by Sage Sask
“What is this place?” I gesture around us.
“The Circle?” On my nod, she says, “An island. Maybe fifteen to twenty thousand people are living on it.” She recites the facts straightforwardly. “This is the main building. There’s a town on the island with everything you could need. Everyone who isn’t living in the main building lives there.”
“A town?” I imagine the home I just left and wonder whether it is similar. “With neighborhoods and stores? Parks?”
Jackie nods. “Pretty much. We mostly use motorcycles to get around, but there are cars too.” She tilts her head as she considers my question. “This building and surrounding area are protected from the rest of the island. There are only a few ways to reach us or get out.”
I’m about to reply when a hand lands on my covered shoulder. Fist clenched, I jerk back on instinct. I nearly drench the new guy with my drink. He jumps back, palms up in apology. A beaded leather bracelet circles his wrist.
“Sorry.”
I peer upward to meet his gaze. Cropped black hair showcases the black stud earring in his left ear. Deep-green eyes set against light-chocolate skin meet my glare. His mouth curls into a smile. Unsure, I step back to make distance.
“I’m Derrick.” His face contorts into a question. “You OK?”
“Touch brings on visions.” I test the words on my tongue. It is the first time I have admitted it aloud. As soon as I say it, a burden lightens. Shocked, I hang on to the feeling, never having felt it before. “And pain.”
“Does Serafina know?”
Fury and disgust settle over me as I remember how Serafina purposely inflicted pain. “Yes.”
“Good. Serafina will help you handle it,” Derrick says, oblivious to my thoughts.
The way he says it makes me wonder what Serafina is like to everyone else. I start to ask more about her when we are interrupted. The guy who joins us pushes his long blond strands out of his eyes. Dozens of freckles paint his face.
“I’m Gavin.”
He reaches past me to poke Jackie in the back. When she turns to glare at him, he throws his hands up, feigning innocence.
“Are you a…” I struggle to use the word Serafina used. “Reader?”
“Only on the side.” Gavin speaks with a lisp. He smiles, and it covers his whole face. “My real love is flying.”
At the orphanage, one of the younger girls had a deformed tongue that caused her to speak with a lisp. Agatha tried to get her surgery, but the waiting list was years long.
“You have planes?” I ask, sure I have misheard him.
Most planes were destroyed during the Atomic War. With barely any raw materials available, it was hard to build new ones. The government owned the largest fleet of them. They would circle the cities and towns at night, spending hours patrolling. Jenna and I used to climb the roof and watch them until the sun rose. It gave us the illusion of freedom we knew we would never have.
“Doesn’t everyone?” Gavin teases. “Ours are smaller – more like capsules.” He starts to fill his plate when he notices Jackie’s piled high with meats. “Skipped all the veggies again, Jack?”
“Jack?” I ask when Jackie glares.
“Jackie,” Jackie corrects. “Jaqueline or Jackie, not Jack.”
“Sure thing, Jack.” Gavin whistles then stuffs his mouth with a roll. “Jack refuses to eat greens on principle.”
“Believes vegetarians have it all wrong.” Derrick throws food onto his plate without paying attention. A roll on top threatens to topple. “She thinks animals are overrated.”
“I’ve fought enough animals to know they’re not all that.” Jackie spears a piece of sausage and stuffs it into her mouth. “Some of them are downright vicious. Besides, what has a plant ever done to you?”
“That’s right, Jacks,” Gavin says. “You can single-handedly save the world from the vicious cows and chickens. Careful, there may be a turkey lurking around the corner.” He jumps out of the way when she throws out a fist to strike him. He smiles in victory then winces when she lands her foot in his shin. “Ouch!” He rubs his shin. “Unnecessary.”
“Matter of opinion,” Jackie smirks.
While they are talking, I slip a roll into my pocket. Though there is plenty of food, I don’t know what tomorrow will bring. Given the many times I have been forced to go without, I quickly add two more rolls.
