Awakening Earth and Fire: Earth and Fire Trilogy Book 1

by Jacqueline Edie

  And yet, as I watched him move into the line next to Glen Briars and Lark, I realized I was also happy for him. And…forgave him. Because if the situation had been reversed, if instead of him and Terra it had been Mason who I had the chance to see again, would I have acted any differently? I’d never know. Regardless, the truth was that after we left today, I would most likely never see him again. And that thought alone was just too crushing for me to be able to process yet.

  River called several more trainees forward, announcing their Divisions, but none whom I’d known very well. Then the next name was announced.

  “Cinder!” A pause, then in a rougher voice, “Proletariat.”

  A quiet murmur spread through the group. I watched as his platinum blonde head moved through the trainees, making his way to Teal Rayburn. Cinder was the first person from the Fire trainees to enter Proletariat. I wondered if Cayenne, the girl he always seemed to be around, would be there as well. I didn’t have to wonder long, though.

  “Cayenne. Combatant!” Moving forward, she made her way to the front, passing by me as she went. Her eyes met mine briefly, but for once there wasn’t menace in them. There was only pain, a deep profound sadness, the source of it I knew now standing distantly away in the Proletariat line.

  River continued announcing names, the trainees separating into each of the different Divisions. Several more entered Proletariat, including a couple of girls from Fire Society.

  “Ahem,” River cleared his throat, preparing to announce the next name.

  “Cirrus!”

  I could feel Aurora stiffen as she held her breath.

  “Regent!” River announced loudly.

  ✽✽✽

  Immediately, Aurora crumpled and I gripped an arm around her shoulder, clutching her to my side. As much pain as I was in about Rowan, it was nothing compared to what she was going through. A quiet sob racked through her body as Cirrus moved forward, joining Rowan in line.

  But as he stood there, I watched Cirrus gaze around, as if trying to find someone. Searching. Until his eyes came to a stop on the person standing directly beside me.

  The small gasp that followed meant she’d seen him too. The pain in his eyes was evident as he held onto hers. Aurora was still; only her fingers moved as they trembled against my side.

  “Aurora!”

  Not now. Anyone but her. Not right now.

  We both inhaled and she closed her eyes, gripping my hand tightly as we waited for the announcement. The seconds crept on. Waiting. Waiting. And then…

  “Combatant!”

  The pressure on my hand tightened as she opened her eyes, those bright green orbs appearing huge in her pixie face as she stared into my own for a brief moment before pulling me into a tight hug. “Please, please be in Combatant,” she pleaded into my ear, and I increased my grip on her.

  “Aurora.” River repeated.

  “I will. I will be,” I whispered back to her. Please let me be. “But even if I’m not, go to Coal. He’ll surely be in Combatant; there is no question. He’ll be your friend there, okay? He’ll protect you from the others if you ever need it.” I clutched onto her harder as she nodded into my shoulder and cast my eyes over to Coal. He watched the both of us closely, then shot a brief nod of understanding in my direction.

  “Ms. Averly! Get in line! Now!” River’s words were harsh, but his eyes were unreadable as he watched us disentangle from one another and Aurora shuffled into the Combatant line, instantly swallowed up by the enormous Fire Society trainees surrounding her.

  Several more names were called. Misty, the blonde-haired girl who’d been Raven’s friend, entered Proletariat along with Ivy and Coral and Raine and a few of the others I’d seen them around. And Finn was chosen for Combatant. The look of relief that spread across Aurora’s face as he moved up next to her made me feel better. Up until this point, the only members chosen to be part of Combatant, besides her, were originally from Fire Society.

  River continued calling names, with a substantial portion of them being for Proletariat. As I watched the groups in front of each leader grow, Proletariat became larger and larger. I supposed it made sense. Most of the people who left for the Training did end up returning. Fear started to creep its way around inside me and I wondered if my chances of getting into Combatant were truly as good as Coal believed.

  Serafina’s name was called next. Her and Rowan locked eyes.

  “Regent!” River announced loudly.

