Rubbing her hands over her face, she let out an angry huff. Glaring at the note, she stalked away to the bathroom for a shower.
***
Sera flattened the front of her dress nervously, uncomfortable in the beautiful gown. Taking care not to trip over her heels, she headed towards the MRO. She caught a glimpse of her reflection in a storefront window and paused, actually looking at herself. The sweetheart neckline and bejewelled emerald bodice hugged her frame before the long satin skirt fell from her waist. She’d pulled her auburn hair up into a bun, but a few tendrils had escaped to caress her neck. She begrudgingly admitted that she looked quite nice, although she couldn’t wait to be back in her boots.
Whoever invented high heels deserves to be stung by a scorpius.
Interrupting her grumbling, a man in a tuxedo strode towards her. When a streetlight captured his face for a moment, she realised it was Arius. The suit accentuated his lean yet muscular body and his chocolate-coloured hair was pulled back in a low ponytail.
“Where in Ghaia’s name did you get a suit from?” she called, her voice bubbling with barely repressed laughter at the expression on his face. He looked as uncomfortable as she felt.
“I have my ways,” he chuckled with a wink before sweeping her into his arms. “Gods, but you look divine. You are Ghaia incarnate,” he breathed, his hushed tone brushing over her lips as softly as a butterfly’s wing, sending a fever racing over her skin. She blushed at his compliment and wriggled out of his grip.
“Don’t forget, we have a job to do tonight. No getting distracted,” she reprimanded him sternly before bursting into giggles. “Sorry,” she gasped between breaths. “It’s just, I’ve never seen you this way. You’re very… handsome,” she finished lamely. “Plus, I’m quietly trying not to panic.”
He squeezed her shoulder before threading her arm through his and escorting her to the Choosing. “I understand. I believe in your plan and I trust your abilities. We will save your father.”
Sobered by the reminder of the reason why she had committed to this scheme in the first place, she raised her chin and took a steadying breath. He kissed her cheek tenderly. “Thank you for your support, Arius. It means the world to me.”
“Speaking of support, I found Idris and Tor. I’ve explained everything to them, and they’ve agreed to meet us tomorrow afternoon at our clearing to discuss the plan to rescue Allen.”
“That’s great! I’m glad you found them.”
“They are eager to assist. Tor, especially,” he added with an eye roll.
She chuckled, imagining the flirtatious hippogryph’s enthusiasm. With a shake of her head to refocus, they entered the MRO. A heavy feeling sat in her gut with the knowledge that everything was about to change. Briefly touching her PSB at the terminal to sign in, she guided Arius down the hall. They took a brief detour so she could place Firinne and her pistol into her locker before they exited the main building.
Sera gasped when they entered the training yard. Hazel and her committee had outdone themselves. All the equipment and training dummies had been removed and now an enormous marquee covered the entire yard. As they entered the pavilion, Sera’s eyes widened as she took in the decorations. Lush cream curtains draped around the edges of the room while thousands of lights twinkled overhead. Four coloured banners hung on the far wall with the symbols for each unit: an arrow on the red banner for Hunters, a leaf on green for Trackers, a circle on blue for Negotiators and a cross on white for Alchemists. A stage had been erected in front of the banners and a microphone sat atop the podium. Lines of chairs filled the area in front of the stage for the graduates whilst small tables littered the back of the room with charcuterie boards overflowing their tops. Sera ogled the variety of cheeses and fruits displayed on the platters.
A large space beside the stage had been cleared for the unpaired unicorns to gather, ready to be chosen at the end of the ceremony. A string quartet from Harongar Isle played in the corner near them, the lilting music of the foreign instruments providing a bewitching atmosphere. It was a rare treat to hear live music, since any career in the arts was discouraged after the Mythic War while Mandar’s focus was directed to survival and fostering peace. Sera stayed glued to Arius’ side, trying hard to appear relaxed as other guests arrived. They mingled amongst the old MINATH graduates whilst they waited for the Choosing to begin.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
“Sera!” Hazel’s voice rang out across the floor as she extracted herself from a spirited conversation between a unicorn and one of the graduates. “You made it! And you brought Arius.” Her face fell slightly but she quickly hitched her dazzling smile back into place. Sucking in a breath, she breathed, “I knew that dress would suit you. You look amazing. And you look very smart, Arius,” she tacked on.
