I had driven him off the cliff. I diverted my stare, regretting having pushed him. Nothing made any sense. Matthew wanted me to lead his army, be his heir, not die by a resistance group’s leader. I was about to ask more questions, but Maxime cut me off.
“I’m sorry,” he said in a calmer tone. “I shouldn’t have said any of that. I just don’t want you to get hurt. Just be careful. I’ll get Sam; he wanted to speak to you.”
Maxime ran off before I could try to apologize. Tears ran down my face, peeling away the layers I had allowed to form to protect me from Matthew’s words and actions. I kept hurting Maxime and tearing us apart. He was all I wanted, and I kept throwing him away. I closed my eyes and let every piece of me fall to the floor.
I could hear Maxime and Sam speaking as they approached the cabin door. Sam walked in carrying shoes. “I brought you new boots because you lost yours. I put the dagger in a pocket that I made in your left boot, as you’re left-handed. Don’t object; I want you to have it, and I won’t take it back. You earned it. Just be careful when using it.” Sam placed them by my bed.
I wanted to hold his hand to be sure that he was truly all right. He was lifeless the last time I had seen him, and I could hardly believe that it was the same man standing in front of me.
“Alex, I want to be very clear when I say this, so please don’t interrupt.” He started to pace around the room. “I am forever grateful for what you did, but never do it again. You shouldn’t put yourself in such danger. You could have drowned. You could have been imprisoned under the ice. Thank you, but please consider your safety first. I am in your debt and ignorant of how to repay you, so please do not add to the tab. I ask for nothing; therefore, please refrain from giving favors. Your life is valuable, and although I could lose my life when you’re around, you should never give up yours. You’re at a war camp, and I am terribly sorry, but you are surrounded by death. You need to learn when and how to react. I do not mean to be ungrateful, on the contrary, I am incredibly so, but I am pleading for you to be more careful.”
Sam then left the cabin. I couldn’t believe what he’d said. He had knocked the air out of me. I didn’t understand what wrong I had committed. Regardless, I would do anything in my power to protect him when needed.
I ripped the tape off of my elbow and pulled the needle out. Gauze and wound dressing shrouded me. I ran to get my clothes, thankful that every step was painless, although my core was being torn to shreds. I could hear Maxime and Sam speaking as I dressed, which only made me hurry more.
“How long?” Sam questioned in a dark tone.
“I wish longer. I’m willing to bet that Alex is getting dressed as we speak.”
“But the IV?”
“I doubt it’ll stay in for long. Alex is . . .”
I stepped outside; they stared at me, speechless.“I’m what?” I asked, smiling.
“Nothing,” Maxime said.
“I’ll see you soon, Alex. Take care,” Sam said, then left.
“You shouldn’t eavesdrop,” Maxime lightly teased.
“You shouldn’t speak of others during their absence.”
“You were present as you so politely showed.”
The breakfast bell awakened my hunger. We headed toward the tables. I had much to be happy about—Sam was alive and Maxime’s eyes were very blue.
Christmas was approaching, and everyone seemed in high spirits, even David. Everyone kept saying that it was because he couldn’t wait to see Megan again. After all David and I had been through, it was refreshing to see him smile.
According to Maxime, my black suit fit perfectly, but it felt weird. It was all black except for a silver embroidered “A” on the collar signifying that it was mine. Although it was comfortable and didn’t look too bad, Anton had said that I looked like I had stolen my father’s tux.
Everyone seemed to be getting along very well and that lightened my heart. Laughs filled the cold, black night, our smiles sparkling with the undulating flames swaying around us.
But despite the happiness, I couldn’t help but feel a heaviness in the air. I needed answers.
“If Matthew programmed you, he wants me dead, right?” I asked Maxime on our walk after dinner. I couldn’t hold the burning questions inside of me any longer.
“Yes and no,” he sighed, holding his shirt in his hands. “He wanted you dead, but not anymore. Don’t think about it.”
“How and when did he program you? What happened exactly? You said that others want me dead because he wants me alive, but then there’s you. It doesn’t make sense.” I looked away, afraid of his reaction.
