Bonds That Break (The Havoc Chronicles Book 3)

by Brant Williams

  "Not bad secrets," she clarified, misreading my expression. "It's like you’re protecting the world or something like that." She shook her head and smiled self-consciously. "It sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud."

  I took in a deep breath and gave mom my best fake smile. "Yeah, it kind of does."

  After Mom brought me some soup and juice, I felt well enough to go downstairs. I turned on the TV and the Nuremberg explosion was all over. Every network and news channel was covering the explosion non-stop. Reporters were standing outside the blast zone interviewing scientists and government officials discussing possible theories and explanations as to what could have happened and who was responsible.

  I knew who was responsible. All the death and destruction that I saw was because Pravicus' seal had broken.

  My Havoc. My responsibility. All these deaths were on my shoulders. I had been the one who failed.

  Me. Me. Me.

  I wasn't surprised when I got the phone call from Shing. The Binder Council had called. They weren't stupid, of course they figured out that Pravicus' seal had broken. They had demanded that he and Rhys come to the Manor house and update them on what happened to Pravicus' seal. Once they learned that I hadn't been killed to break the seal, they especially wanted me.

  That evening I made arrangements to meet Shing and Rhys at the Berserker house. We would have included Dad in the conversation, but he was still sleeping ninety percent of the time and clearly needed more time to recover.

  Rhys wasn't doing much better, but I hadn't seen him since he left with Shing, so we agreed to meet there.

  But when I got to the Berserker house, Shing was alone.

  "Where's Rhys?" I asked.

  Shing shook his head. "I am afraid that your approach had an unsettling effect on him."

  I closed my eyes and thumped the back of my head on the wall. "He started going feral?" I asked, already sure of the answer.

  "Yes," Shing said. "He felt your approach and started to lose control. Rather than let you come here to find him like that again, he chose to run."

  I felt my last flame of hope flicker and die out. "So, now he can't even be near me?"

  Shing bowed his head and did not meet my eyes. "It appears that way."

  It was one thing to not be able to use my Binder powers around Rhys, but it was quite another to not be able to be around him at all. What kind of relationship could we have when my very presence turned him into a killing beast of rage? Was this permanent? Would it always be like this? Was there a cure?

  Frustrated at this new development, I slammed my fist onto one of the large wooden beams in the living room. I must have been unconsciously pre-zerking because the heavy wooden beam cracked under my blow, and a large chunk splintered off.

  Shing looked at me with cool eyes. "Perhaps Rhys is not the only one losing his ability to control his anger."

  "Sorry, Shing," I said sheepishly. It wasn't very often I lost my temper like that, but being a Berserker turned even minor slips up into potentially deadly disasters.

  "I understand that this is difficult for you and Rhys. I know you both care deeply for each other. To be forced to be apart is not an easy thing." Shing walked over to the splintered beam and ran his hands over the jagged pieces of wood. "Adversity comes into all relationships. None of us have a choice about that. What we do have a choice in is how we confront that adversity. Will you choose to let it destroy your relationship, or will you accept it for the gift it is and use it to bind you more tightly together?"

  "But how do we do that?" I asked.

  Shing shook his head slowly. "I would not tell you even if I could. It is in your personal journey to confront that adversity that you will discover your answer. Not my answer, but the one that is right for you and Rhys alone."

  I took in a deep breath. "That sounds really hard," I confessed.

  "You have no idea," Shing said with a small chuckle. "But in my experience, nothing of lasting value has been achieved without great effort." He sat down on the couch and looked at me expectantly.

  I wasn't sure, but I thought that chuckle might have been the first time I ever heard him laugh.

  We discussed our options and next steps in great detail over the next few hours. It was clear that the Binder Council expected an in-person report immediately. It was also clear that my Dad wasn't in any kind of shape to make the trip. He was still recovering from the toxin – at least I hoped he was still getting better – and needed to rest to get better. He wouldn't like it, but Shing and I were both in agreement that we weren't going to consult him to get his opinion on the matter.

