by Ruth Silver
“What news?” He stared at me for a long moment, only making me ache with anticipation. “What?” I asked again, hating the games. “If you know something,” I demanded, expecting an answer in return.
“I know quite a lot, Olivia. I'm just not sure you're ready for it.” He paused, thinking another long hard minute about it. “Mason relayed some news to me,” Collins admitted. “I'm not sure what to make of it, if anything. We had agreed not to discuss who you were with the council or anyone in Torv but Jaxon went against better judgment.” I wondered if Collins was worried for me; he looked puzzled by the news, as was I. “He met with the council at Torv, trying to negotiate a deal between our towns, an alliance if you will. In their talks, it seems as though someone in Torv already knows you.”
“Knows me?” I frowned. “That can't be possible.” I didn't know anyone from the rebel alliance in Torv.
His eyes pierced through mine as he let out a soft breath. “Perhaps there were some survivors in Haven.”
“That's what you've heard? There were people who lived through the attack?” I felt guilty for abandoning the city, running away with Joshua when they needed our help. Perhaps his mother was still alive. My heart quickened at the thought.
Collins sighed, “I don't know, Olivia. I wasn't there. I can only relay what I've been told. My best guess is that someone survived. Torv has been looking for you. I can only assume it's because there are survivors from Haven.” Collins laughed softly and as he leaned closer, he rested a hand on my back. “Don't look so upset.”
“How can I not be upset? They're looking for me and now they know where I am!” I didn't feel safe. I wasn't sure why but I had the sneaking suspicion they wanted me as a guinea pig. I hoped I was wrong, but the fact they were impregnating women and not entirely successful in their attempts made me think otherwise.
“Elsa asked that you join her and Chloe on a return trip to Torv in the coming weeks. They have several pregnant women in their town and from what I hear, they need all the medical help and expertise they can get. I think you should join them.”
“I'm not a doctor.” A soft sigh slipped past my lips. My mind was in a fog. “I don't know how I can help.”
He didn't answer my question, not directly. “I think it'd be good for you. Believe it or not, Olivia, I've been on your side since we first met.”
That got my attention. I glanced up, giving him a disbelieving look. “Yeah, right,” I muttered. I remembered when we'd first met and he put a gun to me. After that, he'd forced me to train with the other recruits, drugged me with Mindonsiphan, and lied to me at every opportunity. Somehow, I felt like Chancellor Collins only looked after himself.
In the evening, as we headed for bed, I was glad to see Joshua again. “So how was your day?” I asked, sitting in the darkness of our bedroom at the edge of the mattress while Joshua stripped down to his boxers for bed.
“Good.” he smiled, pulling back the covers before he climbed under the sheets. “Missed you though,” he admitted, gesturing for me to join him.
Lying in my pajamas, I shifted back on the bed, slipping my feet under the warm blankets. “I had an interesting day.” I let the words hang in the air, wondering which part to tell Joshua first.
Joshua sat up in bed, waiting for me to further elaborate. “You going to make me guess?”
I rolled my eyes, smiling as I gently pushed him onto his back, lying down beside him. My eyes met his as I traced a warm path with my finger down and across his chest. “Chancellor Collins wants me to go to Torv. The thing is,” I paused, unsure I believed it. “It seems they already knew who I was before Jaxon, Mason, and Margo showed up.”
“Hmm?” He frowned, his brow furrowed as he tried to make sense of what I told him. “Any chance someone had survived the attack on Haven and relayed the news to Torv? Then again,” he mused, “you'd think they wouldn't want you to come to Torv because you'd be putting their town at risk.”
“Exactly my thoughts.” I shifted onto my back, staring up at the ceiling, trying to wrap my brain around all of it. “Who would know about me? Let alone the fact I survived the attack?”
“Maybe they didn't know you survived. It's possible they assumed you were dead until these three new people show up from a town they've never heard of.” He rolled onto his side, draping a leg over mine as he pulled me closer. “If I told you I didn't want you to go…” His words trailed off.
