“I think we might wipe that attitude too,” said Wren with narrowed eyes. “I don’t want to lose your phenomenal power. But if you won’t volunteer and Lucas won’t do it...then perhaps it’s best for The Order if you were both removed.”
Thea held up her hands and again called for calm. “This is no time for quick decisions. And no place. Let us rejoin in Council Chambers for further discussion.”
Thankfully, a few other members nodded their heads in agreement.
Wren’s countenance became haughty. “Thea, you’re new to the Council. Insubordination by Starborn members cannot be tolerated. Peace among us relies on unwavering support of Council decisions. Dissent among us will lead to a fractured and weak Order.”
Thea’s brown eyes flashed with disapproval. “Perhaps you should have considered this before you and your cronies hijacked the initiation ceremony. You are the one that causes dissent! We don’t make singular decisions without discussion.”
An older councilman, with dark brown skin, appealed to Wren. “Councilwoman Thea is right. We must discuss this as a Council. We must hold true to our dictum. I propose a twenty-four hour amnesty before the Council makes a final decision on Willow Trilby and Lucas Black.”
Wren looked around at the Council and their careful expressions of neutrality. “Very well. Twenty-four hours for you to decide who and what gets wiped.” She waved her hand casually to the guards. “Take them to the cubes.”
“No,” shouted Lucas. He resisted the guard who tried to restrain him and then the guard stopped mid-struggle. His young face slackened and he stood immobilized.
“Lucas,” roared Wren. “Wipe another guard and she’s dead. Do you hear me?”
Lucas growled in frustration but when the next guard appeared, he offered his wrists. They were marched down the corridor and when they were taken in different directions, he struggled against his guard.
Looking at her, he called out desperately. “Willow? Willow! Do not sacrifice your sister for me.”
Willow’s vision blurred and her legs buckled as she was dragged away.
36
Lucas
Lucas slammed his fist against the cube door. He hadn’t felt so powerless since he was a teen. Willow was somewhere down the hall entombed again in a fucking cube. He should’ve known this was coming, that Wren wouldn’t tolerate the threat of Willow’s defiance and her rising power. Pressing his forehead against the cold, white wall, he took a few deep breaths. Slowly, he turned and slid down to sit with his hands clasped behind his head. He couldn’t erase Willow’s memory of her twin.
It would obliterate Willow’s very essence. And in turn, obliterate all of him.
The Orders’ politics had long frustrated him, but the torture of Paige made him realize The Order was just as culpable as the criminal Starborn groups they denounced. Willow had known it as soon as she entered the Sanctuary—had fought against it while he’d spouted The Order’s hypocrisy. He’d been a fucking fool, but he wouldn’t be Wren’s puppet, no matter what The Order had done for him. No matter what The Order might do to him now.
Over the next few hours, he cataloged the last few days and weeks in his mind. Thought of the first time he saw Willow and how she’d protected Paige from Noctem, how she’d wrapped her arms so trustingly around his shoulders when he’d realized she was Starborn. He thought of their time together at the Sanctuary, their sparring matches—verbal and physical. How he’d told her things he’d never spoken about with another. How she’d accepted his past. He remembered his fear for her during her initiation and how it had nearly incapacitated him. His overwhelming relief when she’d survived. And he thought of this morning. The joining of their bodies had forged a connection he’d never thought possible. Never allowed himself to hope for.
The cube’s door slid opened and broke his reverie with a jolt.
Serena. Her petite figure stood in the doorway. Her brown eyes had none of her usual confidence. “Lucas?”
“Serena,” he said, without standing up.
“This is insane. Wren goes too far.”
“I won’t wipe Willow.”
“You care about her deeply.”
He couldn’t deny it. Didn’t want to. “Yes,” he said.
Serena nodded as though confirming something to herself. As though realizing something significant. He’d thought she had moved on from their brief relationship years ago but the arrival of Willow had obviously stirred up past hurts.
“Serena,” he said softly. “I’m sorry I couldn’t be what you wanted.”
Her brown eyes darkened as she stared at him for a long moment. “I asked too much. I was young and foolish.”