  Rhys was a different kind of problem. The Binder Council insisted that both of us come, but that wasn't going to work. Oahu wasn't that big, and having the two of us together on the same island would mean he would go feral.

  We discussed the possibility of Shing or Rhys going without me, something I was sure Rhys would insist on if he were here, but Shing said the Binder Council was adamant about seeing me in particular. And given all the strange things that had been happening because of my powers, I could understand why.

  After hashing through all the possible scenarios, I saw that there was only one that made sense – I would report to the Binder Council alone.

  It was simple, really. I had to go, so that eliminated Rhys. Dad was too weak, and I wasn't convinced he was completely out of the worst of it yet. As much as I wanted Shing to come along with me, I wanted him to stay with my dad more. If Dad needed more medicine or something else went wrong, there was no one I trusted to know what to do more than Shing.

  Of course Shing didn't like my plan, and I honestly wasn't even much of a fan myself. It was just the best I could come up with in a bad situation. It took a lot of persuasion, but eventually I was able to make Shing see reason.

  ***

  I had already tried to call Rhys, but still hadn't heard back from him, so I made my arrangements to leave for Hawaii first thing in the morning. I would explain to him when I could and hope that he didn't try to charge back here and stop me.

  When I got back home, I tried calling Rhys a several more times and sent him more than a dozen texts asking him to call me as soon as he could.

  Nothing happened.

  How far did he have to run to not go feral? Or had he gone completely feral and that was why he wasn't responding? I didn't think so. I should feel it if he did go feral, regardless of the distance. All the same, I hated knowing that he was in distress – because of me no less – and be completely helpless to stop it. I tossed and turned all night, hardly sleeping at all, constantly checking my phone in case I somehow missed a call or message alert.

  But it was always the same – nothing.

  After one of my worst nights of sleep in recent memory, I finally got a call from Rhys at four in the morning. His voice sounded harsh and raspy.

  "Where are you?" I asked. "Are you ok?"

  "I'm fine," he said. But the strain in his voice gave away the lie. "I'll be honest, it was close for a while there. I almost didn't make it away in time."

  "What happened?" I asked.

  "I – I'm not really sure," he said. "I could feel you coming toward me, the same way I can when you’re 'zerking, but it was different, overwhelming. The closer you got, the more angry I became, and the more difficult it was to think straight. I could feel my control slipping with each second you came toward me. If I had stayed, you would have found me completely enraged and most likely engaged in an epic fight with Shing. I couldn't let that happen, so I ran. You were coming from the south, so I ran North and kept running until I couldn't feel you anymore."

  "So, where are you?" I asked.

  "Seattle."

  "You ran all the way to Seattle?"

  Rhys paused. "Yeah. Maybe a little farther North."

  "How far North?"

  "Sequim."

  Sequim was at the top of the Olympic peninsula, quite a bit farther north than Seattle.

  "Do you fe
el better now?" I asked. Are you back in control?"

  "It feels like it, but I’m still exhausted. I managed to find a safe place to rest just after ten last night and have been asleep ever since. When I woke up I saw your texts and called immediately."

  "Thanks," I said. "I'm glad to know you're alive and not feral or being attacked by Havocs."

  "What about you?" Rhys asked. "How are you doing? How's your dad?"

  "Both good," I said. "Dad's still tired, but seems to be slowly regaining his strength and stamina again. As for me, well, I didn't exactly sleep very well last night."

  "I'm sorry," Rhys said. I could hear the anguish in his voice. "I hate that this is happening. I hate not being able to control my emotions."

  "You don't have anything to be sorry about," I said. "This is my fault. It's because of me that this is happening. I hate my stupid dreams, and I hate that stupid prophecy! I wish Mallika had never told me about it!"

  There was silence on the other end of the line. I cursed myself for losing my temper and mentioning the prophecy. Every time I did, I could feel the tension from Rhys.

