by Nina Walker
We finished with the gym in record time. Our group exited the building with haste, soldiers swarming around us in a wall of protection, and we marched back to an armored vehicle that waited to take us to the next location. The grass was brown and squishy under our boots as we crossed the sweeping lawn to the parking lot. The muggy smell of distant rain wafted through my nose, the humid air filling up lungs. I stared up into the gray sky, wishing my power away. I’d give anything to not have this burden anymore. If that was taken out of the equation, then none of this would be so easy for them. Or just take me out. If I wasn’t here…
Thwomp thwomp thwomp.
Helicopters pilfered the sky. Jet engines intermixed, loud as blow horns. I peered up at them, little black specks growing larger by the second.
“Red alert!” Mark shouted, holding up his shiny black slatebook. “We’re under attack.”
A swell of hope rose inside me like a brilliant sunrise. This could be my chance. I didn’t stop to think about it. I took off running, my feet powering me forward. Without access to yellow, there was nothing that could save me from the other alchemists. But I had to try.
A body slammed into me, pounding me to the ground. Dax.
“Not so fast, pretty princess,” he growled, twisting his hand into my ponytail and yanking me to standing. I gasped, straining against him. He tugged again and I stilled; it was the only way to get him to stop. Our eyes met and his flared with desire.
I like you in this position, he purred through my mind. You should learn to be submissive to men all the time. It makes you even prettier.
I wrenched my body around to face him, kneeing him directly in the groin, hoping for a direct hit. Success! He fell like a log. I didn’t stop and gloat. I exploded into a run, legs pumping me forward. My eyes roamed the horizon, neck twisting side to side as I frantically searched for help. I had to get away from these people, take cover, and find usable color. With purple alchemy I would be able to tell Sasha where I was. She’d be able to get me out of here. Maybe.
It was all I had.
Angry shouts exploded behind me, my pursuers gaining ground. Scratch that. I needed to get yellow first so I could fight, but more than that, so I could stay ahead. I’d have to worry about purple later.
“Get back here!” Reed shouted, voice way too close for comfort.
My eyes continued to scan the area, looking for anything. Anything! It was February, and had been raining like crazy, but there had to be color somewhere. I’d even settle for nonorganic material—it was better than nothing!
And yet, I saw nothing.
The buildings in this area were all glass and steel. The grass was dead for the season. The trees and bushes were mostly barren, and any green they did have wouldn’t be helpful. Not now. I didn’t need healing!
Come on! Yellow. Anything yellow.
Reed caught up to me, only a footstep behind. His panting breath warmed the back of my neck. “Don’t make me shoot you,” he warned. The sounds of more footsteps in his tracks echoed through the air.
“You wouldn’t dare!” I shot back. We neared the corner of a block, and I prayed I’d find what I needed once we rounded it. “I’m too valuable.”
How many pursuers did I have now? I mentally tried to count the guards from today but my mind was too unfocused.
“Not if you’re playing for the other side,” he growled. “Remember?”
I careened around the corner, skidding so fast that I began to fall forward. Panic ripped through me as the ground rose up.
Reed took care of the problem for both of us.
He tackled me, and we rolled several feet before landing in a decaying flowerbed, arms and legs flying. Weeds scratched at my exposed skin, and I screamed. Not for the pain, but for the fact I’d been caught. Tears prickled my eyes.
I blinked them away furiously. I needed to think, to keep moving, not to start crying, and definitely not to feel sorry for myself.
Gunshots exploded on the other side of the street. People yelled, some cried out in agony. The battle had begun. If I was going to get any help, I’d have to create it myself. I had to use the battle’s distraction to my advantage, and fast!
I focused on what was right in front of me. Underneath the brush, a small sprinkling of purple flowers grew. Salvation!
Reed ground my face into them as he straddled me, wrestling my hands into cuffs. I let him, not fighting. Instead, I focused on the purple smashed against my cheek, connecting with the magic instantly.
Sasha, I called out. Are you there?
