There had been no change in Torrun’s sample.
Was Raunevene the cure? Was it something else in the ale? She didn’t know, but she had to speak to Torrun immediately and get another blood specimen to confirm. She activated her communicator and chewed her lip as she waited for his answer.
“Yes?” Torrun’s image appeared. He rubbed his eyes.
“Torrun, it’s True. I mean, you see me. You know that. Oh, my God. I’m sorry. Sorry to be rambling. But… you… your vial of blood that you gave me a few days ago… it’s resistant to the toxin.”
“What?” He was awake now.
“Yes! I’d like for you to come into the clinic and let me take another sample. It would only take five minutes and you could go right back to sleep.”
“Isn’t Aldous there with Rath?”
She nodded.
“Of course, I’ll help, but can we do it at your apartment? What if this is a false alarm? I don’t want Aldous and Lady Ravenwood to get their hopes up that I can help Rath, only to have them destroyed. What do you think?”
“Oh, definitely. Good thinking. I’m not going to tell anyone else until we know for sure that whatever’s in your blood has the cure.” True gathered a portable centrifuge, several vials and the thin needle she’d use to collect the blood.
“I’ll be there within the hour.”
“Excellent.”
After True set up a makeshift laboratory in her apartment, she couldn’t sit still. How special would it be if Aldous’ best friend was able to help heal his son? She could think of nothing better. True rushed to the door when she heard the knock, but was surprised when no one was there. She turned to take her seat at the table and jumped back when Torrun materialized in front of her eyes.
“Oh? Torrun! Why did you cloak yourself?”
“Give me your research,” he demanded.
“What?” She took a step back.
“The research, True. My blood samples. Everything. Give it to me now!”
True observed his body language. His carotid artery thumped against his neck and his eyes darted back and forth like a caged animal’s. This situation wasn’t safe for her. Why would Torrun want his samples when she clearly stated she needed new blood from him? It had to be the same reason he wanted to meet with her alone. Torrun wasn’t who Aldous thought he was. She remembered the knife on her counter from yesterday’s apple and snatched it up. “Don’t come any closer. Stay away from me.”
“Stupid Human.” Torrun’s finger twitched and sent the knife flying across the room. Before True could register what had happened, an orange powder blinded her and she fell to the ground.
Exhausted after hauling True and her research all while maintaining a cloaking spell, Torrun collapsed in his apartment.
“Did you get it all?” a female Mage asked. Two Demons and a Necromancer accompanied her. A Dhampir waited in the corner, shrouded by shadows.
“As far as I know.”
“Excellent, Torrun,” the Dhampir said, circling True. “How long will it take for people to realize she’s gone?”
“Long enough for us to make Aldous believe she’s left the Complex, but I think they are seeing each other romantically, so he will be looking for her.” Torrun spoke to the group, but looked at the female Mage. “All you have to do is glamour yourself into her likeness, ask to leave, and walk out. There’s a transport heading back to Famiil in half an hour.”
The female studied True, turning her own black and silver hair into a deep red to match the Human. Shortening her stature and widening her hips, she said in True’s voice, “How’s this?”
“Perfect.” Torrun gave her True’s personal belongings, then instructed her to go back to the Human’s apartment underneath the safety of a cloaking spell. “When you’re at the entrance of the Complex and they want to scan your arm, convince them they don’t need to see it.”
“Got it,” she purred before vanishing behind the door.
The Dhampir’s eyes hadn’t left True. “I want her. In fact, I claim her as mine. She will make an excellent addition to my collection, even if she is Human.”
“No, no. This wasn’t part of the plan. She wasn’t supposed to be able to figure us out.”
“Well, Torrun, she has and now she’s a liability,” the Necromancer said. “Personally, I think we should sell her to the highest bidder. Once it’s confirmed that Gideon Stone plotted to kill innocent Metas inside the Complex, civil unrest will be prevalent. It won’t take much to convince the Presidents their little experiment has failed. Then we can leave this forsaken place and get a pretty price for this prize.”
