Destiny's Fire

by Trisha Wolfe

  He looked around the Steam Pipe. “Something’s going on.”

  I nodded. “Think it’s an epidemic? Like the flu or something?”

  “I don’t know.” He scooped up our menus and placed them back in their copper holders. “But I think we should get our food to go.”

  After packing up our lunch, Reese and I sped along Haven’s roadways, studying the empty storefronts and alleys. By the time we made it back to the Academy, I wasn’t hungry anymore. Reese tossed our food into a trashcan, and for the first time ever, we walked hand-in-hand—Shythe and Narco—into the Academy.

  A group of Shythe halted mid-conversation as we passed them in the hallway. Reese squeezed my hand. We had discussed that revealing our relationship was the right thing to do, but I still felt sick to my stomach as I imagined Jace running into us. I didn’t know how I’d handle that scenario. I pushed the thought away. No matter what the Councils were up to, we still had to support their decision to end the prejudice against the races. And we also figured by publicly supporting the Councils’ decision, we could get closer to them—and the truth.

  As we pushed through the doors to the courtyard, I noticed downcast faces everywhere. It wasn’t our display that was upsetting people, though we did get some angry looks. There was something else going on.

  I pointed to a bench. Reese led us over, but before we got there, Lana sprinted up to me with fear deep in her blue eyes. “How come you didn’t answer my data message?” she asked, creasing her forehead.

  I shook my head. “What message? I didn’t get any messages.” I took out my communicator and checked. I hadn’t received a message since Lana the day before.

  “Crap,” Lana said under her breath. “That means the transmission has been shut down.” She ran her hand through her hair.

  “What’s going on?” Reese asked.

  Lana studied him a moment, her eyes tracing his face. Then she glanced between us. “You mean you don’t know?”

  “No,” I snapped. “What is it? Is it Jace?” Panic flooded my body. I didn’t know if I could handle something happening to him or him doing something stupid at this point.

  “No.” She shook her head. “He’s fine for the most part.” She averted her eyes from Reese. “Have you tried to leave Haven? Like, go beyond the border?”

  “No, why would I?” I asked, my eyes squinted in confusion.

  “Well,” Lana said. “Looks like the humans are the only ones who can.” She plopped down on the bench and looked up at us. “The Councils raised the barrier. Except, it’s not for keeping anyone out.” She paused. “It’s keeping us in.”

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  REESE AND I TOOK OFF AGAIN on his levibike. We decided to go past the falls, deeper into the woods, to see if we could cross Haven’s border.

  Lana had been on her way to the custodian basement when she’d run into us. She’d been trying to contact me so I could join. Knowing Reese would most definitely not be welcomed into our group, I chose to go with him. I also didn’t feel Jace truly wanted me there either, despite how much Lana insisted I come. Jace had told me himself, in his own words, that he wanted nothing to do with me.

  Wind whipped my hair as we raced toward the falls. My mind reeled. I couldn’t figure out what the Councils were up to. Why would they put a barrier up that Kythan couldn’t cross but humans could? Unless they were planning something that would make us run. I shivered, trying not to think of what that something could be.

  I considered what had recently taken place—the forced bonding between the Narcos and Shythe. Maybe they were being proactive. I was sure that before the year was up, if something hadn’t changed, Lana and Devon would flee. I hated that she had to go through this. And now, she wasn’t even being given the option to run.

  But still, why were the humans leaving? And why were the Councils allowing them to? We needed them. We had to serve them in order for our power—our life source—to live on. Mr. Tuner had claimed that after the races were united, we’d mysteriously be set free as guardians. But that couldn’t be for years, possibly a century from now.

  I pinched my eyes shut. Thoughts were coming at me too fast to hold onto. My brain couldn’t process anything. I opened my eyes when Reese’s levibike came to a stop in front of the trail.

  “Tell me you have some kind of clue as to what’s going on,” I said, climbing the path beside him.

  He breathed out heavily. “Dez, I’ve already told you. No. I don’t know what’s going on.” He hopped over a boulder. “Your guess is as good as mine. What do you think?”