“We both were.” His chest tightened for her and their younger selves.
“Yes, and you’re still foolish. And so is she.”
“What do you mean?” he asked sharply.
“She’s agreed to have her memories wiped to save your sorry ass.”
Lucas jumped to his feet. “No!”
“Yes, the lovesick fool. You’re both falling into Wren’s hands. Doing exactly what she wishes.”
“What are you saying?”
She put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. “Clearly I’m saying you’re both idiots.”
“You’ve come to tell me I’m an idiot?” he asked, feeling exasperated.
“Yes. And to help you escape.”
“What?” He quickly glanced at where the audio link microphone was hidden.
“Don’t worry, Granger is running electrical interference.”
“Granger’s in on this?”
“Yes, it seems you have a few friends despite your best efforts.”
“Serena,” he said, looking down into her brown eyes. “I’m not leaving without Willow.”
“Yes, yes, that goes without saying.”
Lucas reached out and grabbed Serena’s hand. It was tiny like her, but she was far from delicate. “Why are you doing this?”
“Wren can’t be trusted. Thea and her faction almost have the Council convinced to overturn Wren’s ruling. But I fear she will harm you even if you’re cleared and released. Wren set out to harm Paige, Granger and I know it but we can’t prove it. No matter our differences now, we cared for each other at one time. I can’t stand back and watch her harm you.”
“Christ. The risks for you and Granger!”
“Don’t worry, we’ll blame you and her.” She smiled darkly. “You are two of the most powerful Starborn.”
“Wren will know you lie.”
“Wipe us. Use your power to wipe our memories of helping you.”
Surprise made Lucas silent for a few moments. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Come on, the corridor is clear. Let’s go release your lover.” She spoke with no malice, and he was struck with new respect for this petite powerhouse.
“Thank you.” It was inadequate, but he said it anyway.
“It’s early afternoon. You’re both scheduled to appear before the Council tomorrow at 08:00 hours. If all goes well, you’ll have seventeen hours to get far away. Take Dolphin One and head to Halifax harbor. She’s a small vessel but she’ll get you there safe and sound.”
Dolphin One was used for fishing and maintenance off the island’s coastline, and moored on the southern tip, it would be ideal for him and Willow to leave undetected. It would give them a good chance of a quick passage to the mainland. Lucas felt a momentary pang of remorse for leaving The Order, leaving the life he’d known for more than fifteen years. Quickly, it was replaced with adrenalin. “Take me to her.”
37
Willow
Willow thought of Eve. Thought of when they had dressed up, teased their hair and put their mother’s make-up on so they could dance around their bedroom pretending to be rock stars. Eve had sung into a hairbrush, and Willow into a ruler. They had danced and gyrated their hearts out. It was one of her favorite memories of the two of them. And now she savored it. Remembered their joy. Remembered the sm
ell of their mother’s cheap perfume. Their laughter. It was a memory that had kept her company on many lonely nights and had driven her to search for Eve. Day after day, month after month and year after year. Could she sacrifice Lucas for Eve? Sacrifice her future for her past?
Her answer was an astonishing no. When Wren had made her threat, Willow’s heart had cried out for Lucas, had made her realize the depth of her feelings. It was though the ground had shifted beneath her, and now she faced a different emotional landscape. One where she was completely disoriented but also completely sure. When had Lucas become more important than finding her sister?
It had crept up on her—their connection, their passion. Now he was part of her as much as her twin, and perhaps more.
She prepared herself mentally to let go of her twin. Thought of Eve dancing with the hairbrush singing off-key with the knowledge that this was the last time she would remember her sister’s smiling face. Soon she wouldn’t even know she was a twin—wouldn’t know another being walked the earth with the same blood, the same eyes. Pain crushed her heart.
The cube door swung open startling Willow. And so did the sight of Lucas standing in the doorway. He was flanked by a serious looking Serena and a smiling Granger. She scrambled to stand and was instantly in Lucas’ arms. They held each other for a moment and she delighted in his strong embrace and familiar scent.
