A Shift in Power (Shadow Claw Book 5)

by Sarah J. Stone

  “Yes,” she said hesitantly.

  He gave her a soft smile. “You know that your life is precious, little one. We do not choose how much time is given to us. We can only use that time wisely.”

  “By not jumping out of ships?” she asked, and he shrugged.

  “That's one way to start. Don't live your life in fear of death, for it is inevitable.”

  She seemed to understand the seriousness of the moment, and he pushed himself up from his chair.

  “Come. While we are safe from pirates, we might as well eat.”

  “Why did you tell her that?” Nathaniel asked later that night as they sailed through the darkness of space. “About dying?”

  “You disagree?” Desmond asked.

  “I don't disagree with the premises,” Nathaniel answered. “But I also don't want her to accept limitations that she doesn't have to accept.”

  “Nathaniel,” Desmond looked him right in the eye, “you cannot deny the fact that our Tiro likely won't outlive us. Giving her false expectations isn't going to help the situation.”

  “I know,” Nathaniel said. “But I'm not. She's capable of anything she puts her mind to.”

  “For the time she is here, yes,” Desmond answered, and Nathaniel sighed.

  “You're thinking about Reynolds, aren't you?”

  “I'm not,” Desmond answered. “But I have been thinking about the man Reynolds could have potentially become–the witch he was supposed to become. I have imagined meeting him a hundred different times over the years, and now that I am about to, I have no idea what to say to him. Except….’” he trailed off.

  “Except?” Nathaniel prompted.

  “Except I'm sorry,” Desmond answered. Nathaniel didn't know what to say to that, fiddling with the controls.

  “I'm angry at him,” he said, and Desmond raised an eyebrow.

  “Why? You didn't know him.”

  “No,” Nathaniel said. “But I feel the pain he caused you, and I even feel it in Mariah. I've always been angry at him since the day you told me the story.”

  “Mmm,” Desmond answered. “Back in the days where it was just you and I at the controls of the ship.”

  “And I didn't have to say the word sweater four-hundred times a day,” Nathaniel grinned. “Those were the days.”

  “Get some rest,” Desmond said, after a moment. “I'll take the first watch. But I imagine now that we've gotten through the danger zone, it will be a quiet trip.”

  Just as Nathaniel was about to answer, their monitor buzzed with an incoming call. He pressed the answer button, confused about who would be calling them at this hour.

  Laura's beautiful face popped up on the screen, and Nathaniel swallowed hard. He hadn't seen her in months, and he had forgotten just how lovely she was. The very sight of her brought back memories that he had kept buried deep down.

  “Well, hello there,” Laura said, with a smile. “Fancy meeting you on this transmission.”

  “What can we do for you?” Nathaniel asked, hitting a few buttons to make sure their transmission was secure.

  “I assume you are on your way?”

  “We are,” he said. “Another few hours.”

  “I'm transmitting you a report that Sybil wrote,” Laura said. “A few profiles from people who we are working with–their routines, that sort of thing.”

  “Excellent,” Nathaniel replied as he accepted the file. “Can you send us the landing coordinates as well?”

  “Already done,” she said. “Devon is going to meet your ship and take you to where we are hiding out. But as soon as you join the group, you are rebel witches. There are eyes everywhere.”

  “Desmond and I are to be separate,” Nathaniel reminded her of the plan. “Is the hangar bay watched?”

  “No,” Laura said. “Not really. You can probably get out a back exit and then join us later. All Reynolds' spies need to see is Desmond and Sienna joining us out in the open. We'll wait for you before we make our next move.”

  “Excellent,” Nathaniel answered. “Also, I'm starving for something real. Do you have kitchens?”

  Desmond smacked his former Tiro in the arm. In twenty years, it seemed very little had changed.

  “We have kitchens,” Laura rolled her eyes. “I didn't miss that about you.”

  “What did you miss?” Nathaniel couldn't help but ask.

  Desmond took over the transmission. “We'll see you soon,” he said, and ended the call.