“Ready?” Jackie asks. On my quick nod, she leads us to a nearly full table. Those seated at it track my approach. “This is Alexia,” Jackie announces. “Alexia, this is everyone.” Jackie grabs an empty seat and makes room for me.
I take my seat and keep my head down, unsure of everyone’s expectations. Like the orphanage, I am still more comfortable alone than with others.
“I’m Cassia.” The girl seated across from me introduces herself.
She assesses me as I do her. Her hair is pulled into a messy ponytail. A raging-fire tattoo graces her neck. A teardrop decorates her wrist. Her black shirt, similar to Jackie’s, stretches across her shoulders.
“And you’re the new girl,” Cassia says. She nods once, as if I have passed her approval.
The others at the table all say hi. I return the greeting when I notice two identical guys.
“I’m Sawyer, and he’s Shane,” the one closest to me explains when he catches me staring.
“I’m Sawyer, and he’s Shane.” His brother shoves him then gives me a meaningful look. “Don’t ever believe a word my brother says.”
Derrick slips in beside me, careful not to make contact. “He’s Shane,” Derrick corrects. “And he’s Sawyer.” He then points to the last one who spoke. “Don’t ever believe a word Shane says.”
Shane smiles brightly and shrugs before winking exaggeratedly at me. “So where have you been hiding all of our lives?” On Sawyer’s groan, Shane throws up his hands. “What? Everyone’s thinking about it.”
“Alexia was raised in an orphanage in Zone One,” Jackie answers for me in between bites. “She has no clue about her past, and apparently, Serafina can’t find anything on her.” Jackie smiles, conspiratorially. “Thus, we have a very unhappy Serafina.”
“That’s spectacular.” Shane holds up his palm to give me a high five.
When I hesitate, Derrick explains, “Pain with touch. That means you are left hanging, my friend.”
“Every time?” Sawyer, serious, leans close. “Or just when you try to read another reader? Malfunction in the brain triggers horrific pain.”
Shane adds, “It made my childhood extraordinarily painful.” He sighs dramatically. “This one over here” – he points to Sawyer – “always wanted to cuddle in the crib. Hold me, hold me.” He looks disappointed. “So needy.”
“Don’t forget what Derrick just told you.” Sawyer doesn’t miss a beat. “You can’t believe a word he says.”
“My pain comes from touch with anyone.” Every tidbit of information I store away. Compartmentalize. Another lesson learned from a time I yearn to remember. “It’s always been that way.”
I swallow a bite of cheese. It nearly melts on my tongue. Real milk. I savor the bite, never having tasted anything like it before.
“There’s a class for that.” The girl named Melanie smiles brightly from her seat and waves at me. “Serafina can set you up.”
Smaller than the others, she’s piled her brown hair atop her head. It adds inches to her height. Two large bright orange pins hold it together. Melanie starts to drum her fingers on the table. Shane lays his hand on top of hers. She lays hers atop his. Soon enough, they are caught up in their game.
“That reminds me.” Jackie pulls out a sheet of paper from her pocket and slides it toward me. “Your daily schedule.”
I read through it quickly. Training and classes make up most of my day.
“What’s the Evaluation?” I try to ask as
casually as possible. Everyone stops eating to gape at me. The metal of the hidden knife suddenly feels very cold against my bare skin.
“Why?” Derrick slowly sets his fork down. He glances at Jackie, who stays silent. His face tightens and her unspoken answer. “Serafina expects Alexia to test with the rest of us?” His words are measured, as if he can’t believe what he’s saying.
Jackie picks food off of Gavin’s plate. He smacks her hand in response, but she’s barely bothered. “Serafina has Alexia locked in the dungeon tower until the Evaluation,” Jackie explains. There are shocked gasps from around the table. “Alexia has to pass before she’s allowed out.”
Their stares and reaction push me to repeat, “What is the Evaluation?”
Clearly disgusted, Cassia wraps her fingers together. “How the Circle knows if you’re ready for the zones.”
“It’s where most of our parents are. I’m Phoenix by the way.” Seated at the end of the table, Phoenix randomly plays with the pearl ring on her finger. A faraway look, etched with sadness, covers her face.