  “I don’t know. But I’m starting to freak out.” I rounded the first fall behind him. “The only thing I can think of is the Councils are scared we’re going to run because of the arranged bonding.”

  Reese nodded. “Yeah, that’s probably it.” Then he frowned. “But why are humans leaving? Why are some just up and walking away from their lives? It doesn’t make sense.”

  I didn’t have an answer. We walked in silence for a few minutes longer before we reached the gate marking the town’s border.

  Reese glanced at me. “I’m going to climb the fence.”

  I waited for a moment, watching him stare at the wire fencing. “Go ahead,” I said. “I’ll wait here for you.”

  “I’m trying.” He raised his hand toward the gate.

  “What do you mean you’re trying?” I attempted to take a step forward, but something wouldn’t allow me to move. I couldn’t force my body to approach the gate. It was as if something was mentally holding me back.

  Reese grunted and lowered his hand. “It’s no use. Lana was right; the barrier spell is blocking us from crossing.”

  I moved farther back. “Reese, we have to figure out what’s happening.”

  “All right.” He drove his hand through his dark hair. “Let’s head back to the Academy. Find your friends and see if they’ve discovered anything.” He pulled his communicator from his pocket. “I won’t be able to get in touch with you, so we’ll decide on meeting in the courtyard at a specific time.”

  “Where are you going to be?” I asked, following behind him as he started back through the woods.

  “I’m going to try and talk with one of the Council members.”

  My eyes widened. “You can just go talk to them?”

  “No,” he said, laughing a little. “But I’m going to try.”

  “Don’t you think that’ll be dangerous?” Reese held a branch back as I passed under it. “I mean, aren’t you supposed to be not drawing attention to yourself?”

  “Yup.” He stumbled onto the trail. “That’s normally the plan. But I think desperate times and such. I have to do something.”

  I grabbed ahold of his arm, halting his hurried steps. “I don’t want you to risk it. We can figure out some other way.”

  Reese glanced at the ground, then looked into my eyes. “Dez, I’ll be fine. I promise. I’ve survived a long time.” He smiled. “Trust me.”

  I studied him. His features seemed confident. I gritted my teeth, forcing myself to relent. “Okay, but meet me by nine. That should be plenty of time.” I pressed my lips together, hard. I didn’t like this plan at all.

  Reese cupped my cheek, lifting my face. “Nine. Just stay with Lana and”—he paused, his eyes flashing red—“Jace, until then.”

  I nodded against his hand, and he leaned into me, brushing his lips across mine.

  Once we were back at the Academy, Reese and I split up. I had no way of contacting Lana to find out where they were, so I decided to try the basement first.

  As I strode down the cement stairs, my heart quickened at Jace’s deep and angry tone. “I’m telling you, they’re initiating an attack. This is the first step of their plan. They want the humans out so they can bring on a blood bath as they slaughter us.”

  I edged around the corner, peeking. Nick threw his hands into the air. “Even so, that doesn’t make sense. Why bother declaring we’re uniting with the Narcos?” He rais
ed his eyebrows. “Why not just throw up the barrier, send all the humans away, then attack the hell out of us? Why go through the charade?”

  Jace stood and began pacing. “I don’t know.” He stopped abruptly when his eyes met mine. He turned toward Nick and Lana. “I’ll be back later. You guys keep trying to figure it out. I have something to do.” He rushed past me and stomped up the stairs.

  My heart sank, and I bowed my head as I entered the room. “So, I take it you guys don’t know any more, either.” I sat down on Jace’s bucket.

  Nick patted my shoulder. “Hey, sorry about you and Jace.” He awkwardly rubbed my shoulder.

  I nodded, smiling weakly at him. “Thanks.” Then I glanced at Lana. Her eyes were heavy. “Do we know anything at all?”

  Nick shrugged, sinking back onto his bucket.

  Lana sighed. “I spoke with Devon. He said he’d noticed the club getting slower this past week.” She wrung her hands. “He thinks it’s best to remain calm, go along with things until the Councils reveal their intentions.”

