by Trisha Wolfe
Jace sat at the bar, his head hung low. My heart thudded as I sat down next to him. “Hey.”
He peeked at me. “Hey.”
“Look,” I said, scooting closer to him. “I’m really confused. I think I should go home and chill for the night.” I averted my eyes from the hurt in his.
“Okay, that’s fair.” He sighed. “I didn’t mean to—”
“No, it’s not you. I just need some time.”
Jace nodded, his lips twisting into a sideways grin. “The ol’ ‘it’s not you it’s me bit,’ huh?”
“Jace,” I said under my breath. “Please.”
“You’re right. Totally not fair on my part.” He took my hand, turning it over and lacing his fingers through mine. “As much time as you need.” He looked into my eyes. “I’ll wait.”
My heart hammered against my chest painfully, and I gave him a weak smile. Why couldn’t he go back to being the brooding, pissed off Jace? It would have been easier if he was simply angry with me.
I told Nick and Lana that I was leaving. She hugged me, saying she’d see me Monday at the Academy. And not to forget to pack some hot clothes. I was thankful for her spirit. It was reassuring that she cared about me no matter my choice when it came to her brother.
I glanced around the lot one last time, hoping to glimpse Reese before climbing onto the back of Jace’s levibike. Jace started the engine, its hum vibrating deep into my aching chest.
My mind was numb as we hovered across Haven’s cobbled roadways. I knew Jace wanted me to say something, but I just couldn’t. As we pulled up to my walkway, Jace left the levibike idling. I sat motionless for a moment and then slid off the seat.
“I want you to know,” Jace said, looking down as his hands gripped the brass steering bar. “No matter what, I’ll always be there for you.” He glanced at me. “You can’t do or say anything to change that, Dez. I’ll always care about you.”
My legs almost gave out beneath me. I swallowed down my heart, which was beating violently in my throat. “I care about you, too, Jace. You’re my best friend.” His face hardened into a painful expression at friend. “But…just give me time. It’s sudden.”
He nodded, lowering his goggles over his eyes. “I’ll see you at the Academy, then.” He gave me a small smile before he hovered off.
I wanted to collapse right there on my walkway. But somehow, I managed to push through my front door and climb the stairs. I slouched against my bedroom door, my eyes burning as I fought back tears.
All day Sunday I spent packing with my mom. We boxed everything she thought I’d need at the Academy. If not for the pain in my heart, I would’ve enjoyed seeing her so carefree. She glowed. She was still nervous about me going to the Academy, but the pressing fear of discovery she’d carried with her for so long wasn’t weighing her down.
Although I knew she could tell something was wrong, as she kept studying my face, she didn’t press me. I felt if I didn’t talk about it, maybe things would go back to normal. But I didn’t know which normalcy I wanted. Normal before Jace had kissed me? Or normal before I’d met Reese? My life was better because of Reese. I owed him more than anything for what he’d taught me. But I’d known Jace forever. He’d protected me against bullies in elementary school. He’d been there through everything. Everything except the one moment I’d needed someone the most—the change.
But he couldn’t have been there for that. Not without me admitting who, what I was.
I slammed another box onto the foyer floor. I wanted my brain to stop. On my way back to my room, I passed my communicator. I stared at the blank analog screen. No messages. I’d held it all night after sending Reese numerous messages—waiting, praying he’d send one back. Tell me everything would be fine. For some reason, I needed his reassurance. What a crappy girlfriend I was. I’d been the one to hurt him, and I wanted him to make me feel better.
Later that evening, Mom made my favorite dinner: pot roast and potatoes. It was the best comfort food, though not even her double-layer chocolate cake could fill the void tearing into the pit of my stomach. I went to bed that night—my communicator tucked under my pillow—trying desperately to fall asleep. Somehow, I managed.
I awoke bright and early Monday morning to an overcast sky. Mom helped me cart my two loaded-down boxes onto the Academy steam shuttle. It would be one of the only times I rode it. Once going to the Academy—once leaving. My world was about to change…again.
