by Trisha Wolfe
I appreciated her faith but couldn’t trust it. I spun the bracelet he’d given me around my wrist, watching the dim lights of our room reflect its blue back at me. Somehow I had to find a way to make things right between us.
The next morning my nerves were a wreck. I knew I’d be called soon. Now that Lana was with the guys in the far corner of the room, Reese had taken her seat next to me in Mr. Liam’s class and in our general studies block. I still felt guilty whenever I glimpsed Jace during our classes, but I was thankful for Reese’s close presence today. I felt like my nerves were going to implode at any minute.
I rubbed the small crystal in my pocket, waiting for my moment to be called. As Reese passed over my text, Mr. Liam’s communicator went off. My head shot up, and his eyes found mine. I knew it was my turn.
“Dez Harkly,” he said with slight hesitation in his voice. “The Councils are ready for you.”
As I stood, Reese reached out and clasped my hand. I gave him a strong smile though my legs threatened to drop me right to the floor. Before I reached the classroom door, I glanced at Lana, Jace, and Nick. Lana gave me a warm smile, and I smiled back until I saw the worry on Jace’s face—in his eyes. I forced a small, hesitant smile. He didn’t return it, but his gaze held mine as I pushed through the door.
Before I approached the headmaster’s office, I quickly slipped my crystal down the front of my shirt, nestling it into the pocket of my bra. As I neared the door where two Narcolym guards stood, I bit down on my lip and shifted into my Kythan form.
I took a deep breath and entered through the open doors as the guards pulled them apart. Sitting at an oblong mahogany table, three members watched me walk across the room. Three sets of glowing eyes—two blue and one red—studied my every move. My breath hitched.
“Please stand in the center of the room, Ms. Harkly,” one of the Shythe members said, waving his hand before him.
I nodded once, smiling tight-lipped, and remained quiet. Just as Reese had instructed me. From my peripheral, I saw a guard moving toward me. He held something dark in his hands, but I didn’t turn my head to investigate as he sidled up behind me.
The Council member in the middle, the one with red eyes, spoke next. “We’re screening students for our matching program. We’d like you to commence your practice routine. The same one you perform in your power training block.” He smiled, revealing his elongated eyeteeth. His eyes methodically raked over me, and my heart hammered painfully against my chest.
Forcing myself to breathe, I responded, “Of course.” I’d practiced this routine dozens of times in my training course and in front of others. I relaxed a little, preparing to begin my routine.
He tilted his head and motioned to the guard behind me. “But with one difference,” he added. The guard approached and slipped a dark fabric over my eyes. “You’re to be blindfolded. And, we’d like you to summon your full power.”
The guard finished tying the blindfold, yanking my hair in the process. Ow. After my eyes were fully covered, I nodded my head once and calmed my breathing—centering myself.
I felt a little less confident, but I’d performed this routine many times. Though, I didn’t understand how being blindfolded would help or hinder me. Or what it would prove to them. I sucked in a breath and began, bringing my arms before me and sparking my Charge. The current crackled as I connected a stream between my palms. Cake.
I concentrated on arcing the current higher into the air. But not too high. I imagined how it looked—a simple stream of blue bending, vibrating on a low frequency. I moved into my next position and separated the stream. Bending at the knee, my arms shook as I pretended to use my full power, sending the currents higher into the air. I locked onto the feel of my power, maintaining the level Reese and I had practiced. Even though I couldn’t see, I could feel the level of power.
I finished each position easily. The blindfold actually helped keep my nerves in check. I couldn’t see the Council members, so I couldn’t watch them judge me. Only after I was done with my performance and the cloth was removed, did I feel my stomach flutter. They were taking notes, their eyes glancing up momentarily and then back at their notes. Even though their reaction to my performance gave me nothing to worry about, I kept waiting for them to signal the guards, chain me up, and haul me away. But when they were finished writing, they only said thank you.
I bowed my head, thanked them, and left the room. When I reached the hallway, I nearly collapsed. Reese and I had definitely over-prepared, but I was thankful and shook with relief as I entered Mr. Liam’s room. Reese’s gaze met mine, and his creased forehead relaxed, the anxiety leaving his features. Then he nodded. I could almost feel his worry washing away.