It wasn't that I wanted to go to Torv. I wasn't a fan of danger, but I didn't like sitting on the sidelines either. I wanted to be a part of something bigger. “I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet.” As it was we were running out of time. The Governor's Ball was in the spring and I needed to be in Genesis before the party to know the exact date and time.
“Maybe I can help convince you to stay.” He smiled, pulling me closer in his embrace.
My fingers slipped beneath his shirt and traced a path along the hem of his boxers, grazing his skin. “You could come with me,” I offered with an eager grin. “This time don't let Collins tell you no.”
“You think it will work?” His eyes momentarily closed.
“Too tired?” I teased, leaning on my elbows as I dropped a kiss to his eyelids, the tip of his nose, and then his mouth. “If you give him a reason he can't refuse, then he'll have to let you accompany me to Torv.”
Joshua's eyes fluttered open. “What reason would that be?”
“Tell him you can't live without me.” I beamed.
CHAPTER 14
Nearly a week had passed since the guests from Torv had arrived. Joshua and I decided to go for a run, before showering and getting dressed for our weekly meeting. I knew Chancellor Collins would insist on sending Elsa, Chloe, and me to Torv. The pregnant women weren't getting any less pregnant and I knew soon enough some of them would give birth. I didn't want to imagine what it was like or even witness the nature of it. I'd heard stories, enough of them as a child to know it was painful. I didn't want to be around it, but I also knew Elsa had requested I come along.
Once dressed, Joshua and I headed towards the council room where we always met for our weekly update. I hadn't spent much time with the members of Torv aside from having met Chloe. I knew two others had come along, Beckett and Asher. Joshua had trained with Beckett and Asher in hand-to-hand combat in the gymnasium. I spent those early mornings in skills training with Maya. She'd taught me how to tie a knot and how to get out of them. She was also on hand when I worked with Adelaide to teach her self-defense. She got along better with Adelaide than Hazel, and Maya had many more years of training and experience. As much as I wanted to be Adelaide's guide, it was best to let someone who knew what she was doing instruct her. I never once told Adelaide about the Mindonsiphan and hoped when she came of age we'd live in a free world where she'd never have the need for it.
Joshua led me to the long oak table where I took a seat, and he did the same beside me. One by one, the council members joined us over the next few minutes: Cate, Mason, Elsa, Maya, Hazel, Aidan, and lastly Chancellor Collins.
“Let me start this week,” Chancellor Collins began, “with anyone who has new information they'd like to share with the council.”
Elsa raised her hand to speak first. “Chloe has been a huge asset to our medical and science team. I know she'll return soon to Torv but I'd like to invite her to stay on staff permanently.”
“Is that even an option?” I asked, perturbed. I glanced around the table, waiting for someone else to question it as well.
Chancellor Collins glanced at me briefly with a hint of warning in his eyes. “We'll consider your request, Elsa. What have you found this week, anything?”
Elsa nodded eagerly. “We've been breaking apart the different hormones pregnant women have, infertile women have, and then what Olivia has.”
I felt all eyes on me. I hated when discussions involved my reproduction. It felt invasive, like they were dissecting me.
“Continue,” the Chancellor answered, wanti
ng to know what breakthrough they'd had.
“It's Chloe's theory, but we think women no longer have the ability to ovulate and for that reason can't conceive children. The old-world terminology for the condition was anovulation. Now we know there are a few medications that induce ovulation but none of them have been successful. We're hoping we can synthesize a new hormone.” Everyone stared at Elsa, confused. “I believe with the right tools and help it can be reversed. At least the women who want to conceive can have the chance if they have hormone injections. In fact, we think giving the proper injections to the pregnant women in Torv might lower the chances of hemorrhaging while in labor. It's risky; please don't underestimate how dangerous the experimental hormone injection we're suggesting doing is. I just don't see another option.”
Maya spoke up, “No one has discussed using Mindonsiphan to heal these women. I think it's something we should talk about.”
