Cal leaned back in his seat. “Think of it like this: two people can be attracted to each other, they can get along and enjoy each other’s company. But, if their blood matches over a certain percentage, then they are compatible for each other, and they will produce powerful offspring.”
“What if they are a perfect match?” Raven asked.
I glared at her, along with my aunt. Why would she even ask that? Like that isn’t suspicious at all.
I watched as Cal’s eyebrows rose in confusion. “Um … well, that’s extremely unusual, but if it happens, then the unrivaled blood sings with one another, signifying that they are a perfect fit.”
Raven sighed. “Like soulmates.”
He smiled. “Exactly. When two people are perfect for each other, when they are one hundred percent compatible, their offspring will be extremely powerful.”
I put my elbows on the table and rested my chin in my hands. “Sounds like a fairy tale.”
He tilted his head my way. “No, not really.”
“What is the percentage?” I asked. “I mean, of unrivaled who are one hundred percent compatible?”
“Less than ten percent,” Cal replied.
Grief hit me then. My parents had had that with one another, and it had been taken from them because of what they had meant to each other. What they had created with each other. My heart clenched in sorrow for them.
The three people at the table winced before each of them rubbed a hand over their hearts. I watched as they cringed. After a few seconds, my aunt then gasped, opening and closing her mouth.
“St-stop. Please.”
My shock had me halfway pushing back from the table. I watched in confusion as all three of them gasped for air.
“Did she just …?” Cal said. “No way.”
Raven and I looked at each other. What was going on?
“Thorn, what were you just thinking about?” Cal asked.
“I was thinking about my parents.”
“Were you grieving over them?” my aunt asked.
“Yes. I was thinking how horrible it must have been for them to find and fall in love with each other just to lose each other … It’s just …”
“Heartbreaking?” Cal supplied.
I nodded. “What’s going on?”
He gave me a disarming smile. “We know what your father’s powers were now. He was an empath.”
“A what?”
“He could make others feel what he was feeling, times ten,” Amaria said. “Our hearts felt like they were being ripped from our chests and squeezed.”
I was horrified.
“That’s a powerful gift,” my aunt said.
“And now we know what house he belonged to,” Cal said.
“The House of Agony.” My aunt broke off in a sob then excused herself.
When she closed a door behind her, Cal said, “Does anyone want to explain to me what just happened?”
Before I could answer him, Raven started to spill everything. My mouth dropped open in shock.
Interrupting her, I said, “Raven, those are my secrets to tell.”
She shrugged. “I’m sorry. I thought you wouldn’t mind.”
“Why? Because you asked?”
Cal lifted both hands. “It’s okay, Thorn. I know why you would be uneasy telling someone these secrets.”
He turned his focus on Raven. “And as her friend, you should be careful who you tell without her permission, because secrets like these could mean her death.”
Raven rolled her eyes. “Fine. Geesh, guys. I guess I didn’t realize the perfect Thorn who just inherited powers that most would kill for would be upset about us talking about how oh so perfect she is.”
I took a deep breath. Raven was acting like a jealous child, but these last few months hadn’t been easy on her, either.
After I let go of some of my anger over her childish remarks, I began to tell Cal everything I knew or had learned so far, except for my parents being a perfect match. I didn’t know why I chose to hold back that one kernel of truth, other than that seemed like it was their story and I didn’t want to share it with someone I barely knew.
When I was done speaking, he rocked back in his chair.
“No wonder your aunt is upset. The leader of the House of Agony is a sadistic man. I’m so sorry your parents had to go through what they did, but at least you escaped his wrath.”
“Did I?” I asked. “If I’m to be bait, will he search for what he lost all those years ago?”
Cal dropped all four of the chair legs back to the ground. “I’ll protect you.”
I gave him a small smile. I knew very little about this world, but one thing I did know was, if I was worried about the Puppeteer getting to me in time to save me, and he was the most feared in all of Old America, I wasn’t sure what Cal would be able to contribute. Still, it was sweet of him to offer.
After a few silent minutes, Cal stood to leave. “Now that we have this little secret society, you all will be seeing a lot more of me. And Thorn, if you need me for anything, don’t hesitate to come find me.” He gave me a wink on his way out the door.
Raven giggled. “Wow, he really has it bad for you.”
I shook my head, not making eye contact with her, because I was still pissed. “He is just being polite.”
Raven stretched as I started cleaning up the kitchen table. “He saw a girl who can make lightning when she sneezes and make others feel what she is feeling; what’s not to like?”
Instead of apologizing for her earlier remarks, this was her way of sweeping everything under the rug.
I didn’t answer her as she headed back to the recliner that she had been sitting in earlier.
Later that night, Amaria came out of her room with a small smile, saying the day had gotten to her but it was nothing that a good cry couldn’t help. She then showed Raven and me to our room that we would share and promised that, tomorrow, we would come up with a solid plan that was safe and would help everyone.
I crawled into the bed, exhausted. Today had been a whirlwind of events and findings. I was beyond tired yet hopeful that I would learn more about who I really was, and maybe I would be the key to helping keep the humans safe.
