by Ali Winters
“It’s a T-screen.”
“Oh.” His explanation meant nothing to her, though she could question it later. Seeing him now only made Nivian realize how much she had missed him. She would take this moment and savor it for now.
“Hey, Nivian?”
She blinked and her eyes refocused on his now frowning face. He tilted his head slightly to the side. “Yeah?”
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She must have been making that face again. Kain had told her she would make a face when something was wrong. Though she had no idea what that face was, no matter how many times she tried to recreate it in the mirror. Whatever she’d said, it was enough for him to know.
“Yeah, I’m fine…” she swallowed hard and tried to change the subject, “Where are you?”
Finally, a smile graced his lips. “I’m in some fancy hotel. I’ve been working with the Hunters for the past few days. I think I’ll be here for a few more nights.”
The blood drained from her face and she leaned back as if that movement could create a safer distance between her and the Hunters he worked with. And what did he mean by working with the Hunters?
“It’s okay, Nivi,” he assured her.
Nivian dropped her head, trying to hide the disappointment. She wanted to see him. In all honesty, she’d expected to see him asleep in his bed when she’d gone to his apartment.
“I wanted to ask you if you’d come up here tomorrow and join me.”
Her heart beat wildly against her chest. “Join you?” The words came out strangled from the possibility of seeing him again soon.
“They want to form an alliance and start working with the Reapers.”
“What?” Her jaw dropped open. “You can’t be serious, Kain.”
“I’m completely serious.” He was frowning again. “No one wants anything like that fight to happen ever again. This is about the balance now. Like it should have been all along.”
“I’m not sure about this, Kain. I’ll be surrounded by Hunters…” she trailed off. Only Kain was strong enough to destroy her, but surely if enough Hunters attacked at once they might be able to.
“I promise I’ll protect you no matter what, Nivi. My—er, Holter is here, he’ll help keep you safe too.”
Her face fell, unamused. “That hardly inspires confidence in me.”
Kain let out a hardy laugh. “I promise you’ll be safe.” The smile dropped from his face as he turned serious. “Do you trust me?”
Her nerves hummed as she bit down hard on her bottom lip. Of course she trusted Kain; it was the others she didn’t trust.
“I’ll tell you what, I won’t leave your side for a moment, and if you don’t feel safe at any time, I’ll get you out of here.”
Nivian inhaled sharply and held her breath, trying to slow her racing heart. “All right,” Nivian agreed, nodding. She shivered. Not from cold, but from the thought of being surrounded by the only threat ever known to a Reaper.
“Can you come tomorrow?”
Words stuck in her throat, and she could only nodded in response.
“Great!” His face lit up, and for a brief second, Nivian forgot about her fear and felt a spark of excitement run through her at seeing him again. “I’ll make sure a driver is there to pick you up in the morning.”
Then, just as quickly as her excitement came, it faded, swallowed whole by the uncertainty of the situation.
Tomorrow, she would enter the heart of the enemy’s lair. Hunters and Reapers working together — it seemed too good to be true.
But Kain would keep her safe. She believed in him.
THIRTEEN
CASPIAN
CASPIAN LEANED BACK in his chair and massaged his temples as he waited for Nivian to respond to her summons. The pain was always worse after taking care of the life energies. The constant throbbing in his head was bound to drive him mad if something didn’t change soon. He’d been expending more power than he was meant to, trying to keep up with the demand of assignments coming in.
Where was Silas?
He closed his eyes and sighed, trying to lower his powers to a minimal flow and give them a fraction of a chance to replenish. Only a short time of doing Silas's job, and he would need nothing short of a decade to recover.
A flicker of power washed over him. Small, like a lit match at the bottom of a precipice on a dark night and familiar in its chilled touch. Silas.
Caspian bolted to his feet. His chair propelled backward, hitting the floor-to-ceiling arched windows. For the first time in days he’d felt the ancient’s energy. Small as it was, it was enough to give him hope. He rounded his desk and reached for his cloak draped over a chair. There wouldn't be much time for him to search. With Silas gone, he couldn’t risk leaving Mophar for long.
A knock on the door halted him in his tracks. Caspian gritted his teeth and forced himself to relax. “Come in,” he called as he moved to stand behind the massive desk once more.
The door creaked open and Nivian’s face peeked through, hesitating only a second before stepping inside. Caspian blinked a few times as she stood expectantly in the center of the room.
“I came as soon as I got your summons.” Nivian stepped forward and waited in front of his desk eagerly for the paper that would hold her next assignment.
What he'd had in mind could go to a lesser Reaper; even a Timeless could do it. Now, he needed her for something far more important.
“Please, have a seat.” He gestured to the chair in front of her and sat in his own as she timidly echoed his movements. She lacked her usual relaxed demeanor, her back now straight as a needle, hands clasped tightly in her lap. His gaze narrowed. “You seem on edge, Nivian. Is there something wrong?”
She chewed on her bottom lip. It was a tick of hers Caspian didn’t think she was aware of. It had always drawn his attention in the past, letting him know when there was a lot on her mind.
