Fractured Soul

by Rachel McClellan

  “You got them involved in this?” For some reason this seemed to upset her more than anything else. “Who else have you spoken to?”

  “Are you saying you believe me?”

  “I don’t know what I’m saying just yet.”

  And then I remembered something. “Of course I have proof. The secret room in Cyrus’s office where I found Tessa.”

  “You are the one that found Tessa?” She shook her head. “Wait, what secret room?”

  I nodded excitedly and told her about what had happened, but I conveniently left out the part of me going all invisible. That was something I didn’t want to share quite yet since it just didn’t seem as important as everything else.

  “The first chance I get I’ll check it out,” Sophie said.

  This alarmed me. “But you must be careful. In fact, maybe you should have me go with you. If any Vykens found you, I know they would kill you.”

  Sophie laughed, and I couldn’t tell if it was because she didn’t think I could protect her or that a Vyken could kill her. “Why are you laughing?” I asked.

  She cleared her throat. “So dramatic, Llona. Just like your mother.”

  I sunk into my chair. “You don’t believe me.”

  “No, no. I do believe there is something to your story. I mean, it’s so elaborate, how could you make it all up? And there is the fact that Auras are being attacked outside our school. No, something strange is going on, but there’s no way Cyrus is a part of it. If something’s going on, it’s without his knowledge. Let me conduct my own investigation. And for your own piece of mind, I’ll be careful.”

  “Please do. It’s important. I don’t want to lose you too.”

  Sophie stood and walked around her desk. She leaned down and gave me a hug. I hugged her back, inhaling the smell of cinnamon laced with curry.

  “Nothing’s going to happen to me. I promise,” she said. After a short moment, Sophie let go and looked at me. “You may not know this, Llona, but I’m good at adapting. This skill has put me where I’m at today.”

  “What do you mean?”

  Sophie just smiled, like she knew some great secret. “I’ll talk to you soon, Llona.”

  * * * * *

  I left Sophie’s office feeling conflicted. I wasn’t sure what she was going to do, and it didn’t seem she believed me about Cyrus, but it was a start. If she wasn’t convinced by tomorrow, then I’d call in that bomb threat—every day if I had to.

  The rest of the day went quickly. After school I worked with Kiera, trying to teach her all I knew, but there just wasn’t enough time. I wished I had a few months. When we were finished, I spoke to Tessa. She was staying at the Deific office in New York. The way she spoke about the place and the people, I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to find out more about them.

  When we were done talking, Tessa handed the phone to Liam. He sounded weak and tired, but he assured me that he would be back to normal within a day.

  I saw Christian that night; the two of us shared a quiet dinner in my room. Kiera was watching May practice with Dr. Han, hoping she could pick up on an idea or two that might make her Light stronger. All of us were trying to prepare, but tonight I didn’t want to think about it anymore. I just wanted to be here with Christian, as if we were the only ones in the world.

  “What are you thinking about?” he asked. We were sitting next to each other, leaning against the wall. A box of half-eaten pizza lay next to us.

  “Just wishing we could do this every night.”

  He squeezed my hand. “We will. Soon you’ll leave Lucent. We’ll get married. Move to the coast. Have children. Maybe a dog.” He paused. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

  I wasn’t sure how I looked, but I did know my heart had stopped beating. “What did you say?”

  “Um, that we’d have a dog? You don’t like dogs? Maybe we could get a—”

  “No. The part about us getting married.”

  “Oh. Well, we will, won’t we? I mean, I know I haven’t officially proposed, and we’re both still young, but I just can’t imagine spending my life with anyone else. You’re my plan, Llona. Wherever we go, whatever happens, I want to be in your life. Always.”

  When I didn’t say anything, he quickly added, “When the time’s right, of course. No need to rush things.” His face turned red. “I freaked you out, didn’t I? Sorry. I just—”

  I threw my arms around him. “I love you.”

  “I love you too, Llona.” He hugged me back. I sunk into him and rested my head on his chest.