  I bit down on my lip. We really didn’t have any other choice. “Okay.” My next words I weighed heavily before speaking. “And what about your dad?” I studied Lana’s face. “Have you spoken to him at all since the announcement?”

  “No.” She shook her head. “None of us have. Jace is furious. Well, that’s an understatement. He knows Dad won’t answer our questions, anyway. And he wants us to have nothing to do with him until he will.”

  “The silent treatment?” I asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Nick mock laughed. “Yeah, eventually Mom will get tired of it and she’ll crack, forcing Dad to give in. Works every time.”

  Lana brushed her pink dreads from her shoulder. “Being part of a political family sucks.”

  I smiled faintly. “Hope it works.”

  Nick stood. “I’m tired. Since nothing’s getting accomplished, and it seems we’re in no immediate danger, I’m taking a nap.” He looked at me. “I know my brother’s rough. Are you okay?”

  Guilt washed over me. He’d assumed Jace was the reason for our falling out. “Nick, it’s not Jace. We…” I trailed off, looking for the right words. “We just didn’t work like that. But he didn’t do anything.”

  “Cool,” he said. “Good to hear. I’m out. Wake me when the drama’s over.” He headed up the stairs.

  “How come he gets to do that?” I asked Lana, shaking my head lightly.

  She shrugged. “He’s Nick.”

  We laughed, releasing the tension from the room. Then I hopped to my feet. “Come on. Let’s get out of here. The disinfectant is starting to hurt my head.”

  “Agreed.” Lana laced her arm through mine. “Want to binge out in the unit? We could stop off at the cafeteria and grab loads of chocolate.”

  “Yes. I think I’m overdue for a good chocolate binge.”

  We left. There was nothing more we could do. We had tried to discover information by breaking into the Narcolym airship and failed. We’d spent all afternoon wracking our brains, but came up with nothing. We were at a standstill until the Councils wanted to reveal their intentions, just as Devon had said. The best thing I could do was lay low until I met with Reese. I hoped he’d find something—anything—out. And without getting himself into trouble. My stomach churned. Maybe chocolate wasn’t such a hot idea.

  By eight thirty I was becoming restless. Lana and I had spent the evening talking and vegging out. But I wouldn’t last the next half hour without going crazy. I needed to find out what Reese had learned.

  “Stop fidgeting,” Lana said. “You’ll see him soon.” She pulled on her boots, then reapplied her lipstick.

  “You think going out tonight is a good idea?”

  She shrugged. “I’m going to see Devon, regardless. Let them try and stop me.” She turned toward me. “Besides, I think I need to get Jace out for a while. I don’t want him festering in his funk.”

  I scrunched up my nose. “Okay, but be easy on him.”

  “I will. The club will most likely be dead. No one seems to be in the partying mood, but I know Jace and Nick will go if I tell them I am.” She held her arms out. “How do I look?”

  “Beautiful. Devon will lose his mind.”

  “I know,” she said and laughed. “He really will.” She headed to the door but paused and turned back toward me. “Dez, I’m happy you found Reese. It’s amazing, considering you two are the only ones of your kind. But, just be careful.” Her eyebrows pinched together. “I know he’s not a full Narco…but he was still raised by them.”

  I smiled, knowing she was just looking out for me. “Thanks, Lane. I will. He’s a little hot-tempered, but he’s harmless.”

  Her face brightened. “All right. Love ya. See you at curfew.” She closed the door behind her.

  I shook my head, thinking about what she’d said. There were still so many prejudices to overcome, even from my best friend. I was happy she cared for me so much, but I knew it would take time to accept Reese and me being together. Even for her. And the state of the Councils weren’t helping our case. Though, the Shythe Council was as much to blame for that as the Narcolym.

  Fifteen minutes before I’d planned to meet Reese, I couldn’t take waiting anymore. I had to get out of the stuffy unit. Maybe he’s already in the courtyard.