“It’s a test of skill and morals. Decides if you’re worthy of Circle membership.” The guy named Hudson leans forward. “Everyone goes through it at sixteen.”
“Serafina said the way to pass was staying alive?”
Gavin answers slowly while Derrick and Jackie share another look. “She told you the truth.” A hush falls over the already still group. “Every year, we lose some people.” He drops his head, but I catch his anguish. “The Evaluation was revamped after the Circle began working with the government.”
During my last test, the terror of someone learning my secret was a constant shadow. For others, it was the fear of learning their fates. Then I made the decision that determined Kyle’s destiny. Because of me, he lay dying on the floor. Now I am to take a test where life versus death decides winners and losers.
“You work for them after,” Samira explains. “Every reader is assigned an agent.” Like Jackie and Cassia, she has on a tight top and cargo pants. An eagle decorates her upper arm. Her dark hair flows in waves around her light-tan face.
“In the field, we read people. Pick up on energies. See who is looking to cause harm to the world.” Hudson shrugs. “We stop the evil before it acts.”
“The agents help protect readers in the field,” Melanie adds. “Together, with our training, we help to keep the world safe.”
“Safe from whom?” I ask, my mind drifting toward the Resistance.
“From people who want to harm others,” Ryan says, joining us. He looms over the table, though his focus is squarely on me. “I wonder if that means you.”
“You know what they say about people who assume,” I return, my gaze slowly turning steely to match his. “If I’m a threat, why train me?”
“To give us a chance to see you die a slow and painful death.” The guy who follows Ryan is the same height as and of similar build to Ryan. His blond hair and pasty white skin are a contrast to Ryan’s olive coloring and dark hair. Two others trail right behind him. “I’m David.” He smiles, baring his teeth. The other two throw out their names – Ian and Levi – but I barely hear them. Focused on David, I shiver as he gives me a once-over. “And you’re the shiny new penny.”
“Keep on walking, David.” Jackie doesn’t look at him. “Everyone just ate. Your presence makes us nauseous.”
“Your words pain me.” He holds a hand over his chest and feigns hurt. “And here I thought we only hated each other in private.”
“Really?” Jackie acts astonished. “Guess you really are as stupid as you look.”
Light laughter erupts around the table. David’s face scrunches up in fury. As he steps forward, Ryan throws out an arm to hold him back.
“Jackie.” Ryan considers her. “I thought we agreed you and David would play nice.”
“You recommended. I never agreed,” Jackie says sweetly. She ignores his look of anger. “But thanks for the offer.”
“Ryan, you’re training Alexia for the Evaluation?” Gavin shoots Jackie a warning glance. She responds with a roll of her eyes. “Let us know if we can help.”
I’m taken aback by his offer. Not knowing who I am hasn’t fazed them. My bite of food lodges in my throat, clogged by unexpected emotion. I focus on my plate, unsure of how to process my reaction.
“Thanks.” Ryan, oblivious to my thoughts, glances at my half-eaten plate of food. “Let’s go,” he orders. He switches from cordial to cold when he speaks to me.
“Still eating,” I answer, tempering my anger.
“Still don’t care,” Ryan replies. Without asking, he takes my plate and drops it on the cart for dirty dishes. “Now.”
My head jerks up to meet his gaze. There’s a challenge in it, an expectation I can’t decipher. Around us the table goes quiet, watching our interplay. Uncomfortable with the attention, I stand up.
“Since you asked so nicely.” I jerk my chin toward the entrance. “Lead the way.”
TEN
Ryan scans his palm to unlock the exit. I focus on every turn and exit, memorizing the way. If the training proves impossible, my only option remains to escape.
Sun streams in through the tempered glass windows to light our way. Pictures of landmarks from before the war decorate the pristine hall.
“Don’t bother trying to find a way out.” Ryan gives me a hard glance over his shoulder. He leads us down a set of stairs and through another door. “You won’t succeed.”