  “You’re my forever, Llona,” he said and kissed my forehead.

  And I believed he was mine.

  * * * * *

  The next morning, earlier than normal, chimes sounded, but they weren’t the normal chimes signaling mealtime. They were the “mandatory meeting” chimes. I slid out of bed and got dressed. After combing my hair to my “bad” side, I pulled on a beanie and left my room. The halls were crowded and filled with excited voices.

  “I bet we’re having another dance,” one girl said as I passed. Another said, “Maybe we’re getting some new teachers.”

  I dodged in and out of the girls until I found May.

  “What do you think this is about?” May said.

  “Maybe my talk with Sophie actually worked.” I hoped.

  Other than being more crowded than usual, the dining room was the same as always. Lizens carried trays of food to Auras who were huddled around the tables, looking happier than they had been in a long time. It made me ill. The smell of pancakes and citrus circulated throughout the room. Comfort food.

  Kiera waved us over from across the room where she had saved two seats. On the way over, Tessa’s mother caught my attention. She smiled and mouthed the words, “Thank you.”

  When I reached the table, I didn’t sit down right away. I glanced around the room looking for Sophie. I found her at the front talking to several teachers. She met my gaze and acknowledged me with a nod.

  Kiera pulled me into a chair. “What’s going on?” she said.

  “We’ll know soon enough.”

  A few minutes later Sophie walked to the front podium. “Can I have your attention? Girls, please. Sit down. I have an announcement.”

  The girls hurried toward a seat and waited expectantly. Just then Cyrus walked in. I think it was the first time I’d seen him in the dining room. It must have been a first for the others too, because they looked just as shocked. Cyrus went straight to Sophie and whispered something in her ear. She shook her head and motioned for him to sit down. He did not look happy.

  Sophie began, “You girls are so special. Has anyone ever told you that?”

  A wave of laughter and giggles filled the room. May and I looked at each other and rolled our eyes.

  “Because of this,” Sophie continued, “I want to give you a surprise. Something we’ve never done before in the summer.”

  Everyone leaned forward.

  “We’re giving you a week off from school starting today.”

  May and I looked at each other and stared.

  THIRTY-FIVE

  There was a collective gasp from the audience followed by cheers and high fives. Cyrus stood up and stormed over to Sophie. I tried to listen to what they were saying, but even my great hearing couldn’t weed out their voices over the celebration. A few seconds later, Cyrus sat back down looking seriously mad. Sophie motioned with her arms to quiet the crowd. “Be quiet, please. I have more to say.”

  When loud voices quieted to whispers, she continued, “Because of the short notice, I know many of you won’t be able to leave, as your families may be away. For those of you who can’t leave or who want to stay, we will have activities planned every day. And not the normal ones. We have several field trips planned.”

  Excited voices rose again. I shook my head, wishing Sophie hadn’t added this last part. We needed the girls to leave, not want to stay.

  “An official announcement has already been emai
led to your parents,” Sophie said. “When we are finished here, you will be allowed to call your parents. All phones, including in the teachers’ offices, will be made available. And finally,” Sophie paused, waiting for the girls to quiet down again, “all Lizens will be given the week off too.”

  A blanket of silence dropped on the room. No one said anything. I don’t even think they were breathing, including the Lizens. Three tables over, Ashlyn stood up and raised her hand.

  “Yes, Ashlyn?” Sophie said.

  “But if the Lizens are allowed to leave, who will take care of us if we choose to stay?”

  Sophie’s jaw tightened briefly before she said, “You will take care of yourself. You know how to do that, right?”

  Shocked, Ashlyn glanced around, clearly looking for support, but no one said anything.

  “Any other questions?” Sophie asked into the microphone. When no one said anything, she said, “Good. Now get moving.”

  May turned to me. “This is good, right?”

  “It’s the best we could’ve hoped for.” I stood. “I’ll be right back.”