Jessa! she returned instantly, her tone frantic. Where are you?
A wave of comfort crashed over me, tears springing to my eyes. Her take-charge voice was exactly what I needed.
I’m with Reed and some others. They’ve got me detained over by Imperial High School.
Okay, hold on, we’re coming!
We’re not in the high school, though. Don’t go in there! There’s a ton of people loyal to Richard in there. I don’t know what they’d do to you if they saw you. The words rushed our connection, horrified to think what the West American soldiers were about to face. We hadn’t made it through the entire city, yet. Not even close. But still, there were many who would most likely fight their own countrymen.
What do you mean? Sasha’s question pulsed through me, the guilt inside raising its ugly head again.
I had to use my red. Richard made me. Don’t trust anyone and I’ll explain the rest later. Just please, come get me out of here!
Reed wrenched me up from the ground, pushing me forward, oblivious to the purple magic I’d deployed. I smiled faintly, quickly replacing it with a frown, glaring savagely at Reed.
I don’t know how long this purple will last, I continued. I don’t have the flower on me anymore. But I’ll describe my location as long as I’m able to reach out to you.
Okay. Just do your best. I’m in the middle of something here, but I’ll come get you as soon as I can. We’re coming to save you, Jessa. My sister’s determined voice warmed me from the inside out. If anyone could get me out of this mess, it was Sasha. I’d never met anyone quite like her.
In fact, she continued confidently, we’re coming to take back Nashville!
Reed kicked in the door and we swept into the little house. Dax ran ahead to check the rooms. “All clear,” he called down after a moment and the four of us shuffled inside.
“This battle won’t last long,” Mark said, steering me into the living room. He peered out the window before drawing the burgundy curtains. The hems sat heavy against the scratched wooden floor, blocking the bulk of the mid-morning light.
Dax ambled into the room, running a slow finger over the stones in his uniform as he leered at me.
“Sit,” he pointed to a brown, threadbare recliner.
I dropped into the chair with a huff. “You should be out there fighting,” I challenged, glaring at the group of four people who’d basically taken me hostage. They’d sent the rest of the guards out to fight. “You’re all cowards.”
“Shut up!” Dax hissed at me, fire in his eyes.
A guy like that? Oh, I was sure he wanted nothing more than to be out there fighting. It probably killed him to be locked up, hidden away from all the action. Reed only laughed, leaning against the far wall.
“We can’t afford to lose Jessa,” Sabine purred, manicured fingers dancing against her chin, eyes thoughtful, as she walked the perimeter of the small room. “She’s far too valuable. So, we will wait this out and make our move once it’s over.”
The family wasn’t here, luckily. I could only imagine how Dax would have treated them if he’d discovered someone on his search. Whoever the people that lived here were, they were probably in the gymnasium, waiting for further instructions, or maybe they were out fighting their own people, brainwashed by my alchemy. Considering their home was across the street from the school, it made sense. It was either those explanations, or they were already dead.
The home h
ad a cozy, well-loved energy that made me think of my home, the place where I’d lived a beautiful childhood, but could never return to. My heart squeezed, the truth clearer to me than ever. I studied the home, seeing the similarities. Even though the wooden floors were heavily scratched, the homeowners had centered beautiful rugs throughout. Pictures lined the walls with clean glass frames. Some held images of family, smiling faces shining back at the camera, and others were of beautiful landscapes. A fireplace with a massive wood mantle centered the room, leftover charred wood giving the room a faint smoky scent.
I’ll never get to go home, but maybe I’ll get to see my family again. That was most important, a thought I needed to hold onto, no matter what.
Sabine and Mark stood in the farthest corner from everyone else, whispering quietly between each other.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Reed interjected from across the room, a twinkle of blue light moving between two fingers. “She will have to agree to it willingly for it to work.” His eyes flashed to me. “She’s strong. She needs to come by things in her own time. It’s either that, or you’ll need really good blackmail. Might I suggest the prince as collateral? She still loves the guy, and yes, I know he’s alive.” He laughed. “People always underestimate my gift.”
