by Nina Walker
“How very convenient for you.” I cocked my head, satisfied when his cheeks grew red.
“Let’s just focus on the task at hand,” he replied. “We have orders to go through all the alchemists and continue from there.”
I barked out a quick laugh. “And what about the thousands more in Nashville that haven’t been brainwashed yet? There’s only one of me, you know.”
“We’ll get to them in time. The King thinks it’s more important to make sure we don’t have any more situations like Branson’s. We’re spending a few more days here, conducting more interviews.”
My stomach fell. There would be more. The second Lily or Jose walked in that door, I would be facing my worst horror all over again.
“Interviews. That’s one way to put it.”
I eyed him, up and down, thrilled to be taking my anger out on him.
“What’s your name?” I pressed, the question coming out like an accusation.
“I’m a Duke,” he replied shortly. “Mark Addington. And I don’t answer to the likes of you. I’m in charge here. No more attitude.”
I grinned slyly. “Okay, Duke, why don’t we start this interrogation with you and your precious little family? Your daughter did attack me, in case you’ve already forgotten. I think that’s reason enough to question her, don’t you think?”
He blanched, thrown off. Something murderous flashed in his eyes. I held his gaze for a long moment before turning to smile nonchalantly at the three Royal Officers standing watch. Not one made eye contact.
“You have something to hide,” I said, leaning back in my chair and smirking. “It’s painfully obvious. I’m surprised you showed your weakness so quickly. Faulk always knew better than that.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he snapped. “You’d be smart to watch your mouth. Faulk was a lot of things, but I won’t be as kind to you as Faulk was.”
“You call that kind?” I raised an eyebrow. “I’m not afraid of you.”
“You should be.”
“Why? In case you couldn’t tell, I no longer have anything to lose.”
He stood, pointing a finger in my face. “I’ll be bringing in our first appointment shortly. Behave!” Then he stormed from the room, slamming the metal door with a clang. I crossed my arms and tapped my black boot against the smooth floor, replaying the scene.
Curious.
What was Mark Addington hiding?
15
Sasha
Enough was enough. I still couldn’t find my array of stones, the color so precious to me it was like water to a fish or air to a bird. They’d never shown up after the evacuation, which didn’t make sense. Someone had gotten them before I’d had a chance, so where did they go? I’d been patient, had listened when Nathan Scott advised me to hold off jumping to conclusions, but I couldn’t hold my tongue any longer. Most of the soldiers tolerated me, some even liked me, but enough sent me hateful looks and muttered obscenities whenever I was near, that I couldn’t go on pretending.
Someone had tried to sabotage me.
I stalked across the mess hall, hands fisted at my sides, eyes zeroed on a group of soldiers who’d glowered at me and whispered among themselves the second I’d walked in the door. They were also the idiots who’d cornered me that day while jogging, threatening me because of their prejudice against my magic. I refused to put up with their intolerance any longer.
I slammed my palms down on their table, rattling their bowls of stew. All three of them stood, glaring down at me. The youngest of the group, an ordinary-looking guy with buzzed hair and muddy brown eyes, also happened to be the mouthiest. He stepped into my space, sneering.
“What makes you think you can come over here, huh?”
I scowled at him. “Was it you?”
Realization dawned in his eyes and he smirked, stepping back and nodding to his friends. “Was what me?” His voice came out innocent, and his friends laughed.
“Which one of you fools tried to sabotage me? Who took my crystals?”
The oldest of the group closed in on me, breath reeking of alcohol. I didn’t know where he got it and why he was drinking it in the middle of the day, but it sent a shiver down my spine. He flexed, tanned and tattooed muscles popping.
“You missing your little rocks, ya? Is that what this is about?” He cackled. “I also notice you’re missing your two body guards. Not very smart of you, Sasha, to come over here all alone.”
I tensed my jaw, ready to fight if it came to that. It was true, Mastin was meeting me any minute for lunch and I didn’t know where Tristan was at the moment. Actually, I didn’t know what he was up to most of the time, these days. But there were men and women all over this dining hall who could step in, and more importantly, the stew had a colorful array of vegetables. I’d be fine.
“I want my crystals.” I sent each of the men my most menacing look. “Return them to me, or pay the price.”
This sent them into a fit of laughter and hoots. The younger of the group put a sweaty hand on my bicep and I froze, itching to rip his filthy hand off of me.
“All I can say is you’re not going to see those crystals again.”
“Is that a confession?” I challenged.
He tilted his head, leaning in to whisper in my ear. “I’m pretty sure I saw someone throw them into the fire, but damn it, I can’t remember who it was.”
He patted me once and turned back to his meal. The other two men smirked, the older one chewing on his lip and traveling his eyes up and down my body in a way that made me want to either punch him or hurl, probably both.
“Sasha!” Mastin called out, striding through the mess hall. “There you are. Are you ready to get something to eat?” He stopped short when he saw the men, now returned to their table, but who were still peering up at me with distain in their eyes. The energy between the four of us was charged with such animosity, it didn’t take a genius to pick up on it.
“You okay?” Mastin gently touched my elbow.