  Nathaniel raised an eyebrow at him. “What?”

  “Longer transmissions are easier to trace,” Desmond explained.

  “Right,” Nathaniel answered. “Nothing is going to happen between me and Laura. I've still got Eliza's face in my mind.”

  “Can I remind you that the reason we are in this mess to begin with is because I had Mariah's face in my mind?” Desmond asked him.

  “It's not a mess,” Nathaniel assured him. “It's an adventure.”

  “Always the optimist,” Desmond called after him. He was grateful that his former Tiro did not blame him at all for their suspension. But then, Desmond knew it was because he had supplied Nathaniel with the mindset that some rules were meant to be broken. Had he taught him to walk the line that the Jurors set out for them, then it would, perhaps, be a different story.

  Desmond knew that they couldn't change the past, no matter what magical ability they had. They could only work through their future.

  Neither of them were awake when sunrise came, and Desmond didn't mind. He wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway, his thoughts preoccupied by Reynolds He navigated the ship into a landing descent and left it on autopilot as he went to gather his things.

  This was the first undercover mission that they had attempted in quite a while. Sienna wasn't properly trained for them, even though she should have been. Desmond made sure to load Laura's files onto her tablet, so that she would be able to refer to them if she was unsure. All he needed was to pretend that he wanted to join Reynolds' rebellion.

  And given how the Jurors had treated them recently, Desmond didn't think that was going to be hard. He didn't want to use his magic for evil, but more and more often, he found himself thinking of finding freedom from the strict rules that were set out and the life they demanded the witches live. He missed Mariah, even now, and he wasn't sure he ever wanted to miss her again.

  Chapter 8

  “Devon!”

  Nathaniel realized he had neglected to tell Sienna that it was Devon who was going to be waiting for them. As she walked down the ramp, her face lit up in a kind of happiness that he rarely saw. She picked up her pace, rushing down the ramp. Devon opened his arms, and she flew into them, giggling.

  “He doesn't look well,” Desmond said quietly to Nathaniel, who cast his gaze on the boy. Devon was taller than he used to be, but also thinner and a bit paler. It was as if his height hadn't caught up to the fact that he was chronically ill.

  Unlike Sienna, though, Devon's condition was well managed and known to the med bay. It was terminal, but he tolerated all the treatments well, mostly through a continuous intravenous pump, hidden under his clothing. He felt almost no effects from his illness. Which meant he and Laura could continue to go on quests that required high levels of energy until the moment he no longer could.

  “He's progressed,” Nathaniel admitted as he watched Devon swing Sienna around. If he was going to walk down the platform, he would have yelled out, but he couldn't make his presence known. He would wait until they were gone and then sneak out the back way. “Speaking of, you have everything she needs? You know that she needs the red pills at noon and–”

  “Nathaniel,” Desmond said. “I may not have been the one physically dealing with the medication, but I've been here every day. She'll be fine.”

  “Right,” Nathaniel answered, taking a deep breath. “See you on the other side then.”

  “See you then,” Desmond said, and took a few steps
down the platform.

  Devon finally put Sienna down, a wide smile on his face. “How are you?” he asked.

  “Excited,” she whispered. “It's been so long.”

  “It has,” he said. “I couldn't believe this…choice…brought me you.” His language was slightly guarded, remembering that there could be spies anywhere.

  “Yes, this choice.” She, too, chose her words carefully. Desmond approached from behind, and she turned to him. “Maestro, you remember Devon?”

  “Uh, yes, I remember Devon,” Desmond answered, rolling his eyes. “Do you think I am so old and senile, Sienna?”

  She bit her lip, trying to not let a smartass reply fall out. Devon held his hand out to Desmond, who shook it.

  “Good to see you again,” Devon said. “Welcome.”

  “Your Maestro awaits us, I think?” Desmond answered. “Do you know the way?”

  “Yes,” Devon assured him. “She is waiting for you.”

  “Sounds…hailful,” Sienna said and both of the turned to her in confusion.