Maxime lifted my chin with his left hand, still wrapped in black cloth. I could feel his eyes excavating my heart.
“There is a time for everything, and I promise to explain everything when the time comes, but until then do not torment yourself by dwelling on such dark stories.”
I looked through his eyes as though I were looking for something inside of him, but didn’t know what to expect or find. He pulled me against his chest, and I pressed my ear against his heart as his arms wrapped around me. I was in heaven, locked in his embrace.
“You’re too innocent,” he whispered.
I closed my eyes.
Chapter 26
Days passed like the cold winter air. They were harsh and gnawed at our fingertips. Soon enough, Christmas Eve came, and the spirit was in the atmosphere, frozen in time, in warm hearts. Thick layers of snow accumulated every night while the days remained dry and stiffly still. The sky seemed to blend into the horizon veiled with snowflakes flittering in the wind.
We were going to have a feast and celebrate. The groups showered early before dinner, while Maxime and I talked. It was dark, but the fire was strong and kept us warm. The long tables seemed endless, covered with food and drinks of every kind. We all sat down cheerfully and ate, drank, and laughed with the golden flames dancing on our skin.
As everyone kept the excitement going, I sat in silence until Maxime pulled my hand.“I want to show you something,” he said as he dragged me away from the crowd.
I followed him to the lake. The full moon lit the frozen, marbled water. The ice sparkled in the silver light, and the few rays that passed the thick, hard layer allowed us to see the rocks beneath. We could see the fish swimming below, shimmering like chrome. I was in a fairy tale, standing on the ice above rocks and fish. I spun on the lake, allowing my heart to fly from the chained earth.
“Be careful; it’s slippery,” Maxime said.
“It’s a dream!” I exclaimed. I was standing by his side on the frozen lake, and I couldn’t ask for more.
“I thought you would like it,” he smiled sincerely. “Be careful not to slip.” He led me off the ice. I caught his arm as my feet flew out from under me, and I couldn’t tell which direction was up.
“See,” he teased, proud that he had been right.
“You jinxed it.” I laughed as he helped me step down.
“Come on, we shouldn’t stand on the ice.”
As I took another step, I tripped, and Maxime broke my fall. I landed on top of him and his back pressed against the wet, white world. His aroma swirled around us. I could feel his heart beating against mine, palpitating softly. His blue eyes were like a spell drawing me to him. This was it; there was no turning back—I closed my eyes, bent my elbows, and pressed my lips against his soft lips. His body tensed, as if struck by lightning, and I came back to my senses. I quickly jumped up and turned around; I couldn’t face him.
“I’m so sorry . . .” I could barely speak. I couldn’t love him. He was my leader, teacher, mentor, and assassin. I was supposed to be his soldier at the mercy of his orders. I had stolen that kiss from him and wasn’t even sure if it belonged to me. I started to walk away, having embarrassed myself more than ever. I wasn’t sure if I regretted stealing a kiss from him. I loved him, but I couldn’t look into his aquatic eyes again or find comfort in his arms without digging my own grave. He wouldn’t see m
e the same way anymore.
I felt him grasp my hand. My eyes filled with tears.
“Please turn around.” His melodic voice blurred the line between my dreams and reality. I just wanted to run away.
“Just say what you have to say,” I cried as I looked at the stars.
“Never to your back,” he responded quickly, but with care.
I slowly turned around, preparing myself for whatever was to follow.
He kissed me hard. His arms enveloped me as one hand gently caressed my neck. I drifted into another world. I absorbed the moment through every pore and nerve. His hand moved along my back, cradling me. He wiped away my tears with his loving hands. “Don’t cry.” He kissed me again, then held me in his arms, my ear pressed against his heart.
We headed back to the campfire in silence, but a part of my heart rested in Maxime’s hands. We sat by the fire to listen to the stories, but I wasn’t really listening. I couldn’t stop thinking about our kiss. I looked over at Maxime, his blue eyes twinkling in the fire’s light. I smiled. Dreams really did come true.