Disagreeing with a shake of his head, the Dhampir knelt even with True and ran his fingers through her hair. “We’ll see. I know I’ll surely want my turn with her. I suppose our next course of action, though, is releasing more of the toxin, yes? This time, we’ll release into the air. Make certain those with a higher immunity will catch it.”
“Yes,” the two Demons answered simultaneously.
Torrun nodded, but guilt burned his insides. All he wanted was for Aldous to know how it felt to have his world ripped from his hands. During Project Extinction, Humans had taken all that Torrun loved. His parents. His sisters. His entire family. Aldous had only lost his father. Nothing else. Torrun wanted his friend to know that searing, all-consuming pain that only came from total devastation and loss, but now that he stood on the threshold of the only thing he’d wanted since his family’s death, Torrun wasn’t so sure about his decision.
Chapter Fifteen
Aldous had been looking for True for the past thirty minutes and still hadn’t found her. Certainly, she wasn’t bound to the clinic and could leave anytime she wanted, but it was unlike her to just disappear. He’d been in to see Caium and, thankfully, the older Mage seemed better. He also mentioned that True had come by to take a sample of his blood several hours before. Armed with that information, Aldous had spoken with the nurses, even Dr. Blake, who was slightly concerned, but brushed it off as True taking a much-needed rest.
“Still haven’t found True?” Lake asked as Aldous returned to Rath’s room.
“I’m thinking of going to her apartment, seeing if she’s there. Do you mind staying with Rath until I get back?”
“Not at all.”
“Where were you going anyway?” He noticed she had dressed in her Mage robes and wearing the Black Opal diadem used only for special occasions.
“I have a meeting with the presidents of Famiil and Wreston concerning Gideon and his release.”
“His release? Mother, you saw the evidence. He’s guilty.”
Lake took a measured breath. “That is your judgment, not mine. I choose to believe he is innocent and I’m going to do whatever it takes to acquire his freedom. Gideon loves me and I love him. He would never hurt anyone I love.”
“You’re being foolish. Caught up in your own emotions.”
“Perhaps you should concentrate on finding True instead of worrying about my business. Yes, I see the evidence, but I’ll not deny what I know in my heart. I’ve never been wrong.”
Her words were final, as if they were the last ones she’d ever speak, and Aldous rolled his eyes. He’d come by his stubborn streak honestly. Their debates were notorious among Mages, and usually she was right. But not this time.
Kissing her forehead as a show of respect, he considered their dispute done. Aldous could not and would not argue with her.
After an hour of debate, Aldous finally convinced the Housing Authority, along with the Climintra, to open True’s apartment. All her personal belongings were gone, but the place was a mess. Dishes in the sink. Bed linens unmade. The cabinets and drawers wide open. Why would she leave her home in this condition? Where could she have possibly gone? Aldous was at a loss. He didn’t know True as well as he wanted to, but in the little time they’d spent together, he’d observed her neat and orderly attention to detail with her work. Personal and professional habits didn’t always ref
lect the other, but with True, Aldous knew it did. Something was wrong. He could feel it.
He punched his communication device to called Torrun, who didn’t answer. Next, he reached out to Dr. Blake. The Human would want to know about True’s strange absence.
“Dr. Blake. Aldous Ravenwood.”
“Yes, sir? Is True resting at her apartment?”
“No. She’s not here. Her personal items are gone too. I’m concerned something’s happened.”
“Something’s happened?” he repeated, enunciating the statement. “Like what?”
“I’m not sure. All I know is what I’m seeing here is completely out of character for the woman I know.”
Dr. Blake cleared his throat. “Have you called the Intra?”
“One of them is here with me and has True’s information. My next step is to watch surveillance and see if I can trace her steps.”
Torrun’s incoming call beeped in.
“I’ll be in touch, Dr. Blake.”
“Aldous, you called? Sorry I missed it.”
“No problem. I need your help. True’s disappeared. And I’m getting worried.”