The triplets weren’t on the shuttle. Their dad, being a Council member, had alternate transportation. I watched Haven pass with trepidation in my heart. I was excited to begin a new chapter in my life—especially since I could disguise my power—but I was anxious about seeing Reese and Jace.
I stared through the fogged window, downhearted. I still hadn’t figured out what to say to Jace. But deep inside, I knew what I had to do: not be with either. It was the only logical choice that wouldn’t hurt either one any further.
We hovered up to the Academy grounds. The three-story stone building stood looming over downtown Haven. It was set back against the forest, the boundary of the town, behind an eight-foot high wrought iron gate. Steam puffed from the gate’s hinges as it squeaked open.
I’d never set foot in the Academy before. Not even for a tour, the way humans did before they went off to a boarding school or college. I didn’t know if the Academy operated on steam or Charge. I wondered if the Council had hidden or removed anything Shythe powered before allowing the Narcos to enter. I shook the thought from my head. Jace’s paranoia was still toying with my mind.
Although I felt safe, I couldn’t help wishing I’d been able to bring my Charge Dagger. I’d left it hidden under my mattress. I rubbed my foot against my ankle, where it usually lay.
As we exited the steam shuttle, faculty members greeted us, helping load our luggage and boxes onto motorized carting devices. I shook hands with a Shythe man named Mr. Liam, who was going to be my chemistry teacher. He didn’t look very much older than me, and he wore circular copper-rimmed glasses and an innocent, boyish smile. His messy, reddish-brown hair was cropped short, and stubble sprinkled his fair skin along his jaw.
I walked along the cobbled walkway toward the Academy, staring up at its many coned rooftops. It looked like an updated version of a gothic castle—dark and ominous—something straight out of a horror novel. I shivered. Humans knew it was an academy, but a very prestigious one that only allowed a small number in. I wondered how many angry parents had tried to bribe the headmaster into accepting their kids.
The thick mahogany doors parted as Mr. Liam led me into the lobby. My mouth hung agape as I noticed Kythan walking around in their shifted forms. I glanced at Mr. Liam, who was smiling at me but remained in his human form.
“We have no need to hide our true selves here,” he said. “You’re welcome to shift.”
I smiled, burying my unease. “That’s okay. Think I’d like to get settled first.” He arched an eyebrow. “I’m just used to being in human form.”
“I was like that at first, too.” He ushered me down a long corridor. “Probably best anyway. We always have to resort back to our human forms, eventually.”
We paused before a large copper gate. He pulled a lever and the gears on the gate turned. Rumbling echoed through the hallway as an above level moved down before me. The gate whined open, and I hesitated before stepping inside the small area.
“It’s all right,” he said, beckoning me to follow him in. “It’s a lift. Most of Haven has no need for them with its smaller buildings, but other parts of the world have them.” He smiled reassuringly.
We rode the lift up to the top level, and the gate opened to a long hallway with mahogany doors scattered along light stone walls. We walked past a couple of them before Mr. Liam pointed to room 233.
I opened the door. Lana was folding clothes on her bed. “Hey! You made it…finally.” She bounced over, giving me a hug.
“You weren’t joking,” I said, pulling ou
t of her embrace. “We really are roomies.” I glanced around the room. It wasn’t large, but it was comfortable. Warm mahogany paneled the walls. I was relieved, as the rest of the Academy felt too cold with its stone.
Carved crystals decorated the room, transmitting a soft glow. No gas lamps here, I noted.
“Are you kidding?” Lana shook her head. “I told you. I drove my dad insane till he got us a room together.” She walked over and began layering clothes into a chest of drawers. Then she turned toward the window. “Check this out.”
I slugged over to the beveled out, floor-to-ceiling window. “Wow,” I said, stepping between the burgundy curtains. “You can see most of downtown from here.” I watched steam trolleys, autos, and hover-bikes zip across the roadways.
“Yeah, makes you realize how small Haven is.”
“Lana,” I said, laughing. “Haven isn’t that small. We’ve just never been anywhere else.” My heart sank with the knowledge of that statement. Shythe rarely left the haven. But if the Peace Act worked, and there was no fear of the Narcos anymore, it was possible that one day I might leave.