  "Rhys, are you still there?" I asked.

  "Yeah, I'm here." I heard Rhys deeply inhale. "I wish I could trade places with you and take this burden from you," he said.

  My anger melted away. I knew how much he loved me. I knew that if could, he really would trade places with me. Ever since I had known him, Rhys has wanted nothing but my happiness. I knew that he felt my pain as much as I did, and when I got frustrated about it, he felt responsible for it.

  Which was completely ridiculous. Rhys was in no way responsible for what was happening to me. But I had seen that reaction time and time again. The more I hurt, the more he felt it and the more he blamed himself for not being able to fix it. If I couldn't be strong for me, then at least I could be strong for him.

  "No, it's fine. This will all work out in the end," I said. "We've been through tough times together, and we will get through this."

  Shing wasn't kidding about this being tough. I just hoped I was doing the right thing and this would bind us together and not tear us apart.

  Rhys was not happy with my plan.

  At all.

  "You are going out to the Binder's council by yourself? Are you crazy?" he said. I could hear the frustration in his voice. "Have you forgotten that one of them, if not more, wants to kill you?"

  "I haven't forgotten," I said. "Shing gave me some of the medicine, and if I get attacked with a toxin again, I can quickly counteract it."

  "And if they attack you with something else?"

  "Then I will deal with it," I said. "I figured out a way to stop a feral Berserker, didn't I? How many other Berserkers could do that on their own? Believe me, if it comes to a fight, I can take care of myself."

  "And if they all attack you at once?"

  "Now you're just being ridiculous. It's not like the entire Council wants me dead. I'll have Julie there, and Onaona to help."

  "Both Binders. That won't help you in a fight."

  "Well, Josiah and Miguel will be there, too. They don't want me dead."

  On and on we went for quite some time. I appreciated Rhys' concern and that he wanted to protect me, but there was really no choice. I needed to meet with the Binder Council before any of the other seals broke, and my Dad, Rhys, and Shing couldn't go. Yes, there was an element of risk – a big one – but we were talking about the fate of millions. What would happen if Navitan's seal broke in Paris? How many millions would die there? Or what if Osadyn's broke here? My home and all the friends I knew would be killed.

  Sometimes you just had to choose between the less dangerous of two options. Not less dangerous for me, but for the millions who would be affected if we didn't figure out a way to stop this.

  Our conversation was finally cut short by time. I had to end it or miss my flight.

  "I have to go," I said. "I'm sorry, but I need to do this."

  I heard Rhys sigh deeply over the phone. "Since I can't talk you out of this, please be safe," he said. "Stick with Julie and Onaona. I believe they are on your side. Watch out for everyone else."

  ***

  The flight itself was uneventful. After having such a poor night's sleep, I slept through most of it.

  I was met by a driver at the airport and he seemed surprised to find me alone. I guess he had been told to expect the others. I wasn't looking forward to telling the Binder Council that I came alone.

  When the limo got to the small house at the base of the mountain, a guard walked out. I remembered his name was Austin. He looked exactly the same as last time: too-tight t-shirt clearly intended to emphasize his muscles, cargo pants, and aviator sunglasses. At least this time he held the rifle casually against his shoulder instead of pointing it at me.

  Not that it would hurt me. I was bullet-proof after all.

  "Where are the rest of you?" he asked. I still couldn't get used to his gravelly voice. Was that actually his real voice, or was he just trying to sound tough? I couldn't decide. Either way, I had to take deep breaths to try not to laugh.

  I held out my arms. "This is it," I said. "Just me."

  He grunted. "They told me to expect four of you. Where are the rest?"

  Something about how he was questioning me rubbed me the wrong way. I wasn't going to let this wannabe tough-guy intimidate me.

  "That's a topic I'll discuss with the Binder Council," I said, letting an edge of coolness creep into my voice.

  Austin didn't like that. He clenched his jaw, and his grip tightened on his gun.