“Thank you so much for lending it to me, Hazel. You look lovely, as well.”
The gold chiffon dress swirled around her ankles as Hazel twirled, her dark tresses flowing down her back like a mane. Her glasses accented her bold eyeliner.
“I can’t stay and chat, sorry. I’ve got to go make sure the President has arrived safely and then help get the graduates seated. Chat later!” She hurried off in a flurry of fabric. A waiter sauntered past with a tray of flutes and paused, offering them one each. They both accepted a glass and Sera took a sip, hoping the sparkling white wine might soothe her nerves a little.
Not too much though, I’ve got to stay sharp for the mission.
Arius swirled the drink and sniffed it dubiously, shooting a perplexed look at Sera.
She laughed and said, “It’s fine, it’s just wine. Although,” she added as an afterthought, “if you haven’t had it before, don’t drink too much. It can make you a bit silly.”
Glaring at the glass, he muttered, “Dragons don’t get silly.” He took a sip. Screwing his nose up, he looked at her incredulously. “You actually enjoy this?” He placed the drink down on the closest table before turning to her and cupping his hand behind her neck, pulling her in. His mouth was on hers in a flash and she sank into his embrace. His lips tasted like the sweet wine he had sampled, and Sera groaned quietly as they moved sensually against hers.
Leaning away, she chuckled breathlessly and asked, “What was I saying?”
“Just how I taste better than any drink you’ve ever tried,” he said, before capturing one of the tendrils of hair that had snaked its way out of her bun and tucking it behind her ear.
“Whilst that is true, I do need to warn you; Tyler will be here tonight. If he sees you with me, he will probably be… unpleasant.”
“Remind me, who is this Tyler?”
“My paired Hunter,” Sera muttered. She hadn’t mentioned her history with Tyler to Arius. Even though her Soulbound always seemed in control of his emotions, she wasn’t sure how Arius would react if he knew how much Tyler harassed her.
Arius smirked. “I’m sure he won’t be a problem.”
“He’s an asshole. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” she said as she shrugged. Tugging Arius out of earshot of their neighbours, she whispered, “I need to blend in until the President gives his speech, then I’ll sneak away. I’ll connect with you if I need help, but in the meantime I’ll need you to cover for me if anyone asks where I’ve gone.”
“What do you want me to say?” His dark eyebrows furrowed together.
“Um, just say I’ve gone to the bathroom or something.”
“Why would you go to the bathroom in the middle of the President’s speech? That seems a little preposterous.”
She stared at him blandly. “I would be going there to do my business.”
He still looked at her quizzically, not understanding. “What business?”
“I’d be going to pee!” she exclaimed, then blushed at the amused look a nearby Negotiator shot at her.
“I see.” Arius’ eyes widened as he finally understood, before muttering, “You humans need to relieve your bladders far more often than necessary.”
&
nbsp; She raised her eyes to the heavens and gently punched his arm. “Can I count on you or not?”
“Fine. If anyone asks, I’ll say you had to use the bathroom,” he grumbled.
“Thank you.” She snorted and turned to grab a strawberry from a nearby platter, nearly bumping into Helena. “Thank goodness!” Sera exclaimed. “I’ve been wanting to speak to you. Can I trust Fra—” She cut off her sentence abruptly when she realised the Director of the MRO was accompanying the Head Tracker. The middle-aged man went by no other name other than the Director. He was middle-aged but still athletic and kept his greying hair shaved.
“Tracker Seraphina,” the Director greeted her smoothly. She nodded respectfully to her boss. “It is good to see you looking so well after your time away from us. I was sorry to hear about your memory loss. I hope that, in time, you will remember everything that happened and be able to share what you learnt.” He smiled, but his grey eyes remained cold. He smoothed the front of his immaculate grey suit with a tanned hand before scanning the crowd.