I exhaled, trying to relax. So, these men had destroyed my crystals? I wouldn’t let that stop me. And I wouldn’t let them get to me any longer. Nathan Scott said more crystals were coming. Next time, I’d keep them with me instead of in the armory.
I sent the group one final glare and then plastered a sickly sweet smile on my face, turning to Mastin.
“I’m great. Let’s eat.”
I stared down at the sidewalk, watching my shadow move beneath me, as my thoughts spun. I was upset about what had happened at lunch, sure, but it was thoughts of Tristan that were really bothering me.
I was losing my best friend.
He’d distanced himself from me, whether he acknowledged it or not. I felt the ache in my gut, like something was missing. I would turn to smirk at him over one thing or another, but lately, he wasn’t smirking back. He barely even looked in my direction anymore. The truth of our crumbling foundation lingered in the subtle movements of his body, in the way his expression closed down whenever Mastin was around. I told myself that this was only natural, friends grew apart all the time. And anyway, we had already been apart for ages after I’d left to be an undercover operative, so it wasn’t like I should be so upset. I should be used to the distance. Maybe Tristan didn’t really see me as his friend anymore, maybe he hadn’t for a long time and I’d stupidly assumed we could get back to the way we used to be.
I ran my hand through my hair, huffing in annoyance.
“What’s going on in that brain of yours?” Mastin asked, squeezing my hand gently.
It felt like there was a rock in my stomach, the stew I’d just scarfed down curdling. Our boots slapped the cracked sidewalk as we walked back from what had become our new mess hall. The mess hall that was basically an old abandoned grocery store, cleared of the shelves. Tables had been set up in neat rows down the middle and the building had quickly become the gathering place for the crew out here. A crew that still shot me withering glances every so often.
; “What do you mean?” I returned lamely.
“There’s something going on with you.” Mastin shrugged. “I keep trying to figure you out, but just when I think I do, you change.”
I winked. “Doesn't that just mean I’m mysterious? Don’t guys like that?” I was avoiding the question, and quite brilliantly. Maybe.
“Mysterious is definitely a good word to describe you.” He sighed, unrelenting. “But I also want to make sure you’re okay.”
“I’m okay.”
He frowned. “It’s just that ever since you and I started dating, and believe me, it’s been great on my end…”
“What?”
“Well, ever since we started dating, you’ve seemed, I dunno, distant? Sad? Something just isn’t right.”
I held my breath for a moment, trying to think of the right thing to say. “I’m fine.” The words fell flat. “I’m just really worried about my family. Jessa’s stuck over there.” I pointed east. “And this war is crazy. I guess it’s a lot to take in.”
Liar. It’s not just about family unless Tristan is also the family you’re referring to.
The thunderous sound of a military aircraft pierced the sky, and tension at its arrival ran through the camp like a tidal wave. I reached up, instinctively running my fingers along the stone necklace, even though most were sickly gray. I would be able to replenish everything as soon as the next arrival came and I couldn’t wait.
I vowed to never be without my tools again.
Mastin automatically rested his hand on the gun in his holster. And as the aircraft flew closer, he relaxed. It was only an airplane, not an enemy jet.
“It’s one of ours,” he yelled, voice booming over the area. “Stand down!”
I smiled, knowing more of my stones might be on board!
He ordered the men around him, many much older than his twenty years, with complete ease. His voice rang out with confidence, naturally drawing attention. It was one of the most attractive things about him. Appreciation purred through me as I watched the man take action. The more I got to see him in his element, the more I understood why he was one of the youngest ranking officers. He had been bred for this life. Literally.
He marched off, and not wanting to be left out, I caught up to him quickly. “What are they doing here?” I asked, pointing to the airplane.
“No,” he muttered under his breath. “They weren’t supposed to get here until tonight. I wanted more time…”
My eyes narrowed on his sheepish expression, on the way his hands were fisted at his sides and his gaze didn’t meet my own. “Who are you talking about?”
His face hardened, looking over at me. “Please don’t shoot the messenger.”
I glowered. I wasn’t shooting anyone, but it didn’t mean I wasn’t about to open up the full force on my magic if he didn’t open his stupidly handsome mouth and start talking! “What? What aren’t you telling me?”
“I wanted to tell you, but I was ordered to keep it to myself.”
The realization sunk deep. “This is about Weapon X, isn’t it?”
His eyes flashed, mouth dropping open. “How do you know about that?”
Yeah, I wasn’t going to answer that one. I didn’t want him to know I’d been eavesdropping on his private conversation. But then again, it involved me, didn’t it? We were supposed to be a team.
I shifted my weight onto one leg, defiance rolling through me. “What is it? And why are you keeping it from me?”
“I have my orders.” He ground his teeth.
This was where we disagreed. “Screw your orders.”
He reached out and grasped my hand. “Come on then.” He sighed. “I can’t say anything, but that doesn’t mean you can’t figure it out. You’re going to want to see this.”
We jogged for the highway. It stretched out into the flat horizon like a never-ending runway. And that’s essentially what it had become to us. It was used as a makeshift tarmac for any planes that needed to land in the area.
