almost see his wheels turning as he considered all of my options.

  “How long can you swim underwater?” he asked.

  “However long it takes.” I answered.

  “The main channel that washed you up runs behind the domicile. To get past security successfully, you’d have to swim at least a quarter of a mile.”

  “Done.” I forced myself to pick up an apple slice and take a bite.

  His eyes widened in surprise at my boldness. “Done?”

  “Yes. It’s not a problem,” I said.

  “Alright. We’ll get you to the river—as close as possible. The rest is up to you.”

  “Do you think I should give Drake and Neela a chance to find us?” I asked.

  “No, we’ve been searching since Ren arrived. Not a sign of them anywhere,” said Mr. Parker. “I’m afraid we can’t wait. Aadya could pick up on your presence at any time. If you’re hell bent on walking into the fire—then it has to be now.”

  “We’re coming.” Caleb and Colton spoke up from across the table. “Our sister is out there. You can’t expect us to sit around and do nothing.”

  Naomi’s eyes filled with tears. “I can’t lose another child, Colton. My heart can’t take it.”

  “You haven’t lost any of us, Mom. Neela is still out there, I know it,” Caleb told her.

  “I’m not sure I can disguise all of us. I’ve never attempted to use my sensory on more than one person,” I admitted.

  “I can disguise them as Custos easily,” Mr. Parker spoke up.

  Naomi looked over at her husband with disbelief in her troubled eyes.

  “We can’t bubble wrap them forever, dear. Our youngest is out there right now, working toward a better tomorrow,” Mr. Parker said. “It’s going to take all of us.”

  “We’ll need to get Mercy as close as possible. The only way to do that is through the market, to the river bank behind the Elder’s abandoned homes,” Colton said.

  “I agree. They won’t question a couple of Custos walking through, but they’ll interrogate a strange woman.” Mr. Parker continued, “Unfortunately, that’s the Seregalo that Aadya has created.”

  I remembered Drake’s sensory instruction—I had to visualize what I wanted them to see. “I don’t think I could keep a disguise up for long. If someone stops me, I might be able to change their view, if it’s only for a few minutes.”

  “I say we dress her as a Custos along with Colton. If someone stops her, she can use it if she has to. Caleb, you follow, but not too close. Over two will look suspicious.”

  I would have never been able to do this without them. “Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, for everything.”

  “For heaven’s sake, call us Joseph and Naomi.” Joseph smiled.

  19

  ⥈

  I sat in front of a mirror, my mind a million miles away while Naomi braided my hair. Drake and Neela’s absence weighed heavily on my heart. I fought against the need to find them, knowing Mr. Parker was right. It was now or never.

  She raised the hood of the black cloak over my head. If I had to use my gift, I’d only have to alter my face. Colton stood well over six feet tall, and I hoped the size difference wouldn’t be too noticeable walking through town.

  Joseph worked on our disguises, but insisted I rest. Color returned to my cheeks after eating. I had to admit—he was right. I already felt way better than I did on arrival.

  “Evening will be best. Several shops are closing up for the day. That will be the safest time for you to travel, then you can swim at night,” Naomi explained.

  Caleb and Colton walked into the room, dressed in the same cloak, only gray.

  “Out of curiosity, why do some wear gray and some wear black?”

  “Rank. Gray is for the more experienced or powerful guards.”

  My eyebrow raised at his remark and I looked down at the black cloak around my shoulders. Colton grinned.

  “Is there anything I need to know about being a Custos? How they act or what they’re allowed to do?” I asked.

  “Not really. They throw around more power than they have, but the safest bet is for you to keep your head down. They’ll assume you’re new in the position,” Colton answered.

  “Alright, let’s do this.” Adrenaline flowed through me as my magic hummed in the air around us. Reaching out to sense my surroundings while shielding my own mind would be the only way to get inside. I had to stay focused.

  “Colton and Caleb will see you to the river safely, then it’s up to you. The river behind the domicile is spelled. If you come up for air, it’ll trigger security. You’ve got to swim past the domicile to at least the dock. That’s where the spell ends.” Joseph explained.

  “How do you know the spell hasn’t changed?” I asked.