“No, no. Nothing’s wrong.” She shifted in her seat, clasping and unclasping her fingers. “I just have to ask a favor of you.”
Caspian inclined his head. “You may ask. There is no need to feel nervous.” He tried to assure her, but the tension he’d been feeling strained his voice.
There it was again, the flicker. Caspian reached out with his mind, following the faint trail it left in its wake, hunting it down to the source. It was Silas’s energy, there was no doubt about it, but it was weak in a way that should have been impossible. Though it worried him, it was a relief that Silas still lived.
“It’s strange… but may I have a few days away?”
His attention snapped back to her. “Time away? What do you mean?” A Reaper never took time off, they moved from one assignment to the other, ceaseless in their purpose for all eternity.
“Kain said that there are these Hunters. That they want to form an alliance with us and work together to protect the balance.”
“Work together?” he echoed. Though rather than the hope that filled her voice, his held doubt.
“Yes.”
“I don’t like this. I don’t want you to get hurt again.”
“Kain promised to keep me safe. He’d be with me the entire time.”
“I might trust Kain, but this sounds too risky.”
“I think…” Nivian paused as if weighing her words before she spoke. “That this would be worth the risk. Kain can get me out if it gets dangerous. But if they’re being honest, then it could be a benefit to everyone.” She scooted to the edge of her seat and gripped the edge of his desk. “I trust Kain. He will keep me safe. Hunters and Reapers could work together to protect the balance, rather than fight each other.” Nivian reiterated as she brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Don’t you think it would be worth it if everything works out?”
The spark of Silas’s energy began to fade, calling for his attention before it was too late. Perhaps an alliance might be of benefit.
“I suppose you are right. You may go.” He stood and she stood with him. “Y
ou have three days, then I would like you to report back to me.”
“Thank you.” She turned and hurried toward the door.
“Nivian, please be careful. I do not want to see any harm come to you.”
“I will,” she promised.
The door closed in her wake and he realized he’d yet to give her an assignment. Nivian was one of the few Reapers he trusted and now he needed her to search out Silas and bring him back.
The trace was all but gone, with only a hint still hovering in his peripheral. Closing his eyes, he focused on the lingering remnant. He turned in a slow circle, reaching out, feeling for the source.
Caspian oriented himself to face where the pull was strongest and opened his eyes. Physically, he saw the wall of his office, tall bookshelves packed with tomes and scrolls. But in his mind, he knew it was in the same direction as the Isola Di Vita. Though it moved, Yeva’s powers tainted it. He quickly crossed the room again, snatched up his cloak then stopped.
But he could not leave G.R.I.M. Not for the time he’d require to find Silas and bring him back.
Three days. He told himself. He could wait three days for Nivian to return, though it frustrated him to no end to have his hands tied. The possibility of an alliance with the Hunters would aid them immeasurably. In the meantime, he would continue as he had been, expending his powers to their limits and pushing them beyond. His temples already throbbed mercilessly at the thought. It would drain him behind anything he’d ever known, but it wouldn’t destroy him.
If Silas did not return, someone would have to take his place and Nivian was the only Reaper capable of taking in the amount of power needed for the position. Even he was not created to withstand the sheer amount of energy influx that would be required. It would be a priority to prepare her as soon as she returned if she was unsuccessful at retrieving the ancient.
Nivian would be miserable. It would mean forcing her to leave the human world she loved behind and spend all but a few rare moments in Mophar. It killed him that he would have to force this upon her, but the balance was the only thing that mattered. Not his feelings, not Kain’s, and not hers.
Another knock sounded at the door.
Caspian frowned at the unexpected visitor, he’d not sent for anyone. There was not enough in him for casual conversation. He would see what they needed and then send them on their way.
“Come in,” he called, taking a seat.
CAMIRA
* * *
Peering around the trunk of a deep purple tree, Camira’s fingers dug into the red moss that covered the bark, violently tearing pieces from its home. She wanted to go to Caspian now, but uncertainty played with her, making her doubt that she’d even be able to come back at all.
She knew that she had to approach him in a way that would allow him to open up. Normally, it would be easy, but she’d been away for too long to just waltz through the gates as if nothing had happened. Right now, she wasn’t prepared to catch anyone’s attention. The thoughts of hearing the whispers of the others as she walked past filled her with dread.
Sucking in a deep breath, Camira pushed away from the tree, wrapped her cloak around her body, and transported to the end of the hall outside Caspian’s office. She walked against to the wall, staying in the shadows as much as possible. Her footfalls were silent as she padded closer.
Camira pressed herself against the pillar just outside the study, and stayed hidden, wanting to be sure there was no one about before she revealed her miraculous recovery—and her heart—to him. She could leave now, and no one would ever know she’d been there. But then, she wouldn’t get to see Caspian. And if she passed up this opportunity, she might never get the chance to see him again. Camira longed to see his face. To brush her fingers along his hand as she handed him an assignment…
Caspian would be glad to see her again… Wouldn’t he? But if he wasn’t, if he didn’t care… What then? Questions filled her mind. Anticipation that maybe her absence had made him realize how much he actually cared for her. Her hands trembled. He would finally see how he’d overlooked her so many times.