“Save it for later, you two,” said Granger.
Serena stood in the doorway and spoke in a low and urgent voice. “We need to go.”
“What do you mean? Is the wipe happening now?” Adrenalin surged through Willow.
Lucas shook his head. “No, it’s never happening, not if I can help it.”
Bemused, Willow looked at the trio. Serena motioned for her and Lucas to leave the cube. “You’re getting a leave pass. Now hurry up and let’s go.”
Lucas took her hand and they followed Serena and Granger down the hall. They were making an escape? And Granger and Serena were helping them? As they walked through the corridors she expected the Council to jump out and stop them like the proverbial bogeyman. But for the first few minutes they saw no one until they rounded the next corner. Willow’s heart lodged in her mouth. A group of five Starborn were talking near the elevator. Serena held up her hand, and she and Granger moved to stand closer together, shielding Willow and Lucas.
Granger leaned into Serena. “Time to work your magic, baby. None of them are Mercurian.”
Lucas tugged Willow’s hand and they slowed. She felt a subtle but persistent pressure against her consciousness. “I can feel Serena doing something, but I can’t tell what,” she whispered.
“She’s cloaking us in her telepathy,” said Lucas, his mouth close against her ear.
All four of them clung against the wall and slipped quietly past the Starborn group. Granger pushed the elevator button and the doors slid open, the sound reverberating loudly through the corridor. The Starborn group stopped talking and looked at the elevator. Willow’s heart pounded. They frowned briefly but when they saw nothing out of the ordinary they continued their conversation. The elevator took them up to level one and when the doors opened, another corridor greeted Willow. This time though, there was a promise of an exit, of escape, rather than endless white.
Serena led them to the entrance of the mechanics depot. “You guys are on your own now.”
“Serena, I—” Lucas started.
“We’ve said all that needs to be said,” she interrupted. “Just don’t get caught.”
Granger stepped forward. “I’m running electrical interference on the security communications but you’d better get the fuck out of here now.” He handed Lucas a back pack. “You’ve got guns and a non-traceable communications unit in there. Now hurry up, I’m ready for our wipe. Just do it.”
The blond giant stood still but Willow could sense fear and agitation flow through his body.
Serena’s Mercurian wall lowered and Willow sensed the bittersweet sadness of her aura.
“I’m sorry,” said Lucas.
Instantly Granger and Serena froze. Their faces slackened of all expression.
Lucas stared at them and when he didn’t move, Willow took his hand. “Lucas? We need to go.”
“I can’t believe they did this for us,” he said, staring at their blank faces.
Willow was shocked and humbled too that they risked their lives for her and Lucas’ escape. Even more shocking, terrifying even, was what Lucas was giving up for her. She looked at his handsome face as he stared at his comrades. Guilt pushed at her—threatened to knock her off her feet.
But she wasn’t about to ignore their chance at escape. “We need to go now, otherwise it will be all for nothing.”
She pulled at his hand and he said goodbye to Serena and Granger one last time before she opened the door to the depot. They slipped in quietly to find vehicles of all shapes and sizes. Music filtered throughout the room and they scanned for signs of Starborn. Willow jumped when two Starborn poked their heads out from under a quad bike. They called out a greeting to Lucas but stopped mid-sentence, their faces slackening and their eyes glazing over.
“Willow, over there,” said Lucas, pointing to a group of dirt bikes.
They chose a black bike with yellow mudguards and a double seat. Although it felt ridiculous to worry about safety at a time like this, she grabbed two helmets off a shelf and handed one to Lucas. She hadn’t seen the sky for three weeks, but judging by the heavy jacket Lucas handed her, it would be bitterly cold outside. They wheeled the bike out through a wide hallway and into a large vehicle-sized elevator. The doors shut silently and Willow felt the subtle pull as it rose upward to the surface of the island. The doors opened out to a long dark tunnel filled with rocky shadows. Light at the end heralded their escape.
Lucas flicked on the start switch, swung his leg over the bike and pushed down hard on the kick starter. The engine revved in response, its high pitched squeal much louder than her road bike, but it still sounded beautiful to her ears.