  ‘Sienna?’

  ‘Ominous,’ she answered with her mind.

  “Baleful,” Desmond answered. “The correct term is baleful, but that's not quite right. Ominous.”

  Devon smiled at her as they walked. “Forgot how cute that was when you do that.”

  “Ahem,” Desmond answered, raising an eyebrow.

  Devon quirked an eyebrow right back. “This is the advantage to the Acheronian side, Maestro. Relationships are allowed.”

  Desmond wondered if he was playing a part in that moment, but decided not to question it.

  He allowed Devon to lead the two of them through the crowded streets and down back alleyways. They mostly walked in silence after that, trying not to give too much away with their voices or their minds. Devon did seem to know where he was going, though, and Desmond said nothing until he threw himself against a door in a black alleyway.

  “Devon,” Desmond said, grabbing him. He didn't know the details of the boy's medical condition, but he wasn't sure if this type of behavior was a side effect.

  Devon simply grinned. “It's okay,” he said. “This is the only way to get in.”

  Sure enough, the door that had no handle suddenly flew open.

  Devon led them through what looked like an abandoned kitchen and dark, dirty bedrooms. Desmond was about to ask him what was going on when he pushed through another door.

  And there, in a well-lit area that had been hidden from the rest of the house, was Sybil, Kierry, and Laura.

  “You made it,” Sybil said with a grin as she got up. Desmond was like a father to her, and she was always glad to see him. “Welcome to my undercover world. Kierry, can you take Sienna to go get settled, while I fill Desmond in?”

  “Here,” Desmond handed over Sienna's rucksack that he had been carrying. “Be good.”

  “Maestro,” said Sienna, outraged at his suggestion that she would cause trouble. He rolled his eyes, and she accepted that as an apology, happily following Devon and Kierry into the back of the hidden house. “This is…big.”

  “Sybil and I had plans when we found it,” Kierry said. Kierry was a tall sixteen-year-old who seemed so awe-inspiring and mature to Sienna. She always seemed confident with Sybil at her side, and the two made a fantastic pair. “All of you were in the plans from the start.”

  “Good thing it worked out then,” Devon grinned. “This is my room,” he said, pointing. “So, Sienna, maybe this one?” He pushed opened the door to the left, showing a simple bed and closest. It wasn't grand, but she did note that it was as close to his room as possible.

  “Uh…” She glanced around, looking for a hook. She occasionally needed IV infusions, but if she did, she needed a hook for them to work by gravity.

  “Right,” Devon remembered without being asked, and pointed to the ceiling. “See? It's an old nail, but it should serve its purpose.”

  “Thank you,” she said, smiling at him gently. She had missed him so much that it seemed surreal to just see him again. She knew they were on suspension for this very reason, but she couldn't help but reach out and touch his arm.

  “I got you,” he answered, as Kierry headed back to the main room. Her hand lingered on his arm, and he put his own hand over it. “How are you, Sienna?”

  “I'm….” She didn't have words to describe how she felt. “Exile is hard. But seeing you again makes it worth it. How are you?”

  “Busy,” he said. “Since we last spoke, it's been a non-stop whirlwind. I don't think Laura and I have been home in three months.”

  “Three months is a long time to not go back,” she said as she moved to sit on the bed.

  “So is eight,” he answered, and she leaned against the headboard.

  “Yes, but I haven't been saving the galaxy lately,” she said, as he sat on the foot of the bed. “You look–”

  “I know,” he said, adjusting so he could put his feet up. It was comfortable to be sitting with him, Sienna thought. It was almost like they were a normal couple, on a normal day. “It's that obvious, eh?”

  “But you're all right?”

  “Oh yeah. I feel fine,” he said with a shrug. “But feeling fine is all in the mind, isn't it?”

  “Maybe Laura shouldn't have such a rigorous pace for you,” she suggested. “I mean, would it be better if you had more time off?”