“I would stick to security.” I keep my voice even to keep from betraying myself. He releases the door, nearly knocking me in the face with it before I grab it. “Your mind-reading skills need help.”
He turns sharply, forcing me to either stop or slam into him. “So you weren’t trying to memorize every exit?”
“And leave such great company?” I withhold the fact that every minute I am considering my choices and calculating the smarter one. “What would I be thinking?” He gives me a look of disbelief that I choose to ignore. “Serafina’s hope to find my parents?” I pause. He lifts an eyebrow, waiting for me to continue. “Will she?”
I meet his gaze, imploring him silently for the answer that she will. His regard remains casual, but I can sense the tension bubbling beneath. No matter how hard I try, I fail to decipher the cause of it. I start to delve further in hopes of the truth when he turns away.
“I don’t know,” he answers.
I drop my head and take a deep breath, furious at myself for having shown any vulnerability. My steps slow to make distance between us. The solitude serving as a barrier, I freely peruse my surroundings. Down a narrow hallway, we come to a line of classrooms. Through the glass window, a professor lectures in front of a whiteboard. Younger students are seated at desks similar to the ones stacked in the orphanage.
“Keep moving,” Ryan says when he notices me slowing down.
His anger mixes with concern. “You think I’m here to hurt them?” Amazed by the idea, I ask, “That I’m here to harm anyone?”
“I don’t know why you’re here.” He stands between the glass and me like a shield of armor. “Why don’t you tell me?”
Bristling, I fight but fail to rein in my anger. “Your people drugged and brought me here.” His gaze falls onto the bruise circling my neck. “I’m a prisoner. If anyone is vulnerable, it’s me,” I bite out. “You try waking up in a cell.” There’s a flicker of sympathy, but he remains silent. Disgusted, I look away. “You’re right,” I say. “I’m here to kill every one of you.” My back to him, I start down the path he was on.
“They are students who will take the test in a few years,” Ryan starts slowly. Surprised by his change in demeanor, I stop and listen. “Younger students are housed in buildings on the island.” He steps away from the window. “At fourteen, you move here to prepare full-time.”
Through the window, I count t
wenty students. They wear new and wrinkle-free clothes. Some sport leather bracelets, similar to Derrick’s, around their wrists. I listen as the professor lectures on the history of countries attacking one another over power. It escalated into the Atomic War that left the world in ruins, and no power left to be had.
“That’s enough.” Ryan heads toward another set of doors. He scans his palm and then says his name for voice recognition.
“Thank you,” I murmur, right behind him, “for telling me.”
He considers me, his gaze filling with doubt. I imagine the game where two sides tug on the same rope to win and wonder what he is struggling with. His energy shifts and he softens. I am sure I will get my answer when he suddenly shuts down. “Save your gratitude, Edmonds. We haven’t started training yet. You’ll hate me soon enough.”
Put in my place by the abrupt switch, I bristle in response. “Noted.”
We head through another door that leads us outside. A light breeze hits my face. As I breathe in the crisp air, I hear water hitting a shore. My breathing accelerates as images swirl around me.
I suffocate beneath the ocean’s surface. Arms push me up just as a wave sweeps over me. I desperately cough, trying to expel the water that fills my lungs. I struggle to catch my breath. The hands give another push. Suddenly my feet touch sand, and I fall into a bed of seaweed. The water laps at my ankles. I turn, searching, but the ocean is empty.
“Alexia?” Ryan’s voice breaks through the vise of memories inexorably crushing me. “Alexia.”
I fold my arms over my torso in a futile attempt to protect myself. As Ryan’s eyes search mine, I school my face to hide my reaction. “Just enjoying the fresh air. Not sure when I’ll be allowed out of my cell again.”
He assesses me then nods. “A liar?” He holds open the door. “Good to know.”
***
The smell of sweat permeates the air. Fitness equipment packs the gym. Two runners race one another on a four-person indoor track circling the perimeter. Sneakers squeak against the floor as members transition from one set of machines to the next. All around me, individuals push themselves past exhaustion.