Over the engine noise Lucas called out, “Let’s get the hell out of here.”
He flicked down the visor of his helmet and revved the engine. With her heart thumping, she slid her leg over the bike and moved her body forward. He turned around briefly to check if she was ready and when she nodded, they took off down the tunnel. Darkness melted away and she blinked at the bright natural light. A rocky barren landscape flashed past as they followed a dirt track upward and then across. With her arms around Lucas she held on tight as the bike dipped and weaved. Adrenalin pumped through her body. And fear. She looked back at the exit nestled in a rocky overhang. Readied herself for Starborn to emerge chasing after them, but only dust and bits of gravel kicked up at the back of the bike, leaving a cloudy trail behind them.
Taking a deep breath, she turned and rested her head against Lucas’ back. Tried not to think of her friends she left behind. She sunk into the curve of his body. Grateful for his warmth. Grateful they were together. The track rose steeply again and Lucas leaned forward. The bike’s engine revved high. She held on as the bike clawed its way uphill and at the top they were rewarded with a spectacular view of the whole island. Its harsh beauty was breathtaking. Much of the landscape was exposed rock with only the occasional tuff of pale grass. The coastline was a myriad of steep cliffs that fell away to rugged coves and bays below.
She looked out across the sea and caught her breath. Dark ominous clouds bore down upon the island. As far as the eye could see, the Atlantic Ocean was filled with violent white-capped waves. A sudden gust of wind hit the bike. She gripped onto Lucas as he fought to keep it steady. Dust and other debris lifted up around them and danced about in the wind as they sped along the ridge. The energy of the building storm pervaded her skin and more adrenalin surged through her body. In the distance lay a timber hut. As they drew closer she saw steps leading down to a small cove where there was a small cottage, and tied to the jetty was a boat. Freedom. Lucas steered the bike
into the hut and killed the engine. They dismounted and removed their helmets. Cold wind tore through the open shelter and without the shrill sound of the dirt bike, the rattling sound of the hut was hostile and ill-boding.
“A squall’s coming through,” said Lucas, his words whipped away by the wind.
Rumbles of thunder sounded overhead and vibrated through her body. She walked to the top of the steep stairs and looked down at the cove below. Two trees near the shoreline shuddered with the force of the wind and bent horizontally as they fought to not be uprooted.
Twins. Like her and Eve.
Mates. Like her and Lucas.
A gust of wind raced up the cliff face and rammed her body, pushing her off balance.
She felt Lucas reach a strong arm around her and pull her back from the edge. Breathing hard, she leaned back against him. They remained like that for a few moments—him holding her tight. She savored the feel of his warm breath against her neck as cold air swirled around them.
“Careful,” he said, his lips against her ear. “I’m not going to lose you now.”
She breathed in his masculine scent and closed her eyes to the storm that was building across the ocean, and the one within her. The crashing of the waves against the shoreline competed with her madly beating heart. She couldn’t believe he was throwing away his life for her, rejecting The Order. Rejecting everything he’d fought for over the last decade. The shriek of a sea hawk startled them and they pulled apart to look up into the darkened sky. For a moment Willow thought the bird’s cries might be an omen or warning of their connection, but she realized the hawk’s frantic cries were a warning of another kind.
The storm was upon them. Dark ominous clouds, in a palette of gray and green, had reached the shoreline. The hawk’s wings flapped helplessly against the wind, almost motionless as it shrieked again. Challenging the wind, the hawk moved to the left and then right but couldn’t move forward. Was it looking for its mate? Its family? Is that why it challenged the wind so persistently, searching for others like itself? She and Lucas were rejecting an entire community of Starborn. Would their love be enough? Would her love be enough for him? She swore upon the approaching storm that she would make sure it was. The hawk gave in and let itself be taken up and then around to fly in the other direction, this time with the wind at its back. It glided up and down before drifting out of sight. A large crash of thunder tore through the sky. Lightning stabbed the turbulent ocean.
Starborn (The Order of Orion Book 1) Page 23