I glanced at Joshua, wondering if he knew what Maya was talking about. Elsa had briefly mentioned it before but hadn't brought it up again. We both knew about the procedure; we'd experienced it nearly a year ago against our will.
Hazel answered, “Using Mindonsiphan is a temporary fix, a Band-Aid. Nothing more, nothing less. Maybe we could save a mother or two but one of us would always have to be there.”
Cate chimed in. “Do we know how Torv has managed to carry out any successful pregnancies? We've studied for years and have been unable to get a single woman pregnant.”
“Cate's right,” Mason nodded. “I hate to admit it but what does Torv know that they haven't shared? Didn't you guys say Chloe was from one of the Genesis projects? Are you sure she can be trusted?”
The room erupted in loud chatter and Chancellor Collins raised his hands. “That's enough!” His voice echoed against the walls and everyone grew quiet. “We trust Torv with our knowledge; I'm sure in the same way they entrust us with theirs.”
Elsa spoke out, “I trust Chloe, and I'm confident she and her town of Torv have no ill will towards us at all. They've been nothing but nice, helpful, and forthcoming with information when I've asked questions. I don't know about the rest of you.” Her eyes narrowed looking at each of us one by one. “But she seems to be exactly what she is.”
Somehow I knew what she meant. We, in Shadow, were harboring secrets of the Mindonsiphan, of our abilities, of what it had done to us and allowed us to do. There was no way we could share that knowledge without endangering ourselves, or the entire town's population.
Chancellor Collins cleared his throat. “On the matter of sending Chloe, Elsa, and Olivia to Torv, I am in favor. Is there anyone opposed?”
Joshua raised his hand. “I'd like to come with and see Torv, offer any assistance that I may on the trip.”
Chancellor Collins sighed, knowing that sending Joshua without me or vice versa was a disaster waiting to happen. “You two are inseparable,” he remarked. “Fine, you'll join them. Is there anyone else who would like to tag along?”
No one raised a hand.
Chancellor Collins nodded. “Good, now that's settled. Olivia, you and Jaxon will travel from Torv to Genesis after you help Chloe and Elsa with the pregnant women. I see no reason to bring you all the way back to Shadow when you're most of the way there already.”
I didn't see any reason to disagree. I knew Joshua wasn't happy with my decision to return to Genesis, even if I was glamoured and pretending to be someone else. It had to be done though. “Okay,” I answered.
“Joshua and Elsa, you both will return back to Shadow when Olivia travels to Genesis. How far have you come with the drones? Will you be ready in time to use them to attack the Governor's mansion?”
Joshua stared at Collins, no hint of humor on his face. “I was ready yesterday.”
“Good,” Collins smiled, “that's what I like to hear. You will be responsible for manning the five drones. Can you handle all of them on your own or will you require additional help?” Even though Collins was asking, I suspected there wasn't anyone else capable of manning the drones.
“I've got it covered,” Joshua assured the Chancellor. “Anything else?”
“It will only take you a few hours to travel to Genesis by plane. The rebel soldiers will need a head start. Can you handle your duties alone in Shadow?”
“I told you, I've got it covered. I've already done a test run with the drones. Obviously I can't test the bombs but I can fly from here to Genesis undetected.”
“When did you test the drones?” Hazel asked. She was as perplexed as I felt.
“Yesterday, and again this morning. I assure you,” he glanced from Hazel to Chancellor Collins, “if I didn't know what I was doing, Cabal soldiers would be all over Shadow by now.”
A soft murmur of chatter erupted throughout the room. Collins held up his hands to hush everyone. “Very well. On the matter of clothing,” he glanced at Aidan, “we're running low on supplies. I think it's time you took a short trip home to Fora. I feel confident they can provide us with enough cotton and materials to run our production through summer. In return we'll send food with you from our orchards. We have more than enough in the greenhouse.”
Aidan nodded. “I'll leave first thing in the morning.” It was too late today to head out and back before nightfall.
The Chancellor glanced around. “Is there any other order of business we haven’t discussed?” No one called to attention any other ideas or problems. “Then we will meet again the same time next week for those who will be here. Our meeting is adjourned.”