My gaze involuntarily sought the upper corner of the room. As much as I wanted to reassure Lana and Nick, I wanted to see Jace’s expression. His eyes were trained on the project before him. I shrugged off my disappointment and took my seat next to Reese.
He took my hand and rubbed his thumb over the top. “Congratulations. I believe a celebration is in order.” He winked.
“Damn straight.” I released a shaky breath. “Can I have a beer, like…now?”
He laughed and quickly kissed my hand before releasing it.
I glanced once more toward Jace’s corner. His eyes met mine, and as if he couldn’t prevent it, he smiled. But before I could return the gesture, he looked at Reese, his smile fading and his eyes turning cold.
After testing ended that week, Reese was taking me out to celebrate, but he wouldn’t tell me where. I desperately hoped we weren’t heading to Cogs. I sat sidesaddle, my mini-bustle skirt tucked underneath me as we hovered along the streets of downtown on his levibike. After seeing Jace’s almost acceptance of me earlier, I didn’t want to ruin it by dancing or being close with Reese in front of him. The dark look he gave Reese in class told me enough. Jace might be willing to warm to me, but he wasn’t ready to accept Reese.
Reese pulled up to the Rivers End Loft—the nicest hotel in Haven. My heart sped, beating wildly. Before I allowed myself to get excited, I considered that we might be here for dinner. The hotel had an amazing restaurant on the lower level, and Reese had probably made reservations.
He offered me his hand as I scooted off the seat, and when his eyes met mine, I couldn’t help but blush.
“Is this too…” Reese trailed off, his eyes dropping from mine. “I mean, is this all right?”
My face heated. He wanted to spend the night with me. “It’s perfect.”
He cupped the back of my neck, and his thumb caressed my cheek. “I’m so relieved you passed the test.” His eyes became serious. “I never want to fear losing you again.”
“You won’t.” I held his gaze, matching its intensity. “I want to be with you, Reese. Always.”
He beamed and wrapped his arms around me. Then he kissed me urgently. I pulled back. “Hey now, save that for the room,” I said teasingly.
A devilish grin spread across his lips. “Oh, let’s not waste time out here, then.” He tugged me along as he hurried toward the front double doors. I laughed, exhilarated by the weight of our troubles being lifted. We could finally—for now—just be Reese and Dez. A normal couple.
Once inside, I gaped, taking in the gorgeous interior as we crossed the black and white swirled marble floor. The hotel was breathtaking. Sandstone pillars decorated the lobby while gold leafing feathered the walls above their arches. Panels of burgundy velvet draped giant stained glass windows, surrounding me in a cocoon of gothic beauty. My hand skimmed the mahogany banister as we climbed the spiral staircase to the top level.
When we reached our room, Reese pulled a gold key from his pocket. I eyed him. “Hey, you already have the key. How did you know I’d agree?”
His grin widened. “I didn’t.” The lock clicked, and he swung the door open. “But a guy can hope.”
I didn’t have time to look around the room. As soon as I stepped over the threshold, Reese seized my waist an
d lifted me into his arms, his lips meeting mine hungrily. I laughed, but the sound was muffled. I locked my legs around his hips, and he kicked the door closed.
He walked us across the room until my back hit the wall. His body surged with heat as his hands slid along my thighs, under my bustle. My breath hitched.
I thought Reese was passionate when we were together at the falls, but this was different. He’d been holding back then, not allowing himself to act. Now, he wasn’t. The force and desperation with which he kissed me—the feel of his hands heating, gripping—was overwhelming. And my breath struggled to keep up with the emotion.
He anchored me to the wall with his body. Removing his hands from my legs, he brought my arms up and pinned them on either side of me as he buried his head into the crevice of my neck. His teeth elongated and softly grazed my skin. Fire ignited between my thighs, and I sucked air into my lungs.
“Sorry,” Reese mumbled, slowing himself. “Like, weeks…all at once.” He lifted his head and stared at me. His eyes blazed red. Then he pressed his forehead to mine.
I wrapped my arms around his neck, urging him closer. “Don’t stop,” I whispered.