Mr. Liam finished unloading the cart. “See you girls in class tomorrow. Remember, if you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask the faculty.” He smiled his boyish smile and added, “Welcome to the Academy.” He left, shutting the door behind him with a loud click.
I stood at the window, staring out over Haven. I could see the airships looming over the bay. My chest burned as I wondered whether Reese was on board one of them or already here. Lana must have seen the expression on my face. She knew I was still upset over Jace, but she didn’t know the half of it. And I was grateful she didn’t ask. She sauntered up beside me, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
She inhaled deeply, staring through the window with me. “Yup,” she said. “Welcome to the Academy.”
Chapter Fourteen
THE NEXT MORNING, Lana and I left our unit and headed for the auditorium. There was a mandatory introductory assembly scheduled for our first block.
We had spent the first day unpacking and getting settled. And although Lana had been dying to meet new people and explore, she’d stayed by my side, even bringing dinner to our room so I could avoid Jace as long as possible. I wasn’t ready to see him or, unknown to her, Reese. I wanted to hide until the last minute.
But my time for hiding was up. As soon as we entered the auditorium, I spotted Jace. He stood, waving us over toward him and Nick. I took a deep breath, and Lana squeezed my hand.
“Just act like it’s any other day,” she said under her breath.
I nodded. Yeah, any other day after your best friend kissed you right in front of your secret, enemy-race boyfriend. “I’m fine, Lane.” I trailed behind her.
Lana and I hadn’t discussed my situation thoroughly yet. I’d admitted to her the night before that yes, I did care for Jace, even at one point thought I wanted us to be together, but I wasn’t sure how I felt now. She couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time if I still cared for him. I’d strategically changed the subject to her and Devon. It had worked. She’d dropped it.
I glanced around the room. Even though the Peace Act was in effect, you couldn’t tell. Most of the Shythe sat on one side of the auditorium, while the majority of the Narcos sat on the other. But at least they were blending…some. We walked up the middle of the two sides, passing a group of rowdy Narcolym.
My heart flipped in my chest when I heard Reese’s voice. My head shot toward him. He sat across the aisle from where Jace and Nick were seated. His gaze caught mine, and my breath shuddered out, shaky. I allowed Lana to move me down the row, but I kept my eyes trained on him.
I waited for him to smile, to nod, to blink…to do anything. But he only stared at me with a stoic expression plastered on his face. I swallowed hard. I wanted to run over, wrap my arms around him, but I sat down next to Lana. Finally, he looked back to his friend—a girl friend—whom he’d been talking to. She was Shythe.
I dropped my eyes to the floor. Did he think I’d kissed Jace? I made up my mind to talk to him. I couldn’t bear to look into his eyes and not explain what had really happened. Even if we couldn’t be together, I wouldn’t allow him to think I’d purposely hurt him.
Jace’s voice pulled me from my thoughts. He was seated on the other side of me. While I was lost in Reese’s eyes, Lana had seated me next to him. I’d make sure to thank her later.
“Can you believe this?” Jace was saying to Nick. “How can they think this is going to work? Look at them.” He cocked his head in the Narcos’ direction. “Laughing like being here is some kind of joke. This is our school.”
“Who did the seating arrangement?” Nick asked. “I thought we were supposed to be mingling.” He looked toward the Narcos. “Ah, I see. Some of us are. Pfft.”
Jace glanced at me. “How’d it go yesterday? You and Lane get settled okay?”
I smiled. “Yeah. Our unit’s great.” Maybe he wanted to forget the kiss ever happened. I breathed a sigh of relief. He seemed to be back to the old Jace—focused on the Narcolym issue and not me. “How’s your room?”
“Probably looks just like yours.” He smiled and took my hand. “Want to have dinner with me tonight?” His voice lowered. “I mean, not someplace out obviously, but in the courtyard.” Then he added quickly, “And with all of us…the group.”
I smiled again. It was all I could do. My voice seemed to be lost as I felt his fingers sliding between mine. Why was he suddenly unafraid to express his emotions? The Change, possibly, I considered. Or maybe he was just ready. I allowed him to hold my hand, the whole time wishing I was braver, and thought back to my decision to not be with either of them.