  “I've thought of that,” Devon answered. “But I don't want to slow her down. Laura is rising to the top. She might even surpass your Nathaniel one day, if she keeps going. I can't do that to her.”

  Sienna had often had those thoughts herself, usually late into the night when no one else was listening to her mind.

  “So, what do you want?” she asked simply. He shook his head, tucking his knees up.

  “I don't know,” he said. “I'm just talking. It is good to see you, though.”

  “When do we see Reynolds?” she asked. “Is there a time?”

  “We didn't make an appointment, if that's what you mean,” Devon grinned, back to his usual jovial and boisterous self. “No one has actually seen Reynolds yet. We know he's at the top of this food chain, but we have yet to lure him out. Which is why you're here, and Desmond is here. That should help.”

  “I don't know that bait is an official Academy mission.”

  “It totally is,” Devon said with a grin. “I've seen it posted once or twice. Usually it's for worse reasons–pretty girls and the like. But it is something they assign.”

  “Well, it doesn't matter because they are not tracking our movements,” Sienna said with a shrug.

  “But maybe you'll do so well that they will want you to go back,” Devon answered, and she met his eyes. He sensed something in her then, and paused. “Do you not want to go back?”

  “Of course, I want to go back,” she said, but it didn't sound very convincing. “I just…have the same thoughts as you do.”

  “Something to think about,” Devon replied, as he slid off the bed. “Come on. Our Maestros will be missing us.”

  “I wonder when Nathaniel will get here,” Sienna said as she slowly got off as well.

  “He's cautious, so an hour or two, I'm guessing,” Devon answered. “There's no plan until tomorrow anyway. We want word to travel through the city to Reynolds that Desmond is here.”

  “I just don't know why he would want me,” Sienna said as they walked back down the hallway. “My power is uncontrolled and untrained.”

  “Hope,” Devon said softly, and she turned to him.

  “Hope?”

  “The hope that he could control your power and have it for himself.” Their faces were just inches apart. Devon reached up, brushing a lock of hair from her face. “Hope is what keeps us alive, even when we aren't using our powers for good.”

  “Hope,” she said, as he leaned in.

  The kiss was short but sweet. She felt so much strength from him, so much happiness as the
ir lips met. She wanted to snuggle closer to him, their lips never falling apart. She wished that they could have this moment together and no one could judge them. One small bit of happiness in a confusing world full of pain–that was all she wanted.

  “I missed you,” Devon said softly in her ear. She hung onto him a moment longer, her arms wrapped around his neck.

  “I missed you, too,” she said as they finally broke apart.

  “We're together now,” Devon answered. “That's all that matters.”

  “Yes,” she agreed.

  Back in the main room, there was food being cooked and served. Sybil had apparently prepared a feast for them. Sienna went to her rucksack for the rations that she had gotten used to. Natural food was something that triggered her magic, the defective genes overreaching for anything that was naturally occurring. She was used to nibbling on synthetic rations, while everyone else ate a home-cooked meal. But Sybil called her over with a smile, holding a plate.

  “When you're undercover, you don't go to the markets,” she said. “I checked with Nathaniel before you got here. Everything in there should be safe for you.”

  She glanced to Desmond, who nodded his approval.

  “Thank you,” Sienna said, settling down beside her Maestro. It had been a very long time since she had hot food, and she was grateful for it after the long trip. She felt included, snuggled among the chairs and shoulders as she ate with everyone. This trip may be for a terrible purpose, but it was certainly having its moments. “Nathaniel?”

  “Not yet,” Desmond said. “But I'm used to this. He'll be here when he gets here.”

  “Of course,” Sienna answered with a shrug as she dug in. “He's strong.”

  “That he is,” Desmond assured her. “Don't worry.”

  Chapter 9

  By nightfall, Nathaniel had still not made an appearance, and even Desmond started to worry.

  “Can you feel him?” Sienna asked him, and Desmond shook his head.

  “He's blocking my thoughts for some reason,” he said. “Can you feel him? Be careful, little one. Don't overexert yourself.”