  “Because the Elder that put the spell in place is a close acquaintance, but his assistance only goes so far, due to his allegiance. He isn’t too happy about being forced from his home.”

  Naomi spoke up, “Plus, changing a spell is difficult. To place one, an Elder representing each gift comes together with a common goal for the good of Seregalo. Otherwise, it won’t work. From my understanding, there isn’t much to agree on these days inside those walls.”

  Ren sat across the room, his brow furrowed, and his knee bouncing.

  “Can you guys give us a minute?” I asked.

  The Parkers filed out the door to give us privacy.

  “What’s up?” I asked.

  “What?” he asked. “I mean, I don’t understand why you’d think something’s up. Besides the fact we’re in freaking Seregalo, disguised so we don’t get killed and you’re planning on walking into the lion’s den. Sounds perfectly safe.” Rage had built up until he exploded. “Apparently, I’m the sane one!” He screamed.

  “Ren, please calm down. I know this is a lot to take in, but I’m nervous too.”

  “Are you? Because you don’t look nervous at all. You look thrilled—excited, even. Does the anticipation of death do something for you, Mercy?”

  “How dare you? I never said you had to come! You knew I came here to confront Aadya, so don’t blame me if you’re a coward! Do you think I should continue letting her wreck the lives of people I care about? So she can continue to rule?”

  “Why not? We can escape, far away from here. Let her believe you’re dead! She wouldn’t be killing people if you weren’t alive, Mercy. Maybe you’re making it worse!”

  Ren’s words sliced through my heart like a knife. I knew my existence had been the catalyst for all the destruction. Does that mean I should let her get away with it? My family escaped Seregalo before I was born, and that alone told me what kind of leader Aadya had been to the Regalians. No. I had to take a stand.

  “I can see it in your eyes,” Ren said. “The need to prove yourself, the fear of failure.”

  My expression never wavered. “Then you don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “Really?” Ren shook his head, annoyed.

  I stepped forward. “Yes. Maybe if you were in my shoes, you’d see it differently.”

  “You mean, maybe if I had multiple gifts? Is that what you’re referring to? I’m sorry I’m not all-powerful, and I only hold one gift. I guess some of us are just mediocre, right? Maybe if I were more like Drake, things would be different.”

  I threw my hands up, exasperated. “Is that what this is about? Drake?”

&n
bsp; “I saw both of you—did you know that?” he asked. “Down by the creek, him stripping you bare. It should have been me. You were matched to me, not him.”

  “You watched us?” I asked, appalled. “What I did with Drake is none of your business, and I’m sure he’ll feel the same way!”

  “Don’t threaten me with your boyfriend,” he growled. “You know what? I’m done. I can’t believe I followed you into this disaster like some lovesick puppy. Good luck surviving, Mercy.” Ren stomped out of the room, and the slamming of the cottage door echoed throughout the house.

  He left me. I couldn’t believe he actually left me.

  The bedroom door opened halfway, and Naomi leaned against the doorframe with sympathetic eyes. “Better he leaves now, instead of abandoning you down the road. You need to know who you can count on.”

  I sat in the chair Ren had occupied minutes before. “You’re right, but the truth doesn’t make it any easier on my heart.”

  “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked.

  “No, I want to put it out of my mind and focus. Thank you for offering.”

  Caleb yelled from the kitchen, “Do you want to talk about the creek? Because I’m here for you.”

  After everything that happened, a small smile broke through my despair. I shook my head at Naomi. “How do you do it every day?”

  “I meditate a lot,” she replied.

  . . .

  Colton and I walked toward the market, him oozing confidence and attitude, me with my head down, refusing to make eye contact. Hopefully, they’d never look past him when they saw the sneer he sported.

  “We’re going to have to make a few stops to blend in,” he told me. I had to admit, I was curious. What type of shops did they have in a world created for gifted individuals?

  Cobblestone streets lay out before me, and the buildings were a combination of stone, brick, and stucco. Everything was pristine, not a piece of trash in sight. Brooms swept the sidewalks by themselves, and one man stood in the street, his graceful hands orchestrating them. The turquoise sky took on an orange hue from the sunset, and a light breeze blew down the streets.