“She’s worked long hours, maybe she simply needs a break? Maybe she has a boyfriend you don’t know about.” His last sentence housed a pinch of bitterness, but Aldous didn’t take the bait.
“Something’s wrong. She wouldn’t leave unfinished business with Rath or her other patients. I know it.”
Silence.
“Torrun?”
“Are you listening to yourself, Aldous? She’s a Human. Remember what happened when your father trusted Humans? They assassinated him. And what about when your mother trusted one? Hundreds of people are sick and the number goes up every hour.”
“I don’t have time to revisit what happened with my parents, nor do I have the energy. True is different. Besides, she’s faithfully been working on my son’s case and I have no reason to believe she would abandon her work.” Aldous understood Torrun’s reluctance, but now wasn’t the time. “I need you to help me look at surveillance footage. Will you help me or not?”
“Of course, I will. I’ll meet you at the Climintra headquarters.”
For the next hour, Aldous and Torrun reviewed the footage, finally spotting her leaving her apartment and going straight to the entrance of the Complex. Aldous’ heart sank as he watched her breeze through each station and leave the dome forever. Torrun could have said I told you so, and maybe he should have, but he didn’t. Instead, he draped his hand on Aldous’ shoulder, and whispered, I’m sorry. Aldous couldn’t speak a verbal response, nor could he stay there and watch her on the screen. He had to get himself together before he saw his family, and the only place where he could sort his thoughts was the Forest Dome.
True’s head pounded and she was dizzy as hell. She was certain she had a concussion, but wasn’t sure if it was from inhaling Torrun’s dust, or because in the time she’d been in his care, she’d been hit in the head. To stand was an impossibility, as was moving. Her hands and arms were tied and the room was pitch black. Fighting the urge to cry, she sniffed hard. Torrun didn’t know it but she’d overheard his conversation with the other Metas. She knew about the Mage female who’d impersonated her and was probably long gone from the Complex, and True was certain the Dhampir, who’s breath had burned the skin of her neck, had plans to make her his slave. True would take her own life before she allowed that to happen.
More than her safety, how she wished for the chance to tell Aldous the truth about his so-called best friend. Torrun was a part of a group who meant to hurt other Metas and blame Humans. Gideon was an innocent man, and Torrun guilty of only God knows what else. What if he was responsible for Rath’s illness? What if he wanted the boy dead? She had to reach Aldous. An impossibility for sure, but True had hope. During one of their conversations in the Forest Dome, she recalled what he’d said about their implants. Technically, the implant should keep me from reading your mind, but only if you want it to. Could she reach out, by-passing the implant and communicate with him? She had to try.
Aldous? Can you hear me? Torrun has me locked up somewhere. Please, hear me. Please.
Nothing.
She tried again and this time she envisioned them by dark ocean. Stars shimmered above them. True whispered a prayer to the Deities of the Mages. For their guidance, for their favor. Aldous was in the Forest Dome. He wiped away tears, distraught because she’d left.
I’m here, Aldous. I haven’t left. Hear me. I’m here. I would never leave Rath.
True? he answered with his mind. Are you hurt? Where are you?
I’m okay, but I don’t know where I am. Listen, it’s Torrun. He’s kidnapped me.
Aldous must’ve misheard. Torrun? No. Never.
Trust me, please. I’m telling the truth. He’s working with a group of Metas who released the toxin and want to blame it on Humans. I believe the cure is something in the Licasa ale.
I don’t doubt you, True, but Torrun is my dearest friend. My brother. He paused. But if you say it, I believe it.
I’m so sorry, Aldous.
Me too. We’ll worry about that later. Can you tell me anything about your location?
True darted her head from side to side, a desperate attempt to confirm what she already knew she couldn’t see. It’s dark and small. Maybe a closet.