I stood up, following Joshua down the stairs and outside. “You want to come to Torv with us?” I wasn't surprised but wanted to make sure the decision was entirely his.
“You want me there, don't you?” Joshua stared at me.
“Of course!” I couldn't believe he'd ask me that. I wrapped my arm around his waist, resting my head on his shoulder as we walked together down the main dirt road. “It goes without saying. I just wonder if you're going because you want to or you think you're doing it to support me.”
“What's the difference?” Joshua shrugged. “I want to be there for you, and the two of us together, we're unstoppable.” He smiled. “You want me to come along, don't you?” he asked, giving me that boyish look that melted my heart and made my stomach flop.
I laughed. “Of course I do. I just know you've been busy lately, but if you have it all handled,” I insisted, “I'm happy for your company.”
He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine. “Are you ready for another adventure on the road?” I laughed nervously, unsure what to anticipate. I wasn't thrilled with having to help a woman deliver a baby, and had even less confidence on how I could keep her from dying.
He kissed my forehead once more before taking my hand as we walked back to our home. “After Haven getting destroyed the last time,” he shook his head, “this trip should be a breeze.”
CHAPTER 15
We piled into the vehicle, Joshua in the backseat with me and Chloe up front beside Elsa, who drove us towards Torv. We had packed enough food and water in the trunk for the journey east. The top was down and sunlight streamed in as we headed east, glaring as Elsa struggled to see the road ahead.
I was thankful to have Joshua in the back to myself. My hand rested on his thigh as I kept my lips sealed.
I'm glad you're here. I thought to him, knowing only he could hear my thoughts. It was nice to be able to talk without Chloe listening. I still didn't trust her, and it wasn't as though Elsa needed to hear us conversing either.
Nowhere else for me to be. Joshua smiled at me. He squeezed my hand. We doing this the whole trip?
I laughed under my breath, glad the wind was loud as I tried to stop myself from laughing aloud. I wanted to ask you something, for only us to hear.
Joshua shifted and sat facing forward, his eyes on the road in front of us, pretending nothing was transpiring. He didn't want Chloe to suspect anything, especially if we both started laughing for no apparent reason. This b
etter be good, he teased me.
It always is, I thought to him. Do you think we'll find the need to use our abilities in Torv?
Joshua glanced at me. I hope it doesn't come to that. In fact I'm pretty sure we should be careful not to stand out. If anyone suspected what we're capable of, I'd hate to think what they'd do to us.
I swallowed the knot in my stomach. You think someone would intentionally hurt us? I didn't want to consider Joshua might be right.
Promise me no matter what you won't use your special talents. Joshua stared at me, waiting for an answer.
I shifted anxiously in the backseat. I didn't intend on doing anything, but things happen. When my emotions ran high, I tended to react. Joshua knew that about me. I could see the concern in his eyes. I'll be careful, I reassured him. I just had to keep reminding myself that I couldn't show my abilities. In Shadow I'd gotten used to it; often I felt as though it had become a part of me. I had to watch myself around strangers. Our abilities were one of our biggest defenses in fighting the government and were an even greater offense.
Good. Joshua smiled. He leaned closer, moving his hand from mine as he wrapped his arm around my shoulders. His lips tickled my ear. “We should both probably behave,” he whispered.
I laughed, turning my head as our mouths brushed against each other. “This is behaving?” I raised an eye and saw the look in Joshua's eyes.
“It is,” Josh nodded. My hand moved to rest on Joshua's thigh. “Now look who is misbehaving,” he teased me.
“Au contraire!” I laughed. “I am behaving quite well considering being locked in the backseat with you for days on end.”
Joshua removed his arm from around my shoulders and crossed them defiantly. “I'm bored.” He sighed loudly, making sure Chloe and Elsa could hear. “And Olivia is being mean.” His voice was dripping with sarcasm.
“Seriously?” I knocked his leg hard. “How old are you?”
Elsa laughed. “Do you kids need to be separated back there?”