His breath shuddered out against my lips, making me shiver. He dropped my arms, grasped my face, and pressed his lips to mine, hard. Then he caressed my chest, feeling along the binding of my corset as his fingers worked at the small clamps. When the stubborn bottom half wouldn’t cooperate, he groaned and pulled the corset apart. “I’ll buy you a new one.” He pushed off the wall and carried me to the bed.
The soft down comforter engulfed me, and his eyes traced my body. Then he lowered himself, placing delicate kisses along my stomach, inching his way up. My skin prickled, and I took shallow, unsteady breaths as his lips trailed over my skin until finally meeting my mouth again.
I became lost…lost in the moment and in him. His hand glided under my bustle, pausing just before his fingers crept under the hem of my underclothing…
BANG!
I flinched.
Reese broke the kiss, and our eyes darted toward the front of the room. I instinctively covered my chest.
The knob hung loosely, knocking against the door as a dark figure stood in the frame.
Reese shot up. “What the hell…” But his words faltered as Jace rushed into the room.
Chapter Twenty-Five
JACE SHOT A BOLT of Charge, and Reese ducked, rolling off the bed and bringing me with him. I dropped to the floor, hard. Reese covered me. His body hovered, shielding me as he quickly looked me over. When he was sure I was all right, he bounded to his feet.
Jace grabbed Reese’s leather collar and slammed him against the wall. “Get the hell away from her!”
I forced my corset together and hugged it closed. Jumping to my feet, I snapped a couple of the top clamps and rushed toward them. “Jace, what are you doing?”
“Dez, get out of here. Now!” He punched Reese.
My mind reeled. Shit! Before they could tear each other apart, I wrapped my arms around Jace and tried to pry him away, but he pushed me off.
“Get downstairs,” Jace ordered and attempted to punch Reese again, but Reese blocked it and delivered a hard knock with his free hand.
I backed away, my eyes searching. I couldn’t release my power here like the last time. This was a public building with lots of guests. It was too dangerous. We’d get caught and arrested. Or worse, Reese and I would be discovered. I balled my hands into fists. Why was Jace doing this?
I fell backward on the bed as Reese thrust Jace forward toward the middle of the room. “Jace, man. I’m warning you…” He pushed him against the chest, and Jace staggered. “Don’t do this. Just walk out of this room.”
Jace’s eyes lit with fury. “Not without Dez.” He turned his attention toward me. “He’s not who you think he is, Dez. Trust me. Just leave right now.”
My eyes shot between them, finally landing on Jace. I stood. “What?”
Jace ran his hand through his disheveled hair. “He’s part of the Feyan Army.” He gave Reese an evil sneer. “Oh yeah, I’ve been following you.” He nodded once. “I know about the Feyan. I also know why you’re here—you and your Narco commanders—and what you’re looking for.”
My mouth hung agape. I shook my head lightly, clearing it. “Reese? What’s he talking about?”
Reese’s eyes studied the floor, avoiding me. “Go, Dez,” he muttered under his breath.
Panicked, I turned to Jace. “Tell me now!”
“You and Reese aren’t the only ones of your kind.” He held my eyes. “The Narcos have raised an army of Feyan. That’s what they call your kind—what you are, Dez. And they’ve come to Haven on a mission.” He paused, taking in Reese. “To find the one that will set them free. Then destroy the Shythe when they’re no longer subjected to the curse of our ancestors.”
My knees gave, and I crumbled to the floor. I looked up at Reese. His expression didn’t deny anything Jace had said. “What does this have to do with us?” I asked him desperately. “You knew all along…everything that I thought we were trying to discover together. You knew.” I bit down on my lip. “What does this have to do with us?!” I shouted.
Reese’s eyes met mine—cold and hard. “You’re the one.”
No.
Jace’s hands grasped my arms, and he pulled me to my feet. I couldn’t feel my body. Every nerve, every muscle, limb, part…was numb. He ushered me toward the broken door. My world spun.
“Don’t come near her again,” Jace warned Reese. “And if you or anyone else does, this whole town is going to blow. I’ll destroy every last one of you sonofabitches.”
In an attempt to find something that made sense, I met Reese’s eyes. “Tell me you weren’t going to…” My words trailed. I had no idea what he actually wanted with me. If anything.