  Immediately, a hiss of disapproval shot out from some of those from Fire Society. But she paid them no attention, walking right over to Rowan, smiling at him brightly.

  “Coal!”

  I swallowed nervously as his gaze swept over, meeting my own.

  “Combatant!” If there was a hiss of disapproval for Serafina, then there was a murmur of relief for Coal, mainly coming from Blaze and his group. But like Serafina, he paid no attention, instead just looking back as he gave me a quick, reassuring nod. But the fear pulsing inside still made my heart beat quicker with every passing second.

  There were only several people remaining now. A boy and girl I’d seen hanging around Ivy during our time here, a girl from Water Society, Ember, and myself.

  “Sage!” called River.

  This was it. This was really it. I looked at Aurora’s, Finn’s, and Coal’s faces, each in turn. I couldn’t imagine going into one of the other Divisions and never seeing them again. My friends. My actual friends.

  Moving my gaze back towards River, I clasped my hands nervously in front of me, waiting for him to announce the decision. He lowered his eyes onto mine, those brown irises watching me so intently. Almost…almost as if he were trying to tell me something through them. I stared back uncomprehending.

  A brief shake of his head and the intense focus was gone as he looked at me now, the same as any other trainee. His mouth opened, and I tensed, waiting for the single word that would determine the course of my future.

  “Combatant!”

  Chapter 37

  Letting loose a sigh of relief, I moved over to the Combatant line, inserting myself in between Coal and Aurora. The rest of the announcements were a blur. The only thing I remembered was Ember being chosen for Combatant as well.

  An hour later I was in my room, packing up the few belongings I’d brought with me, tucking them into the worn leather bag. Finishing that, I turned to the armoire.

  Opening its large oak doors, I found my green dress folded on the top shelf. It was difficult to think it had only been four weeks ago when I peeled it off and placed it there. Lifting it closer, I inhaled deeply, trying to absorb any scent of home that remained.

  But there was none. There was no smell of the woodsy trees or the freshly turned soil. No smell of the dirt path I traipsed through or the moist leaves that fell on me, clinging to my boots as I made my way through the forest. It just smelled like clean laundry.

  Someone had washed it.

  Removing the gray duster along with the black fitted shirt and pants, I realized with a pang that I wouldn’t wear them anymore. That these were no longer my clothes. Eventually, another newly turned Seventeen, a new trainee, would be settling into my room here. Only it wouldn’t be mine anymore. It would be hers.

  Amazing how in only four weeks, I’d come to think of it as my own.

  With my back towards the mirror, I slipped the dress over my head. But before pulling on my boots, I quickly tugged on a pair of black leggings as well. The weather was turning so cold now and I didn’t think the trainers would mind if I took one pair. Lacing up the scuffed brown boots, I pulled my old, black sweater over my shoulders, then shoved my scarf and hat into the leather bag and swung it onto my shoulder. With one last look, I closed the door behind me.

  Closed one chapter of my life. And opened the next.

  ✽✽✽

  I entered the arena once again, pausing for a moment to take in the picture before me.

  Several of those chosen for Combatant were already the
re, Coal included. My eyes washed over him, and the ebony armored clothing that encased his body once again. He looked exactly as he did the very first day I saw him. But so much had changed in those four short weeks. His cobalt eyes roved around, landing on me as I moved towards him.

  Four weeks ago, those eyes had sent a terrifying chill of fear directly to my core. But now, a warm feeling of relief grew instead.

  Seconds later, Aurora walked in. The white lace dress hung delicately from her body, embodying light, joy. But her demeanor didn’t match. Instead of the cheerful perkiness she exuded the day I met her, she was solemn now, making her way slowly towards us, forcing herself to keep the mixture of emotions brewing inside at bay.

  I looked towards the group forming in front of Regent Division Representative, Glenn Briars. Rowan and Cirrus stood there along with Lark, Serafina, and several others. I studied Rowan’s expression, trying to decipher his emotions. Relief, that much was obvious. And yet, something else played at the edges of his face. It took me a moment to recognize what it was. Finally, it hit me. Regret.