Then I snuck a peek over to Reese. He seemed happy as he laughed with the Shythe girl. A sharp pang hit my heart, reverberating through my chest. He obviously didn’t want to be with me anymore after what happened. If that was the case, then I could put off hurting Jace for one more day. I squeezed his hand and smiled at him.
“Courtyard sounds fun,” I finally told him. “I’m sure Lana is dying to socialize.”
Jace’s eyes brightened. “Awesome.”
The headmaster on stage spoke into a brass microphone. His voice surrounded us, loud. “Welcome to the Academy and the twenty-forty academic school year.” The audience hushed. “I know some of you are curious as to why this year is different.” Jace huffed beside me. “But I assure you, your questions will be answered in due time. Just know that the Councils have the best intentions for all Kythan.” He turned, beckoning a faculty member to bring over a sheet of paper. “For the time being, let’s go over your curriculum and schedule.”
By the end of the assembly, I was dozing off. The headmaster could make an exciting subject boring, and hearing him talk about mathematics and its place in today’s time was too much excitement for me.
Jace nudged me when the speech concluded. “Come on. I think we have a free period until our first block.”
I followed behind the triplets, glancing over as we passed Reese. He was holding up his schedule, talking with that same Shythe girl. I ground my teeth together. Reese didn’t notice me as I passed this time. He moves fast. I clenched my fists, digging my nails into my palms as she leaned over him. Her hair fell between them, and he caressed it back over her shoulder. I jerked my head and looked toward the exit.
When we reached the outside courtyard, I inhaled the fresh air. I released tiny, clipped breaths, holding back the tears that prickled the corners of my eyes.
I turned toward Lana. “Hey, I’m actually pretty wiped. Think I’ll go take a nap before our first class.”
“All right,” she said. “Then I’ll see you in Chemistry.”
I smiled at Jace. “Sorry, need a break. That guy really put me to sleep.”
“Sure.” He nodded, but I could see questions burning in his eyes. “See you later.”
I turned and stalked off. I was about to lose my cool, I could feel it. And I w
asn’t wearing my eye lenses. If Reese was with me, he could warn me before my eyes changed color, but he wasn’t. And I didn’t trust my emotions right then.
By the time I opened my unit door, the tears blurred my eyes. Asshole. Was he flirting with that girl to show me how it felt? Or did he really like her? I threw myself down on my bed and covered my head with a pillow. The tears flowed. I choked them out in painful gasps. He’d barely acknowledged that I was in the same room after staring at me like I was his enemy.
I wasn’t done with my crying fit, but I’d run out of time. I only had ten minutes to get to my class, and I was still a blubbering mess. I wandered down the hall toward the community bathroom and splashed cold water over my face. It helped calm the blotching. Pressing a towel to my face, I took in shallow breaths. My sour reflection stared back at me, but it was as good as it was going to get.
I went back to my room, grabbed my bag, and headed off to my chemistry block. As I entered the classroom, Lana waved me over. She sat next to Jace and Nick. Great. That meant Mr. Tuner had worked all our schedules to be the same. I’d probably have every class with Jace. And I just needed some space.
Sitting down next to Lana, I spotted Reese. He was talking to the Shythe girl. You gotta be kidding me. I quickly looked toward the head of the class, where Mr. Liam was writing his name on the blackboard, and slumped down in my seat.
The class was a two-hour block. A two-hour block spent trying to avoid eye contact with Jace and Reese. By the end of the class, I wanted to claw my eyes out.
I closed my chemistry book and shoved it into my bag. Although the Academy was mainly for learning about Kythan and our power, we were also taught the basics of human knowledge. After all, we’d be in service to them the rest of our lives.
Jace knelt in front of my desk. “Since today’s schedule is messed up because of the assembly, we have a free period instead of our power training course. Lana, Nick, and I are heading to the cafeteria and taking our dinner to the courtyard. We were thinking the rec room, afterward.” He raised his eyebrows. “Are you still up to it?”