  I bounced down the stairs toward the lobby. Pushing through the doors, I entered the moonlit courtyard. Soft light bathed the ground, illuminating the stone walkway in an eerie glow. I glanced around, but didn’t find Reese. Gooseflesh prickled my skin as the chilled night air crept over me. Where was he?

  Come on.

  I sat down on the stone bench and swung my legs underneath. Finally, someone coming from the opposite entrance caught my eye. Reese. He hurried over to me.

  “Hey,” I said. “So? Did you talk to someone, find anything out?” I studied his face. Worry lines creased between his eyebrows.

  He cupped my shoulders. “I didn’t get to talk to a Council member, but I did talk to my commander.”

  I widened my eyes. “Your commander?” I shook my head. “Oh right, I keep forgetting you’re part of the guard now.”

  “Yes, and he says that the Councils are going to be calling in students one by one over the next week.”

  “What—why?” I asked.

  “They’re looking for something.” Reese sat on the bench and faced me. “I know they’re serious about the union between the races. They’re definitely looking for a way to free us as guardians. It’s their main goal.” His features hardened into a serious expression. “But it sounds to me like they’re still looking for something else, too.”

  “What?” I searched his glowing eyes. “What else could they be searching for?”

  He gave me a solemn look. “You.”

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “ME?” I SWALLOWED HARD. “But my mom…I mean, she disappeared. How do they…”

  “Dez, your mom ran, yes. But I’m assuming they knew there was a chance her child survived.” He furrowed his brow. “I think before they move forward with the union, they want to wrap up loose ends.”

  “Wrap up. Kill me, you mean.” I stood up and turned my head toward the dark courtyard.

  Reese stood, walked up behind me, and enfolded me into his arms. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I promise.” He held me tighter. “There’s no way for them to prove who you are. After you pass all the tests, they’ll assume the missing child didn’t survive.” His warm breath fanned the top of my head. “You can go on living as Shythe.”

  “Tests?” I turned in his arms and stared into his red eyes. “What tests?”

  “That’s what the meetings are for,” he said. “They want students to perform a test using their power.” He shook his head. “It’s so obvious to me what they’re looking for. But everyone will just think it’s a part of their matching system for those who don’t choose a mate.”

  I bowed my head and shuddered before meeting his eyes again.
“You really think they’re looking for me?”

  Reese frowned. “Honestly, I can’t say. But I think it’s better to assume they are and be prepared.”

  When everything he’d said hit me, I realized he wasn’t safe, either. “What about you?”

  “They have no idea I was part of the experiment.”

  “But still, they’ll be testing you, regardless. What if—”

  He pressed his finger against my lips. “Don’t endanger yourself by worrying about me. I’ve passed their tests a couple of times before. Or else I wouldn’t be here now.” His eyes scanned my face.

  Relief rushed through me. “And that means you can help me pass it, too.”

  “Yeah.” He nodded. “Should be pretty easy, actually. Just have to keep you from getting nervous. As long as you’re confident and actually seem a little disinterested, like it doesn’t bother you, you should pass it no problem.”

  “What are the tests?” I asked.

  “Mainly strength tests.” He guided me to the bench with him. “To measure your power. We’ll have to train again, but this time, you’ll have to be in your Kythan form. And you need to seem as if you’re using your full power while only administering low volts of energy.”

  I shivered. That didn’t sound easy to me at all. The hardest thing for me was my control. “I just hope they don’t call on me first.”

  “They’ll most likely go alphabetically. Keep it looking like they’re not looking, you know. That gives us some time.”

  I leaned into his chest, linking my arms around him. “That’s why they put the barrier spell up—to block us from leaving. If someone from the experiment had survived, and was here, they knew they’d probably run once the test was announced.”

  “Would you have?” He laid his chin on the top of my head. “Tonight? If there was a way out of Haven, would you want to leave?”

  I thought for a moment, then said, “No. I couldn’t leave my mom and friends and you behind.” I took in a shuddering breath. “Don’t get me wrong, it crossed my mind. But I can’t.”