It was worth it to find out. She couldn’t live with never giving him the chance to show her how he felt.
Hushed voices floated through the air, reaching her ears. Camira twisted her fingers in the edge of her cloak, leaning to the side in an attempt to see who was with him. But the door wasn’t open wide enough for her to see, their speech too hushed to tell. Not that it mattered. She only wanted to see him.
“Leave already,” she muttered.
Minutes felt like hours. Her nerves hummed as anxiety of their meeting settled in the pit of her stomach. The longer she waited, the more doubt fought its way past the timid hope that had begun to build.
Maybe she should come back later.
The door swung open and Nivian walked out, her brows creased. The pale haired Reaper—the one who had left Camira to be destroyed when she was weakened, the one that she’d once called friend, the one who betrayed their friendship for a Hunter of all things—rushed through the hall and down the stairs. She brushed past not sensing her in the shadows. It didn't surprise Camira that she was, once again, too wrapped up in her own world to care about anyone else.
Nivian would have only been a distraction and ruined her meeting by stealing Caspian’s attention. Camira took in a shaky deep breath and exhaled. She pushed all thoughts of Nivian away. Now was her chance. She had to get to Caspian before someone else came along.
Her nerves sang. I’m not ready for this, but if I don’t do it now, then I’ll lose my only chance.
Forcing her feet to move before she convinced herself that there might be another chance later, Camira tapped lightly on the door and moved to stand half-in and half-out of the doorway.
“Come in,” Caspian called. He was seated at his desk with his head down, rubbing his forehead. He didn’t seem like his usual self; perhaps that was a good sign for her.
Perhaps…
Now was not the time for hesitation. She forced herself to step through the doorway, closing it with a soft click behind her. She crossed to the center of the room with silent steps and waited. Her back was board straight, and her hands were clenched at her sides. Her breathing came in shallow bursts, making her lightheaded. She tried to swallow the adrenaline that coursed through her system with just the sound of his voice.
“Yes?” he asked. His voice disinterested and weary.
Look up. Look up. Camira begged silently. She swallowed loudly, though if he heard, he made no indication.
“Well, what is—” Caspian brought his head up and met her eyes. Confusion, then recognition slowly dawned on his face. His lips parted, “Camira?” He whispered her name as though she were his saving grace. A man who’d wandered the desert for years who’d only now tasted his first gulp of sweet, cold water. Camira savored the caress of his words as though they were a long awaited embrace. With careful movements, Caspian pushed his chair back and stood. “You are alive.”
Say something, she demanded of herself, but remained frozen in place, words caught in her throat. There were a thousand-and-one things she could say, but looking into his coal-black eyes, she could feel every thought fly out of her grasp. Camira took a step forward as he rounded his desk to stand before her. He gripped her shoulders tightly, almost painfully, but her heart soared with his touch.
“Welcome back, my Reapling. I had feared the worst.” Caspian pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her. The term of endearment didn’t go unnoticed. “Are you all right? It is not every day a Reaper is brought back from destruction.”
He was holding her! Camira had longed for this moment for so long. She hugged him tightly, sinking into his embrace. She could stay like this forever.
But all too soon, he pulled away.
She opened her mouth to pour out her heart but suddenly felt unsure of herself. Camira plastered on a wide smile and looked up at him thinking it might be easier to build up to it. Her heart told her to
just shout it out, but now, faced with the opportunity she needed to gather her courage.
“When can I start my new training?” she asked cheerfully, but inside, her heart pounded wildly.
“Train—what are you talking about?”
“To become a Silencer,” she said matter-of-factly. It was clear he was still in shock from being with her again. “As you’d promised.”
“No… Camira…” Caspian faltered. He cleared his throat and tried again, pulling away. “That position was given to Evander when you never returned.”
He had the decency to look ashamed as he averted his gaze. She didn’t blame him for filling the position, he had to do what was necessary, but the others should have at least looked for her.
“It doesn’t matter.” Taking a step forward, she placed a hand on his chest. “I’m back now. I’ll just wait again.”
“What happened? Where have you been, Camira?” Caspian wrapped his hand around her wrist and lowered her hand, but his fingers seemed to linger on her skin, trailing down her hand as her arm fell to her side.
Tears welled up in her eyes. He cared. Finally, Caspian realized how he felt about her, that his feelings had been misplaced in that undeserving waste of a Reaper all these years.
“That Hunter… she almost destroyed me, but I—I escaped.” Her voice hitched.
Caspian took her hands and led her to a chair. “Tell me,” he said, clasping her hands. “Where have you been?”
“I barely escaped. I managed to transport before—before—” Camira trailed off. She could tell him that he abandoned her just like the rest, or she could improve the story. After all, it wouldn’t do any good to make him feel guilty for his actions. He could start making up for it from this moment forward.
“Take your time,” he reassured her, and pat the back of her hand.
“When I transported, I blacked out. I could feel myself starting to fade away. I didn’t have the strength to direct my destination. I was lost for so long. I don’t know how I managed to stay alive,” Camira lied.