Reese took one step forward and halted when Jace stiffened next to me. “Dez, I’m what he says. I’m not who you think.” His face hardened—his eyes glowing deep red. “Just…You were a way for me to move up in rank.” His features were stern, convincing.
“No,” I breathed.
“Yes,” he confirmed. “And one last thing.” His eyes bored into mine. “When they come. Run.”
Jace grabbed my arm, and with his free hand shot a blast of Charge at Reese. I didn’t see if he dodged it. We were through the door and into the hallway, running at full speed before my mind caught up with me. “How did you learn to throw your Charge?”
“That’s what you ask me right now?” Jace glanced over, a smirk sliding across his face.
We flew out the back of the hotel. Jace had his levibike idling, ready to take off. I didn’t understand why. Where were we going to run? Once we were on the road, I finished snapping the top half of my corset. I tied string from my skirt around the busted clamps—my stomach nauseated and weak. I’d been about to…
No. I couldn’t think about that. I couldn’t even understand what had taken place. I had to focus on something, anything else. Reese had told me to run. Why would he say that?
Jace hovered up to the park. It was dark. A half-crescent moon and only a hint of twinkling stars lit the sky. Jace stopped near the entrance, parking his levibike under a dim gas lantern. He turned off the engine, popped off the seat, and offered me his hand. I stared at it, my mind blank. He took me into his arms, pulling me off the seat and clutching me to him.
“I’m sorry,” he said into my ear.
“It’s not your fault.”
“Yes it is.” He pulled away. The blue glow of his eyes shimmered, glistening. “I abandoned you. Instead of trying to understand what you were going through all these years, I allowed my stupid prejudice to control me.”
My eyes stung. “Jace, you have nothing to apologize for. I treated you horribly. You had every right to be angry with me. I…” I lowered my eyes from his, breathing in courage. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry for everything. For leading you on, and for just not telling you the truth from the beginning.�
�� I kept my eyes hidden from his—not wanting to see the hurt I knew was there.
Jace’s hand skimmed my cheek, raising my face to meet his. My eyes scanned over his lips—curled up on one side—and his brightly glowing eyes. “I understand why you hid. I get it.” He brushed a stray hair behind my ear, his eyes taking in my features. “And as for you and me”—he raised his eyebrows—“we’re good. Don’t feel bad. And don’t regret what happened.” He smiled. “I don’t.”
I opened my mouth to continue, to make him understand how sorry I was. But I changed my mind, and simply nodded as everything that had happened at the hotel came rushing back to me.
“What’s going on? How did you even find me?” I squeezed my eyes, mentally cursing myself. I kept forgetting about the trace on my stupid communicator. I bowed my head, ashamed.
He led me toward a bench under a gas lantern. “Remember that scroll we found?” he asked. I nodded, patiently waiting for him to fill in the details. “Well, I don’t know how the Narcos got their hands on it, but it’s a text—some kind of prophecy. I had the proofs analyzed by one of my father’s friends. A member of the Shythe Council. I had to take the risk. Dr. Thailow is an historian, and one of the only Kythan that can still read, well, partly read ancient Egyptian.”
“So they know we broke into the airship.” I said, fear lacing in my voice.
“Dez, our council hasn’t completely trusted the Narcos this whole time. They wanted a way to unite the races, fend off war, and save us from extinction. They were willing to chance the Peace Act because the Narco Council promised a way to do just that.”
“But I don’t understand.” I swallowed hard. “Reese called me the ‘one.’ What does…and what the hell is a Feyan Army?”
“You were part of an experiment, right?” Jace studied my face. “One that only the Narcolym actually knew the outcome of. The scroll states that one Kythan will be born with the ultimate power of two races. That only this one Kythan will hold the power to lift the curse, our dependency on the humans for our survival.” He took a deep breath. “Dez, we’ve been lied to all this time. Yes, Kythan were guardians to the pharaohs. Yes, when they died out, we should have ceased with them. But a Narco—way back when—thought by killing the last pharaoh it would set us free. But he didn’t know that the sorcerers had placed a spell. If a Kythan Guardian ever went against their rulers, a curse would befall all the races. One of war and servitude to humans for all time.”