  I pushed my way to the front until I found Sophie. She embraced me before I could say anything. When she pulled away she said, “I found the room. I can’t believe Cyrus didn’t tell us about it.”

  “So you believe me?”

  “I do believe Vykens were in the school and kidnapped Tessa, but I searched Cyrus’s office and found no proof that he was involved, or proof of any kind of a plot involving our vitamins or selling our blood. I mean, really, Llona, the whole thing is just very fantastical.”

  I shook my head. “But what about the secret room and the fact that Cyrus and Jameson disappeared into the very same place we found Tessa?”

  Sophie kept her voice even. “They could’ve come out and slipped by you into the hallway. You said yourself that you were hiding under a desk.”

  I closed my eyes. This woman was crazy, but . . . “Whatever. Believe what you want for now. I’m just glad you’re sending the Auras home. There will be time enough for me to convince you of the rest.”

  Sophie patted me on the arm. “Everything will be fine. You’ll see. In one week everything will be as it should.”

  I forced a smile, knowing it would never be normal again.

  Sophie returned to the teachers, who bombarded her with questions. I was about to return to May and Kiera when a cold hand gripped my arm. My legs went weak, and I would’ve fallen if it weren’t for the tight grip holding me up. I turned and came face to face with Cyrus. He looked at me with a puzzled expression, like he was trying to figure out why I was having a difficult time standing.

  When I didn’t say anything, he said, “We still haven’t found your Lizen friend, but we will. She can’t be far.” I wondered if this was the first time he’d ever told the truth. Him and the other Vykens were probably mystified as to where Tessa went.

  “That’s good,” I stuttered. Pull it together!

  His eyelids drew down thin. “How have you been feeling, Llona?”

  “Fine, sir. I’m fine.”

  “Have you been taking your vitamins?” His nails bit into my arm, and I knew that he knew.

  With my free hand I took hold of his arm and shoved it away. “You mean your drug?”

  Cyrus towered over me, and I couldn’t help but take a small step backward. “You think this will work?” he whispered. “Protect them? You are a stupid, silly girl.”

  I was caught off guard by his sudden confession. Gratefully I didn’t have to say anything. Dr. Han appeared. “Llona, Abigail’s looking for you so you can use her phone to call home.”

  “Right.” I followed him out of the dining room, ignoring Cyrus’s death stare.

  I thought we were going upstairs to Abigail’s office, but instead Dr. Han led me outside. He looked over his shoulder at me and said, “Follow me.”

  I obeyed. First, because I was curious what he was up to, and second, because I was too afraid to say no. The man was powerful.

  He led me across campus and inside Risen Auditorium. As soon as we were in his office, Dr. Han closed the door. His office was the complete opposite from the others. The walls were a pale white, and other than his desk and a couple of chairs, only weapons occupied the room. Blades and spears hung on the wall or were piled in a basket on the floor. I looked at them nervously. He must’ve noticed because he said, “You have nothing to be frightened of. I’ve spoken with Liam.”

  This surprised me. “You know Liam?”

  “Yes.”

  “How?”

  “We’ve worked on various projects for the Deific over the years.” He moved to the window and peered out the blinds. “A few days ago Liam contacted me and told me all that has happened. You were smart to tell Sophie, although she thinks you’re a very troubled teen.”

  “Awesome. Thanks.”

  He looked back at me. “But she cares for you. Otherwise she wouldn’t have sent the students away.” That’s what he said, but the words lacked feeling. It was as if he were trying to make me feel better.

  “How long have you known?” I asked.

  “Known what?”

  “About Cyrus? About him being a Vyken?”

  Dr. Han crossed the room and sat down. “I didn’t know, still don’t, but I trust Liam. And I trust you.”

  “Why?”

  “Because of your bloodline. I fought side by side with your great-grandmother Mary.”

  I leaned forward. “I haven’t heard about her.”

  “You wouldn’t have. She was part of a movement in the thirties that hunted Vykens. No one talks about that time.”

  “You were there?”