Helena kept a wary eye on the Director and, when she was sure he wasn’t looking, gave the slightest inclination of her head.
Sera remained silent but raised her eyebrows infinitesimally in acknowledgment.
Oblivious to the silent exchange the Director announced, “Tracker Helena, we must go. President Kaesus has arrived.”
Together, they left to greet the President and a shiver ran down Sera’s back.
It’s almost time.
She located the President as he wandered through the crowd, greeting both the MINATH graduates and employees of the MRO with a benevolent smile. She hissed quietly at the sight of him and Arius squeezed her hand reassuringly. Before she could react, Tyler interrupted her line of sight. Dressed in a sharp black suit with a violent red shirt, he watched them with his arms folded.
“Who’s this clown?” Tyler snorted, glowering at Arius.
Sera raised an eyebrow. Arius was the opposite of a clown. Her Soulbound straightened and returned Tyler’s glare. She noticed the barest trace of fear flicker over Tyler’s face before he buried the emotion.
“This is the man you told me about?” Arius questioned Sera, wrapping his arm around her shoulder protectively. She nodded. He smirked and muttered in her ear, “If I can handle my brother, I’m pretty sure I can handle this puny human.”
She held her hands up in submission. “If you say so. He has a way of getting under my skin. Hopefully yours is thicker than mine.”
Arius winked and said, “We both know it is.”
Tyler stepped close, closing the gap between them. “What does he mean puny human? Is he a shifter of some kind? This event is only for past students and graduates of MINATH. The only mythics allowed here are the unicorns who will be chosen at the end of the ceremony. I’m going to have to ask you to leave.” His tone was congenial but the ugly spark in his eye belied a rage that begged to be released.
The last thing I need is a fight between these two. And one is brewing, I can feel it.
Stepping out from under Arius’ arm, she moved between the two men and, matching Tyler’s tone, said, “We were allowed to bring our partners along, Tyler. He is here as my guest.”
Cheeks reddening, the Hunter looked between them, blustering. “Your PARTNER?” he spat the word. He seized Sera’s arm and jerked her to his side.
Arius bared his teeth and snarled, “Get your hands off her.”
“She’s my Tracker. I can do what I want with her. You can piss off. Or I can make you.” Tyler’s grip was possessive and Sera strained to get away from him.
“Sera belongs to no one but herself.” Although Arius whispered, every word was thunder. “You have no claim on her. Unhand her before I lose my temper. Your body will be nothing but a charred crisp by the time I’m finished with you.” Arius hissed his threat quietly but power laced every word, leaving Tyler visibly trembling. The Hunter reluctantly released her, turned on his heel and stalked away without another word. He shot one last scowl over his shoulder that was heavy with the promise of revenge.
Sera exhaled a shaking breath before rounding on her overprotective dragon. “Great, thanks very much, Arius,” she said sarcastically. “I know how to handle Tyler. Now that you’ve shown your protectiveness I’m not sure how I’m going to work with him in the future. He was already awful to me before tonight, but I’ve got a feeling my job is going to get a lot worse.” She rubbed her temple and blew out a frustrated huff. Arius looked at her incredulously, obviously hurt by her words. “I’m sorry if I’ve upset you, but those are the facts. I can’t afford to think about your feelings tonight, I have to focus on my plan.”
Arius expression turned steely and he lifted his chin, averting his eyes as he said frostily, “That’s fine. I understand, of course. Let us stay focused on the job at hand.”
Her heart twisted at his sudden coolness but before she could say anything more to smooth things over, the Director announced over the loudspeaker, “Graduates, please take your seats in preparation for the Choosing Ceremony.”