  He lifted his eyes toward mine and we stared at each other. After some time, he raised a hand, waving to me sadly. Robotically, I returned the wave. Maybe, now that he was officially in Regent, he’d be himself again. The Rowan I once told everything to, my best friend.

  But it was too late. I’d never know.

  Glen Briars made a motion and we watched as those going to Regent were led out first. I glanced back at Aurora. Her eyes were rimmed in red, staring at Cirrus’s back as he slowly disappeared from view.

  There wasn’t time, though, to think about what would happen to any of them or to the large group chosen for Proletariat that now followed Teal Rayburn. Because a moment later Scorch Sentras snapped his fingers, leading us out of the arena.

  We followed him down multiple hallways, then down several winding stone staircases, followed by several twisting passages. Continuing along, I found myself looking down at my clothing again. The green dress draping down, ending just below my knees. The laced-up boots covering my feet. The ratty black sweater wrapped tightly around my body.

  “Odd being back in the old clothes, isn’t it?” Coal remarked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

  “Yes, it is,” I replied, picking at the hem of my dress. “It’s strange. It feels like me, but not really. It’s wrong somehow. Like a memory of the person I used to be. Not who I am now.” I shook my head, letting out a snort of disbelief. “I didn’t think simply changing clothes would make me feel like this.”

  He just nodded. “I know what you mean. I feel the same way.”

  We came to a narrower corridor that sloped downward, the lights growing dim. I could barely make out the path in front of me. Coal’s upper arm grazed against my own as we walked, and even though I couldn’t see him clearly, it was comforting knowing he was right beside me. His fingers reached out and laced into my own, our hands gripping onto each other’s tightly as we walked through the darkness.

  The air grew cold and damp as we made our way further and further down. Thankful I decided to keep the black leggings after all, I hugged my sweater closer. Blinking, I realized we were underground. It looked exactly like the tunnel I fell into the day I left Earth Society. The same lights shone dimly against the craggy rock walls while a train waited on the tracks. A silver box, waiting to take me to my new home. I shuddered at the word home. It didn’t sound right.

  I lifted my trembling legs, ascending the steps, then sat down next to Aurora, back pressing against the familiar cold metal seats. Finn took a seat on her other side, while Coal headed back towards Ember. Small beads of lighting rimmed the inner panel of the train car so I could still see Aurora clearly. See the pain on her face.

  “How are you doing?” I asked softly.

  She shrugged, sniffing as she wiped a hand against her reddened nose. “It hurts. It hurts that I won’t see him again. But I’ve had time to get used to that idea the last couple of weeks. Ever since he threw both our friendship and relationship away.” She took a shuddering breath. “He…he chose to do that. Just like Rowan did to you.”

  Her eyes glistened as she reached an arm towards me, her skin so fair that my own pale flesh seemed dark against hers. “So now I just have to move past it.”

  “It’s harder for you though,” I argued. “Rowan was my friend. But Cirrus was the person you loved.”

  She flinched at my words. “Well, that’s all in the past now, isn’t it?”

  I nodded and we both fell into silence. The train groaned, slowly easing itself forward, and I settled into the hard seat as best I could, trying to relax.

  We sped along, the cold metal seat beneath me trembling from the motion. Eventually I felt a change, the track beginning to slope, carrying us up and up, higher and higher, until finally I saw the last bit of rock wall pass by our window, natural daylight pouring inside.

  I slid in my seat as the train slowed down, then lurched to a final stop.

  And as quickly as that, we’d arrived at Combatant.

  ✽✽✽

  “Let’s go!” Scorch called out sharply. He moved down the stairs, stepping off the train and disappearing from view.

  Swallowing thickly, I rose from my seat and moved towards the aisle, instantly bumping right into someone. Turning to apologize, I glanced up. And up.

  Then immediately shrank back. Singe.

  He looked identical to the day he slammed into my shoulder, right now to the expression on his face.

  I fully expected him to shove me again.