That night, as I slept, icy-blue eyes haunted my dreams.
The next morning, Amaria made Raven and me a plate of scrambled eggs and handed us a cup filled with black liquid that was called coffee. The House of Hybrids only had water to drink. I had never heard of juice or coffee before I had come here.
Raven sat at the round table. “This is the most amazing meal I have ever had.”
I nodded. “Thank you, Aunt Amaria.”
She wiped her hands nervously on a dry rag then sat down at the table with us. “Girls, I have been thinking …” She cut her eyes to Raven with a look of disappointment. A look that Raven missed altogether. “If word gets out about who you are, Thorn … well, I don’t trust Lionel. I think that if he knew who you truly are … well, I think he would take matters into his own hands.”
“You don’t think he has any serum, do you?”
She shook her head. “No. If he did, he would have already used it. I don’t think Cal’s parents were a hundred percent compatible, but even at that, Cal is the strongest to come through the House of Deception in a long time. Not to mention, his mother’s gifts were borderline. One percent more and the House of Strength could have claimed her.”
“Cal is a hybrid?” Raven asked around a mouthful of food.
Amaria shook her head. “No, a true hybrid is born from two major houses.” She passed Raven a napkin. “Like I was saying, Cal is extremely powerful. If Lionel had the serum, he would have already tried it on him, because that man does not have patience to wait for a child born of a perfect match in his house. Besides, with our numbers dwindling, what are the chances of that?”
She took a deep breath. “Lionel might not be able to outright kill you, in fear of the Puppeteer, but that doesn’t mean he couldn’t figure
out a way for your demise. I’m worried that the house that he will first try to contact is the House of Agony. It’s the closest to us. If your grandfather knows that you exist, he will move heaven and earth to get to you. I’m not sure if you fully understand what kind of monster he is.”
“He killed his own son,” I said with bitter resentment. “I think I’m fully aware of how evil he is.”
She nodded. “My suggestion is now that we know what we’re up against, go to the Minor’s Ball. As crazy as it seems, you will be the safest there.”
“Is the House of Agony a minor?”
She shook her head. “No. You have major blood running through you.”
After a few moments of silence, she said, “I get that the Puppeteer is using you as bait. I understand why even. And I know where your heart is. You want to protect the humans because we all know that, if another war breaks out, their small population won’t survive it. But I need you to understand where I am coming from, too. I’m your aunt. My sister gave her life for you to live. The moment she refused to tell her killer where her baby was, was the moment he probably decided to end her. My goal is for you to be safe.” I started to say something, but she held up a hand. “I get that you are set on this path and nothing I say can stop you, but I need for you to take the least dangerous path possible. Going to the Minor’s Ball will be it for you. You will go under the House of Hybrids. Our goal will be to not let any of the unrivaled there know you have powers from the House of Agony. There will be a mystery surrounding you, and everyone will be wondering about your powers just by you claiming that you are uncertain of your heritage. Your powers have been bound … because you will tell any who listen that they are still bound, correct?”
“Yeah, she can lie as long as she doesn’t have another sneezing fit,” Raven commented.
My aunt’s eyes widened in horror.
To ease her fears, I said, “I will stay glued to Cal’s side, and if I lose control, I’ll blame it on him.”
She smiled. “That’s my girl. This is my suggestion, and I have to tell you that, if you don’t agree to it, I’m probably going to knock you over the head, stuff you in Cal’s car, and make a run for a different country. Pretend you know nothing, all while being alluring.”
I gave her a small smile. “Thank you for caring. I think your suggestions are very reasonable.”
Raven looked over at me as she put another forkful of eggs in her mouth. At this rate, we were going to gain a massive amount of weight. That thought alone had me smiling bigger.
“So, we are doing this?” Raven asked.
My aunt and I both nodded.
“The celebrations begin this week, and the ball is at the end of the week,” Amaria said.
“But we just got here,” I complained.
She reached out and grabbed my hand. “I’ll figure out a way for us to be together again.”
Raven set her fork down. “I’ll do whatever you want to do, Thorn, but think about it. Until the Puppeteer comes back to claim you, we could just be normal teenagers. No toilets to clean, no fists to dodge, and”—she pointed to the plate of eggs—“we would probably never go to bed hungry.”
I wasn’t sure she was fully grasping the concept that I was going to be dangled out as bait. There would be no normalcy to it. What was worse than being hunted down for a science experiment? Making me a soldier for their army.
My aunt was tracking my facial features. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but you know, Thorn, this mark that the Puppeteer put on you might be our only saving grace.”
“I have hope that we will find which houses have this serum,” I said. “I’m sure we won’t learn of it overnight, but I’m hopeful that this won’t drag on for years. We can destroy it. No unrivaled needs more power. Humans are already having a hard time surviving amongst them.”
My aunt looked at me with love in her eyes. “Maybe you can be the change they need.”
Squeezing her hand back, I said, “If you think us leaving immediately for this ball is what is best for us, then I will go.”
“I think there are a lot of uncertainties and factors that are unknown to us, but I do think you will be safer there. Maybe we just need to look at this as an adventure. And going to the ball will be an adventure. Your mother always said, ‘When the chance to live pops up, you should always spread your wings and soar.’”