A group of twenty red, blue, green and white uniforms moved towards the chairs. The herd of young unicorns filed towards the space made for them. The rest of the guests hung back around the platters at the rear of the marquee and their murmuring subsided. The musicians stopped playing then and President Kaesus strode to the podium. Much as she hated the man, Sera could admit his presence was commanding. His cerulean suit hugged his muscular frame, accenting his piercing blue eyes. His black hair was combed into a neat style while grey streaks peppered his temples. Scanning the graduates, he gave a wide smile, the picture of a kind leader.
“Welcome,” he proclaimed, “to the Choosing Ceremony for the Mandar Institute for Negotiators, Alchemists, Trackers and Hunters. Thank you for joining us, it is so wonderful to see you here tonight.” With that comment he captured Sera’s gaze and held it, his eyes boring into hers, making her skin crawl. Eventually breaking eye contact, he continued his speech while Sera sucked in a deep breath, having forgotten to breathe.
“This is an exciting night for our graduates. It marks the culmination of four years of training to now go out into the world and protect the citizens of Mandar from those who would disrupt the peace.”
As the President continued his speech, Sera whispered in Arius’ ear, “I’m going to slip out now. Wish me luck!” She squeezed his hand, hoping he had forgiven her harsh words from earlier.
His brow furrowed with worry and he mouthed the words, “Be safe.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Feigning a nonchalance she didn’t feel, Sera stole away from the crowd, casually exiting the marquee, her heels clicking against the concrete. Once inside the MRO, she hurriedly kicked her shoes off and stashed them in her locker. The stilettos would slow her down and stealth was paramount for this mission. Opening the map of the MRO on her PSB, she reviewed her route. Following Frank’s instructions, she ignored the elevator and crept to a hidden service door, pressing against the almost invisible crack in the wall. The door clicked and swung outwards. Glancing back down the hallway to ensure she was alone, she slipped inside. A red light in the ceiling offered a dull glow while she took stock of her surroundings. A black steel staircase led down, while exposed metal pipes lined the wall. She ran swiftly down the stairs, bunching up her dress to free her legs and taking care to soften each footfall. After descending three flights, she located the hidden door marked on her map.
Taking a moment, she cast her mind out and sighed in relief when no other auras greeted her on that level. Exiting the stairwell, she blinked in the sudden white light of the corridor and shivered as the temperature dropped. Frank’s server was kept in a chilled environment to prevent him from overheating. Passing the elevator doors apprehensively, she breathed a sigh of relief to see the glowing number remained stationary at Ground Level. Turning a corner, she entered Frank’s Server Room. Soft blue light lit up the massive space and a series of sleek white hexa
gonal towers created an interlocking circle in the centre.
She whispered, “I’m here, Frank. Did you get the plans?”
The AI responded, “Yes, I was successful.”
“Great! What do I need to do now?”
“Go into the centre of my servers and I will use an NFC to securely transfer the file to your PSB.”
“Erm, what’s an NFC? Do I need to do something?” Confusion coloured her tone at the technical term.
“Near Field Connection. It means I can transfer it to your PSB remotely,” he explained.
She followed his orders, thankful it wasn’t anything too technical. Her basic understanding of technology hadn’t extended much further than writing up her Tracker reports. From her position in the middle of the ceiling-height-towers, she was unable to see the entrance to the Server Room, putting her on edge. “How long will it take for the plans to transfer over?”
“It will take less than a minute. The file was encrypted but I’ve managed to decrypt it for you. Once the transfer is complete, it will be saved under your Downloads. The Little Birds will be able to copy it from there onto their system easily.”
“Thanks again, Frank. I can’t quite believe the plan has worked. It almost feels too easy.” She rubbed her arms as her skin pimpled from the cold. “All I need to do is get out of here without raising suspicion and we’re golden.”
“Happy to help.” The robotic voice didn’t sound happy, but she was growing used to his monotone.
Sera watched anxiously as the progress bar on her PSB crept toward one hundred percent. She shifted her weight between each foot as the cold penetrated her bare feet.
Finally, Frank announced, “The file has been transferred successfully.”
A Dragon's Body: A New Adult Fantasy Dragon Series (The MINATH Chronicles Book 2) Page 14