  But instead, to my complete surprise, he backed up and waved me forward. “Go ahead, Sage.”

  I gaped at him, unsure if I’d heard correctly. Singe, the guy who had knocked me down, leaving without so much as a single word of apology, was now polite, waving me to go ahead of him. And addressing me by name. Had I crossed over into an alternate universe?

  I skirted in front of him quickly, making my up the aisle. And thought again about the interactions I’d had with those from Fire Society. Up until the Division selection, there had been nothing but angered looks sent in my direction. But now, gazing around, all I could see were smiles and grins.

  I moved down the steps, surprised to feel a hand on my back as we reached the bottom, patting it briefly. Turning, I received my second shock.

  Ash. “Congratulations, Sage,” he said, his smile genuine as any I’d seen. “Glad you made it in.” Giving me a wink, he moved over towards Singe and Blaze.

  Was it possible it was over? Could it be? Maybe now that Coal was officially in Combatant, those from Fire Society wouldn’t hate me so anymore. Maybe they would accept me now. It was possible, if Singe and Ash’s recent actions meant anything.

  But as I followed Scorch, a prickling sensation rode up my spine. I spun around, searching for the source.

  Blaze stood erect, blonde hair blowing in the faint breeze, his dark eyes flashing in my direction. As my eyes met his, a cruel sneer wound its way across his face. He crossed his arms in front of his chest, his expression and the meaning behind it clear.

  The others may trust me now, may accept me. But he wouldn’t.

  Not giving him the satisfaction, I ripped my gaze away as I suppressed a shiver, then turned forward, only now studying the place that was to become my home.

  Not that there was much to see.

  Rising in front of us was a twenty-foot security wall, crafted of onyx stone. Electrical wires encircled the entire top.

  In the middle stood a covered post. Scorch moved forward, approaching the two guards flanking either side. Dressed head to toe in black, armor of leather and metal encasing their chest and arms, their expressions were blank. After exchanging a few words with one, Scorch moved back towards us as the guard slipped into the confines of the post. Moments later, the massive solid wall began to part. Groaning ensued as a gap, just wide enough for us to walk single file through, formed.

  Motioning us forward once more, we followed Scor
ch, passing through the walled barrier. As I slipped inside, I was stunned to see just how thick it was. At least two feet. It would be impossible to go over, under, or through this wall at any point except besides this opening. What were they trying to keep out?

  A scarier thought crossed my mind. Or was it that they were trying to keep us in? How different was this really from the wall that kept us encased, imprisoned, in Earth Society.

  Passing through, my steps came to a sudden halt, much like the rest of those I traveled with, as we gazed up in astonishment.

  Five huge towers rose before us, forming a semi-circle. They were crafted of black obsidian, the same stone as the wall, their surfaces dark and sleek as a starless sky. Walkways of thick stone pavers, their color a mixture of midnight and silver swirls, led forward, linking each of the five massive structures. We followed Scorch as he moved towards the center tower, vanishing through its enormous doorway.

  It rose up tens of stories, finally ending with a curved glass ceiling. Light poured down onto us, reflecting off the smooth black walls, off the slick, tiled floor, casting translucent beams everywhere. Halls forked off the main room in six different directions. And embedded in the middle of the glossy black floor was a golden V.

  What did that stand for, I wondered? But no one else seemed to take notice and so I just stepped over it, moving forward as Scorch sharply barked, “Follow me!”, leading us straight ahead.

  All around people moved about. Some walked by casually while others flew past, anxious to get to their destinations. But no one lingered, that much was clear. Everyone seemed intent on getting to a particular destination. I scanned my eyes over them, trying to pick out any familiar face belonging to someone I may have known from Earth Society, but too quickly we were gone, Scorch shuffling us down a narrow hallway that led away from the crowds.

  A moment later, he shoved through a metal door, shuffling us into a small, circular room. The walls were a sterile white in here, disconcerting after the darker aesthetic we’d experienced thus far. About twenty tall metal chairs wound their way around its border.