As we approached the airplane, its exterior gleaming black, a sense of foreboding washed over me.
“Like I said, please don’t shoot the messenger. I wasn’t supposed to tell you that they were coming, but now that they’re here, you’re going to find out soon…” His voice trailed off.
“Just out with it, Mastin!” I challenged.
“See for yourself.” He pointed to the mammoth airplane.
The bottom opened, a set of stairs rolling down to the pavement. I watched, horrified, as one by one, alchemists descended from the belly of the beast. They had to be alchemists. I knew immediately, from the gray clothing they were wearing, but also, from the man who was leading the group.
Hank.
My beloved Hank, with his grizzly appearance, quick mind, and ruddy smile. As much as I loved to see him, I didn’t want it to be like this!
“What are they doing here?” I growled.
Mastin rocked back on his heels. “It’s been decided that they are needed. And so…here they are.”
“Weapon X.” I spat the name like it was a dirty word.
He narrowed his eyes slightly and shook his head.
Okay?
Then, dropping my hand, he ran ahead to greet our guests.
Anger stirred within as I slowly walked forward to join the newcomers. My eyes landed on Hank, who was talking privately with Tristan. They stood off to one side, talking in low voices, probably as upset by this as I was. Just as I was about to join their twosome, my eyes caught a flash of familiar hair.
Smooth, blonde, and glossy in the afternoon sun.
Lacey.
I balked, feeling as if my entire body was sinking into the pavement. No! This couldn’t be!
But it was. And my parents were at her side. Bile rose, so nauseating I doubled over. She was a child! She had no place in a war zone!
I sprinted over to Hank. “What are you doing here? And why are children here?”
He held up a hand, the lines around his eyes deep as he grimaced. “We got orders. There wasn’t a negotiation.”
I poked my finger into his chest, needing someone to blame. “You should’ve refused. You’re better than this!”
“Like I said, we got orders,” he replied, dejected. “What was I supposed to do? They were coming either way, so I had to come too.”
I shook my head, feeling like my body was sinking into the group, swallowing me up before I could get a grip on things. This couldn’t be happening!
Tristan stepped in, resting his steady hand on my lower back. “It seems that the American leadership is getting nervous about this war and decided they needed to fight fire with fire.”
I gulped.
“Or in this case,” Hank added, “alchemy with alchemy.”
I ground my foot into the pavement. How could anyone think this was a good idea? I couldn’t picture the president I had met agreeing to such a thing. But then, there’d been that man, the general so convinced on doing this very thing. Maybe he had been the one behind it. Either way, it was wrong.
I spun back to study the newcomers. Most were young, some children, and I doubted any of them had much training beyond what Hank had provided. His couple of months with them wasn’t enough. Bringing them here was foolish. No, not just foolish—selfish. Someone had essentially sent these innocent people to the slaughter!
This was not okay.
My mind returned to the incident in the mess hall, to the protestors outside the airport, to all the nasty comments and opinions about alchemy. Maybe someone had known they were sending innocents to die, and that’s exactly why they’d done it. Anger pulsed through me once again, red hot and ready to burst.
I searched the crowd until I found General Nathan Scott. When he caught me staring, I glared. If looks could kill, he’d be so dead right now! He pinched his lips and shrugged, as if to say, what else did you expect? Then he walked away, vanishing amongst his soldiers. The coward!
Mastin, who was also in the crowd, kept s
ending me chastised and sorrowful looks whenever he had the chance. I put my hands on my hips and raised my eyebrows.
We’ll be having a discussion about this later, buddy.
“There she is!” My mother’s voice carried across the tarmac like a kite on the end of a string. My three family members beamed at me, and I tried to find a smile, I really did. But it just wouldn’t come.
They ran forward, pulling me into tight hugs. Tears burned my eyes, and I breathed them in. It felt so good to be with them again, but I was breaking inside for the circumstances. I couldn’t stop looking at Lacey’s young face, the sweetness that was still bright in her eyes, and imagining those eyes cold and dead. “What happened?” I said as we broke apart. “What are you doing here?”
Dad looked around before speaking low, his voice gravelly with worry, “We didn’t have a choice. All the alchemists were suddenly ordered to come here. Even the kids.”
“This is dangerous,” I replied, stating the utterly obvious.
“We know,” Mom replied. “Thank God they let us come with Lacey.”
I shook my head. “None of you should be here. This is a war zone.”
They shared a knowing look. Christopher tucked Lacey against his leg but she resisted, side-stepping to get into the middle of our little circle. She placed her hands on her hips and cocked her chin up, looking so much older in that moment. Too much. Too soon.
I squatted, placing both of my hands on her shoulders.
“Are you doing okay?” I asked.
Her eyes were smaller mirrors of my own, a blue that shone back at me, no longer innocent and sweet from moments before. They sparked with the same kind of defiance I saw in not only myself, but in Jessa.
Oh, she was a Loxely, all right.
“I’m great,” Lacey replied. “I’ve been practicing my magic every day. I’m really good now. I can’t wait to show you.”
I smiled weakly. “I would like that.”
And in any other place and time, I would have.