  I smiled, and in my best imitation of Austin's rough voice said, "Go ahead, make my day."

  In an instant, he dropped the gun from his shoulder and pointed it straight at me.

  I put my hands on my hips and gave him my best are-you-really-that-stupid look. I was a Berserker. His rifle was no more dangerous to me than a toy gun held by a little kid.

  But it was clear that Austin wasn't going to back down. I rolled my eyes. "Seriously? That gun can't hurt me. Besides, the Binder Council is expecting me. I don't think they would want you delaying me any more than you already have."

  He hesitated at the mention of the Binder Council, but didn't stand down. Now I was really getting irritated.

  Fine. He had been warned.

  I sent out a snare tendril and ripped his rifle out of his hands. I then sent out another and lifted him up in the air. I used others to secure his arms and legs to his side so he was completely immobile and floating in the air in front of me. Because he couldn't see my snare tendrils, from his perspective his gun was moving on its own and he was floating in the air.

  "Let me down, you stupid b–" I cut him off, wrapping a snare over his mouth.

  I brought him in closer to me so that our faces were only inches apart. I could smell his gross breath, but I endured it so I could make my point.

  "I may look like a harmless teenage girl, but I am the most dangerous person you have ever met." I narrowed my eyes and spoke slowly, emphasizing each word. "Don't. Make. Me. Mad."

  I threw his gun into the woods and then dropped him on his butt.

  "Don't bother with the Pinzgauer," I said. "I'll make my own way to the top." It would be much faster, plus I didn't want to deal with Austin any more.

  I 'zerked and grabbed my bags out of the limo. Austin didn't move from where I had dropped him. He stared at me with a mixture of hate and fear. I didn't care if he liked me. I just wanted him scared enough to stay out of my way.

  Instantly, I was a blur of light running up the trail. In less than a minute, I made my way to the top and stopped in front of the Manor house.

  The front doors swung open and Nicole rushed out, looking around wildly. Her steps were hampered by the tight skirt and heels she was wearing, but she made remarkably good speed considering the clothing restrictions. When she saw me she slowed down to a walk and patted her hair. She straightened her blouse and walked down the stairs with as much dignity as she cou
ld muster.

  "Welcome back, Madison," she said. "I see you made your way here on your own."

  I shrugged. "Yeah, Austin was a bit tied up, so I figured I would spare him the trip." Wow, did I really just use that line? It was like I was in a bad action movie.

  Nicole pursed her lips in disapproval, but didn't make any further comment about how I got there. She motioned for one of the large Polynesian men who had followed her down the steps to grab my bag. "Take this to her room."

  Once the man had taken the bag and started up the stairs, Nicole looked down at her tablet and began swiping through various screens.

  "Ok, it appears that Nakai and Sunee wish to speak with you in private," she said. She closed the case and started up the stairs.

  I hesitated for a minute. Nakai and Sunee wanted to talk with me alone? It seemed like a bad idea to be alone with the two most senior Binders at the same time.

  "I, uh, was hoping to see Julie and Onaona first," I said. Rhys had told me he trusted them. That went a long way in my book.

  Nicole flashed me a bland smile. "And I am sure they are excited to see you as well, but Nakai and Sunee gave me explicit instructions to bring you to them right away."

  I debated whether or not to refuse to go with her, but I couldn't refuse without angering Nakai and Sunee who were the most influential people on the Binder Council. I would just have to find Julie and Onaona when I was done.

  I followed Nicole's plastic figure through the house. We wound through several corridors until we reached a secluded room in the east wing of the mansion.

  The room was small – well small for this building – no more than ten feet on a side. The only way I could describe it was antique. All the furniture looked like it came from at least a century ago, but in pristine condition. The high backed chairs were large with excessive amounts of ornamental woodwork and richly padded on the seat and the backs. There was a pitcher and several glasses sitting on a tray on an ornately carved coffee table.