Chapter 27
Christmas. It finally came, and everyone was eagerly getting ready to go to Maria.
“Looking good, Alex,” Maxime said.
I had just finished showering and gotten dressed. I looked at myself in the mirror. The black uniform fit very well, and I had to admit—I looked like a handsome boy.
I thanked him and walked outside to wait for Maxime, Sam, and Nick to get ready. When Maxime stepped out, I caught my breath. He looked like an angel. His hair was neatly combed, highlighting his angular facial features, from high cheekbones, to strong jawline and full lips. As he approached, my limbs went numb. I followed him into the forest to wait for the rest of The Shadows to get ready.
It had started to snow, and the flakes caught on his eyelashes. He suddenly grabbed me and pulled me close, his lips pressing against mine.
I almost wanted to cry from happiness, but then my heart leapt when his face suddenly smashed into mine. He had been hit in the back of his head with a snowball.
“David!” he called out.
“That’s my name,” David teased, but no one found it amusing.
“What do you want?” Maxime said as his eyes turned an emerald green.
“It’s not what I want; it’s what your men want. Forget what the girl wants for two minutes and lead The Shadows.”
“David, skip the act and get to the point.”
“All of your men are ready, waiting for your orders.” David’s tone changed from playful to frank as it bounced off the iced trees.
“But we’re leaving in an hour.” Maxime released me.
“But they’re ready.”
“Does everyone have a horse or hover-board ready?”
“Yes, that’s part of being ready.”
“Then tell them to get their armor. We’ll leave them at Maria overnight so everyone’s initials can be embroidered, like the suits.”
“Yes, sir,” David said sarcastically. “You have to give the orders.”
Maxime sighed, gently kissed my forehead, and walked off. I was left alone with David’s grim glare of death.
“I told you to stay away from him,” David pronounced before turning away. I waited a couple of minutes before following, still drugged by Maxime.
As we saddled our horses, Anton came up and stroked Storm softly, admiring her strength and grace. “She’s beautiful,” he commented. He paused, then said, “Alex, why are your eyes purple?”
I laughed as I answered, “Why do Andrew’s eyes change color?” I quickly regretted my words. I didn’t know if anyone else had noticed or had been close enough to him to have seen the changes in color.
“His eyes are green,” Anton said with confusion.
“Sometimes they’re blue,” I corrected him proudly, feeling as if that color belonged to me alone.
“No, they’re not. The only person I know to have violet eyes is Matthew from the Community.” Anton stared at me, as if he was accusing me of something. I hated Matthew, but I hated even more being associated with him.
The threat resonated in my mind, bouncing off every corner of my skull. I wasn’t sure if he was accusing me of being from Tamizeh, or if he was dangerously close to figuring out my masquerade.
Anton spoke, “I’m sorry if I reminded you of your parents. Andrew told me you lost them when you were much younger. I’m sure you look just like them. Please forgive me. I’m just curious.” He inclined his head apologetically.
“That’s all right,” I muttered and swung onto Storm’s back with my armor in a bag tied to the saddle.
“Line up!” Maxime shouted, and Anton quickly took off. We got into our groups. I helped Ryan onto the back of my horse while Nick trotted up to us. Maxime rode in front of us.
The ride was long and cold, but Ryan kept us alive by getting us to sing carols. I was excited to finally go to Maria to see real civilization with true technology. I had heard about its splendor with tall buildings, farms, and downtown entertainment. I wanted to talk to girls and see people walking down streets, kids riding to school, and actual facilities where people worked and conversed casually, normally. I could see lights ahead as the sun went down. Maria wasn’t far off.
We passed a few farms, then houses, followed by roads, and as we drew nearer to the heart of the city, buildings rose from the earth. People gathered to greet us as we rode down the largest street, straight into the crowd. Lights reverberated from every angle, and hovering cars streamed above and around us. Glass buildings sparkled, magnetic hover-boards glistened as they caught the streetlights, and teleportation stations flickered when people appeared and disappeared every couple of minutes. The massive, elevated highways perched over our heads. We passed a few parks with magnificent, green trees surrounded by marble sculptures of past heroes. Fog started to settle as we approached the lake bordered by hundreds of tables, huge fires, colossal stereos, and the temporary buildings for The Shadows’s soldiers to spend the night if they didn’t have family support.