Raven smiled. “I like that. We’ve never soared. We’ve been shackled.” She gave me a pleading smile. “Come on, Thorn; let’s fly.”
“I agree.”
Releasing my hand, Amaria said, “If you girls are leaving tomorrow, we have a lot of shopping to do. Finish your breakfast, and we will get Cal to drive us.”
The remainder of my eggs were cold, but I didn’t care. I gobbled them down and chugged the bitter black liquid. Then we dressed in clothes that the Puppeteer had thoughtfully sent with Raven.
I hated to admit I loved the clothes that he had sent for me. They were elegant and feminine. Raven’s colors were more muted and bland, while mine were vibrant and bold. She had already commented several times that she got the short end of the stick, and I had to agree with her.
Cal picked us up in a Jeep that had no doors. It was ruby red and had big tires. It somehow fit his personality.
“Wow,” I said. “I like this vehicle.”
He gave me a wink. “I’ll teach you how to drive it one day.”
Amaria and Raven climbed into the back seat as I sat in the passenger seat and watched him shift gears as we headed down the road.
“I’m not sure if I could learn that,” I said, pointing to the stick shift.
He smiled. “I have a feeling you are going to exceed all our expectations.”
“What are we going shopping for?” I asked.
“Clothes, of course,” my aunt answered.
“But why? The Puppeteer gifted us with enough to last a lifetime.”
“Dear girl,” my aunt started loudly from the back seat, “you will not be wearing the same outfit twice during the weekly festivities. It is not done. Trust me when I say you will need more of everything.”
I sank into the seat, thinking about how crazy life was. I had gone from peeing in a pan, living in a dirty shack, and pocketing a few tomatoes from the farm that I used to work at when I was sure the boss wasn’t looking, to making sure I never wore the same outfit twice. The humans deserved better. They deserved more.
I was quiet as Cal turned onto a familiar road, feeling like I was going to be sick. Then, when the house came into view, I felt myself grow angry.
From the back seat, Amaria said, “We don’t really have clothing stores that you might have read about in books or heard rumors about. We come to this woman when we have a need for something. She’s expensive, but she is the best in the state. Besides, I think we all have a few questions.”
I gritted my teeth. I didn’t know why I found myself mad at Lana, other than the fact that she should have come forward and told me how she really knew me.
Amaria was chatting with false cheer to Raven. I knew that my aunt was going to miss me. Since the moment she had suggested that we leave tomorrow, she had become depressed.
I ignored their small talk and focused on my anger. Lana could have saved me a ton of trouble if she would have just been open and honest with me.
A warm hand reached over and squeezed mine that was gripping my knee. “You okay?” Cal asked.
“Yeah.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he let go of my hand.
When he parked the Jeep, I sat there for a few seconds before I gathered my thoughts.
We walked up to the door and knocked, and when Lana swung the door open, the look on her face was priceless.
“Thorn?” she questioned.
My aunt narrowed her eyes. “Why, hello, Lana. Hope you don’t mind us just dropping in like this, but since the girls here are leaving for the ball tomorrow, they need some clothes.”
Lana put a
hand up to her chest. “Why are they going to the ball?”
My aunt was seething. “Oh, because I unbound her memories.”
Lana paled.
My aunt raised her brows in a haughty gesture. “You see, the moment I did that, she saw her very first memories. Of course, she has enlightened me of those very memories.”
As my anger grew, within moments, everyone was doubled over, not moving.
Cal stumbled toward me. Halfway bent over, he grabbed my hand. “Reel your anger in.”
Taking deep breaths, I relaxed. Then, with part shame, I watched as everyone straightened.
Never taking my eyes from Lana and feeling slightly embarrassed, I said, “Could you let us in?”
Lana nodded. “Of course. I’m sorry.” She made a motion with her hand. “Please come in.” She was still apparently in shock over my show of power.
She turned to Cal. “If they need to try on fabric, you can’t be in here.”
Cal grabbed my elbow. “Do you need me?”
I shook my head. “No, I’ll be fine.”
His golden eyes raked over my face. “Okay. Then I’ll be in the car.” He leaned in then and whispered into my ear, “You have got to get control of your emotions. You will have everyone knowing which house you came from.”
“Don’t worry, Cal,” Amaria said, “Lana here already knows who Thorn’s father was. Don’t you, Lana?”
Lana bent her head in shame.
Aunt Amaria turned toward Cal. “We won’t take long, I promise.”
I was quiet while Lana showed us into her small living room.
My aunt broke the silence. “Do you know how long I tried to figure out what happened the night my sister gave birth? Do you know how long I have wondered whether I had a niece or nephew, or how long I grieved over that niece or nephew who went missing? I assumed the baby died along with my sister. Do you know how upset I was when I listened to my niece retell that night and learned that it was my sister’s best friend who had smuggled the baby out of the House of Deception?”
Lana put her hands up in surrender. “I know that you are upset—you have every right to be—but I couldn’t tell you what happened.”
House of Deception: The Unrivaled Series Page 13