Hang on. Aldous centered himself, allowing instinct to guide him to True’s whereabouts. He saw her in the dark room, bound, and tried to find any source of light. In the right-hand corner of the door, he saw a tiny sliver, unseen by Human eyes. Expanding out from that point, he saw a bedroom and pictures on the bedside table. Torrun’s father. His mother and sisters. True wasn’t mistaken. Aldous’ heart sank. Why would his best friend and most trusted advisor kidnap True? Why would he seek to harm anyone?
Aldous, True said. Are you still there?
I’m sorry I doubted you. You’re inside Torrun’s closet at his apartment.
Don’t worry about me, you’ve got to find Torrun and the others. I think they’re releasing more of the toxin now. This time, in the air.
Since he couldn’t be in two places at once, he called the Climintra. “This is Aldous Ravenwood. I’ve located Dr. Mathieu, but the man who kidnapped her is aligned with a terrorist group who are releasing a toxin into our air supply as we speak.” For the next few minutes, he filled them in on all he’d learned.
True, Aldous said when he’d disconnected the call. I’m on my way to you right now.
Five minutes later, Aldous held her as tight as his arms would allow, peppering soft kisses to her forehead. If there was any doubt how strong his feelings had become before, they had changed to certainty. True was as a part of him as his own heart, his soul. “I’m so sorry. I hate this happened to you.”
“I’m fine. A little shaken, but I’ll be good as new tomorrow. Aldous, Torrun’s blood is resistant to the toxin. I don’t know why in the world he wouldn’t want to help.”
He shrugged, the weight of the world resting on his shoulders. “I think I do. His family was killed during P-Extinction. My father was a kind man. He wanted to make peace with the Humans, instead of eradicating them. He wasn’t popular around many of the other Meta leaders, but they respected his ability to diffuse bad situations. One day, he trusted the wrong group of Humans and they murdered him and hundreds of other Mages. They took their weapons and just plowed through them as if they were nothing. Torrun’s family, both his parents and young sisters were part of that unfortunate group. These years, I’ve thought our shared loss drew us closer together, but now I see the situation clearly. He must’ve hated me for only losing my father when he lost everything. I’ll bet he was the reason my mother couldn’t receive our power when she retrieved Rath. Oh, God.”
“What is it?”
“Do you think Torrun’s been poisoning Rath this entire time? He was my best friend.”
“I hope not, but I don’t know why else he would be involved with a group of people w
ho wanted to harm those inside the Complex. I’m so sorry for you. For Torrun, too. Carrying around hatred and anger can make a person bitter and mean. It sounds like that’s what’s happened.”
“But why haven’t I gotten sick? Why haven’t you?” he asked.
“I think Humans are naturally resistant and maybe you and several other Metas have a stronger immunity, but let them release it into the air and I’ll bet we’ll see an increase.”
“Lord Ravenwood?” a voice buzzed in. “We’ve apprehended two Demons, a Necromancer, and a Dhampir. They gave us enough information to find all the members of this terrorist organization. Thank you, sir.”
“What about a Mage? Male. Hair more silver than black. About 6’2”. Name’s Torrun.”
They overheard the Intra asking around. “No, sorry. We didn’t pick up anyone by that name.”
“Oh, my God,” True exclaimed. “Rath!”
“And my mother.”
True wasn’t sure how they made it from Torrun’s apartment to the clinic in less than thirty seconds, but they did. Intra were everywhere, corralling patients and staff away from the back of the office.
Dr. Blake waved and rushed to True and Aldous. “True, so thankful you’re okay.”
“Me too. What’s going on?”
Aldous didn’t wait to hear his answer. He knew. He could sense his son’s terror.
“Sir, you can’t—”
Aldous’s hand emitted a soft blue light and paralyzed the officers and the crowd. True followed behind. When he arrived to Rath’s room, Torrun shook a knife at Rath and Lake. The boy huddled behind his grandmother, tears falling down his sunken cheeks.
“Torrun, you don’t have to do this,” Lake said, her voice, calm, serene. “You can make a different choice.”
“I don’t want a different choice. I want my family back, but your stupid husband got them killed. It was his fault. He is the reason everyone is gone.”
True North (The Complex Book 0) Page 9