A young boy with bouncy, black curls ran up to Nick’s horse. Nick immediately jumped off and lifted the boy, then kissed his forehead as tears filled his eyes. More children and wives raced to their soldiers, their heroes, their family. Ryan jumped off Storm to join his friends. I was the only one who wasn’t personally welcomed, but I smiled. Everyone was glowing as hearts mended, tears were shed, and embraces comforted. For a moment, the world was at peace.
We dismounted, and I went to find Maxime. He was standing alone in a corner, smiling, as he watched families come together. Then I froze, my heart sinking. A beautiful, red-haired, blue-eyed, well-curved girl ran into his arms and kissed his cheek. I choked, unable to breathe.
“I’m so glad you’re all right.” Her voice was almost sultry accompanied by a perfect smile.
“You’re looking better than ever.” Maxime held her inches away and looked at her as if intrigued.
The girl turned to face me. I wanted to vanish as the blood drained from my face.
“Isn’t he kind of young?” the girl asked.
“This is Alex,” Maxime said. “He’s sixteen, but the best soldier by far.” A dagger pierced my stomach. “This is Sarah, David’s sister.” The strangulation was alleviated, and I gasped for air.
“Mind if I see what he’s made of?” Sarah asked.
“I don’t, but ask him.” Maxime looked at me. “Sarah is better at everything than all soldiers. She beats David up all the time, so be careful.”
I nodded, unable to speak, then followed Sarah to a short building. She turned on the lights as we walked into a gym. It held every sport and weaponry possible.
“So what’s your real name?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” I didn’t know what to say. I didn’t trust her, or really know if I was reading the question correctly. “Alexander,” I quickly added, hoping that it would satisfy her curiosity.
“Come on; please cut the
act. It’s obvious you’re a girl so . . . what’s your real name?”
I froze, unable to utter a word. Then I said, “It’s obvious? How did you know?”
“I’ve known Andrew for a long time, and I’ve never seen his eyes turn such a light, pure blue and so quickly. What’s your name? Relax, I won’t tell anyone. If he trusts you, so do I. I promise.”
“Alexia,” I stated, realizing that she was as stubborn as her brother. Part of my burden was lifted, and I became attracted to the idea of sharing my story with her, another girl. Also, she knew Maxime and that meant that maybe she could understand the entire situation. But I remained quiet, simply because I didn’t know her.
“Well, Alexia, what’s your choice of weapon? Sword? Laser?” Sarah ran her finger along a long, silver blade that lay on a rack with a dozen others.
“None.” Maxime startled us as he pushed through the heavy doors.
“How long have you been here?” Sarah asked.
“Just walked in. Why?” he said with a smile.
“No reason,” she lied.
“When were you planning on telling me about your ring?” Maxime asked as he pointed to a white gold band wrapped around her delicate finger. She looked at it before answering, as if embarrassed or reluctant on sharing her story.
“I’m engaged,” she smiled sweetly and her eyes lit up.
“With whom?” His cheerful voice flew around us.
“Chris.”
“Congratulations. Did you tell David yet?”
“No. You know he’s going to pester Chris as soon as I tell him.”
“Just imagine his reaction if he finds out through someone else.”
“I’ll tell him; I promise, but then you have to keep an eye on him so he doesn’t overreact.”
“Sarah!” David walked in. Sarah looked at her ring and twirled it around her finger.
“Maybe you’ll test Alex another time,” Maxime stated. And with that, Maxime and I made our way to the festival.
Music was playing, and people were dancing. I sat by John and Mike. Nick joined us to introduce his wife to me. Azula had bronze hair with dazzling, amber eyes. Her crooked smile was motherly, and she laughed lightly with all of her soul. She and Nick looked at each other in a way that defined love.
Violet Path Page 23