The couple glared back at Reed, Sabine’s eyes were sharp ice and Mark’s were incredulous. Yeah, so he invaded their privacy. What did they expect? I stifled a laugh. Serves them right!
But considering they were talking about a plan that included my consent, it was about time they stopped all their whispering.
“What the hell is going on? What aren’t you telling me?” I asked with a sneer.
You had better agree to this, Dax’s snarky voice infiltrated my mind. If you don’t, I will get you alone and I will strangle you with my bare hands. Don’t think I haven’t been daydreaming of it since the moment I laid my eyes on you. You’re a spoiled brat and you need to be taught a lesson.
Panic rose in the back of my throat and fear prickled up my spine. I pushed away the clear mental image he’d conjured in my mind. All these people were messed up, but Dax was truly sick. One look was all I needed to know I never, ever wanted to be alone with the kid.
Not willing to back down, I shot a heated glare in his direction. “Say that out loud so everyone here can listen to your disgusting thoughts,” I snapped.
He looked away, greasy black hair flopping, heat creeping to his cheeks.
“I didn’t think so.” I leaned back in the chair, annoyed at the cuffs still pinching my wrists, restraining my arms behind me.
“Whatever,” he growled, charging toward the door in a few short stomps. “I’m going to go find something to eat. If you need me, I’ll be in the kitchen.”
“Get me something, too!” Reed yelled.
“I’m not your maid. Get your own damn food,” Dax called back.
Reed laughed, throwing his head back as if it were the funniest thing ever. Like it was really hard to focus on something other than food at a time like this? Breakfast wasn’t that long ago. They were both idiots.
I returned my attention to Mark and Sabine, who were both looking disdainfully in the direction of the boys. They didn’t find it funny either.
“You might as well tell me your big secret,” I said. “I already know there’s something strange about you two. You’re hiding something.”
“I’m not sure.” Mark leaned against his wife.
“You can tell me now, or you can tell me eventually in the interrogation room.” Because sooner or later, it would be their turn.
“She’s right! We’re running out of time,” Sabine replied, reaching down to grip her husband’s hand and losing a bit of her usual cool. “We can’t have the whole country aligned with Richard, let alone all of Nashville. Not if this is going to work.”
Wait a second…
I sputtered, my entire body growing sickly warm.
“You’re not loyal!” I perked up in my chair, a bead of hope growing in my chest. “Are you Resistance?”
Mark spat. “We’re not part of that damned Resistance!”
Sabine held up a hand, poised once again. “Please, dear. It should hardly come as a surprise that we’re not loyal to the Hearts. Richard, foolish man that he is, has many enemies. We are only one of them.”
“But you work for him!” I challenged. “You seem so besotted. How am I to believe you’re telling me the truth?”
She smiled. “Yes. It’s all very convenient, don’t you think? I certainly do. Thank you for getting rid of Faulk for us, by the way. That woman was getting on my last nerve. Things will be so much easier now that she’s dead.”
A million questions pummeled my brain, but the biggest came out first. “Is it you? Are you the ones who hurt Lucas?”
They shared a guarded look, something dark flashing between them.
“No,” Sabine said. “That wasn’t us.”
Mark eyed her as he nodded fervently.
“Though the boy probably deserved it, after what he did to Celia,” she continued. “It’s not really him we’re concerned with at the moment. Lucas has always been harmless. The boy has no spine. No. It’s Richard that needs to be removed.”
They were lying to me. I couldn’t know for sure, but I felt it in my gut.
If I could get at their blood, I could find out the truth. I foolishly yanked on my cuffs, which they’d neatly rearranged through the slats in the chair where I currently sat. I groaned. For now, I wasn’t moving.
“And what does this have to do with me?” I asked.
It was a stupid question. Of course I knew. But I had to buy time. Sasha was on her way…
Sabine cackled. “Don’t be daft. We want you to help us. Align with us. Use your red to end Richard. You can stay married to your little love. We’ll help Lucas run things. He needs our guidance. Our families will unite.”