  Although he was looking right at me, his gaze seemed to go beyond, to another time, perhaps, and for the first time I saw emotion in his face. “I was with her the day she died.” He paused and his focus returned. “I believe even Liam worked with her on an occasion or two.”

  “Liam?”

  “With such a small circle of supernatural creatures, it’s hard not to cross paths when you fight on the same side.”

  I shook my head. Something was nagging at me. Mary in the thirties, hunting Vykens and working with Liam and Dr. Han. I looked up at him. “The Shadow,” I said. “She was the one who destroyed it, wasn’t she?”

  “It’s true,” Dr. Han said, and I noticed that he didn’t look surprised that I knew about the Shadow. Liam must’ve told him about what Mr. Steele had said. “The Shadow was under the control of a Vyken named Darius,” he continued. “Once Mary gave her very life to destroy the Shadow, I was able to kill Darius.”

  My heart swelled with pride when I thought of Mary and all that she’d done, but the feeling faded when I realized we were now in the same predicament she was. “But the Shadow’s back. How is that possible?”

  “I don’t know, but believe me, I won’t rest until it’s sent back to hell where it belongs.”

  THIRTY-SIX

  I leaned back in my seat, wondering if things could get any worse. I looked at Dr. Han. “Why do you believe me about Cyrus when my own aunt doesn’t?”

  “Because I saw your reaction that day when you first met Cyrus and Jameson. It’s the same reaction Mary and a few others used to have. I didn’t know what I was seeing at first, as it had been so long since an Aura had reacted like that, but after I thought about it and spoke to Liam, I knew.”

  Leaning forward, I said, “Didn’t you ever wonder why Auras could no longer sense Vykens?”

  “I didn’t get involved with Auras until the early thirties when I met Mary. And by then, many of the Auras already had their senses dulled. Liam said the drug was introduced in the twenties, correct?”

  I nodded.

  “I’m sure it was introduced slowly. So slowly that after enough time passed, Auras forgot. The ones who could still sense Vykens thought it was a gift only they had. But, looking back, I can see that they were just the ones who didn’t drink tea. Mary hated it.” He actually smiled.
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br />   I slumped into my seat, feeling exhausted. So many years had passed with people ignorant to the truth. “What about May’s blood? Why did you take it?”

  He hesitated briefly. “I wanted to test it. To see what would happen if a Vyken’s poison infected a Fury’s blood.”

  “Why didn’t you just use yours?”

  His jawline tightened. “I wanted the blood of an innocent Fury. One who hadn’t awakened the Fury darkness inside them.”

  I stared at him, wondering what challenges he had overcome. Maybe there was something in his past that could help me. But not now. Too much to do. “And what did you discover?”

  Dr. Han faced the window in a thoughtful expression. Finally he said, “Furies are immune.”

  “How is that possible?”

  “Furies already have their own evil to contend with. A Vyken’s poison does nothing but add to it.”

  “But May. There’s not a bad bone in her body.”

  “Like I said before, she hasn’t been tested. But be assured, it’s in her, and one day she’ll have to fight it.”

  I leaned back, a deep ache in my gut. I couldn’t bear the thought of May going through anything like I was.

  “What now, Llona?” Dr. Han said.

  “You’re asking me?”

  “You are the leader, are you not?”

  “I’m an eighteen-year-old girl who wants this to all go away. I’m no leader.”

  “Leaders never choose their destiny. It’s handed to them. And what they do with it will either lead them and their followers into victory or defeat. Which direction will you lead us in?”

  The air in the room felt cold and heavy.

  “You remind me of her,” he said, and I looked up. “She was like you. Always doubting her abilities, and yet she always made the right choices.”

  “My mother?”

  He shook his head. “No. Mary.”

  “What about my grandmother? Did you know her well?”

  Dr. Han smiled. “I did. Sarah had the same rebellious spirit as her mother, but when Mary died, she took that spirit with her. Sarah wasn’t herself ever again, but I did notice a light return to her when she had your mother.”