I glared. “Am I really supposed to believe you won’t somehow end up on the throne yourselves? You’ll probably annul my marriage and have your daughter married to him within the week.”
Her eyes widened—I had her. It didn’t matter what she said next, I saw it written all over her face. I’d thought their family was after the crown when their daughter had been engaged to Lucas, but this confirmed something far worse. It wasn’t just their daughter they wanted to see in power, it was themselves. It was Sabine and Mark Addington behind the whole thing.
“But why? Why not be loyal and reap the rewards of your high position?”
Sabine sneered, “Our family has been through hell for the Hearts, especially our daughter. We’ve been so close, for generations, really. And that’s how we’re repaid? A broken engagement? A never-ending war? No, it simply won’t do.” She strolled closer as she spoke, eyes boring into me as if it all made perfect sense. “Besides, we’ll do a better job at ruling. You do see Richard’s foolishness, don’t you? He thinks he can take over the world by ripping it to shreds. We will create diplomacy and peace, give our society better advantages, and use alchemy to create abundance for those most deserving.”
Off to the side, Reed stood with his arms crossed, nodding along to the whole thing. No doubt he would get some sort of leg-up for helping them.
“And you will help us,” Mark pressed. “I know you hate Richard as much as we do. This is the right thing to do.”
I scoffed. “Never.”
“Like I said,” Reed sighed, “you’ll need to blackmail her.”
Boots scuffled, someone groaned, and two forms appeared from around the doorframe. Dax’s teeth were bared, eyes wild, as he held a steady gun pressed to the back of a woman’s head. She turned, blonde ponytail swooshing, and grimaced at me. Sasha.
I jumped up trying fruitless to bring the chair with me. Reed strode across the room, pushing me back down. Mouth opening and closing, unable to speak a word, I held Sasha’s eye contact. She squirmed against Dax, mouth pinched, regret and anger burning in her gaze. Nothing needed t
o be said, we both knew we were on the losing end of the situation.
“Look who I found,” Dax sneered. “It’s your precious sister. What should I do with her, huh? Should I kill her?”
“Careful with that one,” Reed interjected. “Cuff her. She’s a tease just like Jessa here. Not to mention more dangerous than you.”
Dax scowled at Reed and then tossed Sasha to the floor, the force of his magic ripping through his sinewy muscles. Her stone necklace dangled in his free hand. He shoved it in a pocket and then set to work cuffing her arms behind her back.
Reed flicked a wrist toward Sasha, “There’s your blackmail.”
Mark smiled, crouching down to stare into my eyes. “And what about now? Now will you help us?”
I opened my mouth but was unable to answer. What was I supposed to say? Reed was right. Sasha was the perfect blackmail. She was the key, the bait, someone I would do anything to protect.
I was out of choices.
17
Lucas
“You have to take me with you.” I followed my father up the stairs, taking two at a time, trying to catch up. We’d just received news that a battle was waging in Nashville. From the initial report he’d gotten downstairs, West America was on the losing end. Again. Of course, my father’s pride had reared its head and the man had wanted to see it for himself.
“Absolutely not,” he barked over his shoulder. “You’re still supposed to be dead, remember? Besides, it’s too dangerous for you out there.”
The lights in the stairway sent his long shadow pressing down on me. “That’s pretty hypocritical coming from you, don’t you think? Seeing as you’re going out there.”
“I will have an entire team to protect me. At the first sign of trouble, I’ll be back. But for now, I need to steer the ship.”
He was serious with that analogy which only made me chuckle in disbelief at the size of his ego. Steer the ship? Really?
“So? Your team can protect me, too.”
He turned on me then, face cast in shadow. I could only make out his silhouette, but I knew from his heavy breaths that he was done with this conversation. Didn’t stop me. “Very few members of my team know you’re even here, Lucas. Need we have this conversation again? My answer is no.”
