Spilt Secrets (A Talnarin Novel Book 2)

by D. E. Chapman

  Malik.

  “The Elites have found nothing of use yet.” I hear a weary sigh. “Abel, I’m running out of patience. No matter how deep or far we search, there are far too many dead leads. These rogues are slippery fuckers. This last search was just another dead end, despite what we learned. We can’t afford to waste all this time.” He lets out an angry growl, something primal and unlike anything I’ve heard from him before.

  “We will figure it out, brother. Send them out again, but try a different method this time. Whatever method you are using to search for them is not working as it should. It will not hurt to try a new approach. I-”

  The door whips open so quickly I manage to fall forward. I face plant into a hard, muscled chest. Pushing off, I rub my sore nose and glance up, using my free hand to push my hair out of my face.

  My movements freeze.

  Shit.

  Attempting to save face, I try for nonchalance. “Oh, hey Malik.” My voice cracks and I clear my throat. “Just came to ask Abel for something. Fancy seeing you here.”

  Clearly I’m not doing a good job of convincing him that I wasn’t leaning against their door to eavesdrop on their obviously private conversation. At his narrow stare, I ramble on. “Well, I guess I’ll ask you too since you’re here and all. Nothing important really. I’ll come back.”

  Before I can flee, Malik speaks. “Well, well. Seems we have a little eavesdropper here. Wouldn’t you say Abel?”

  Irritated—despite that fact that he’s right—I grumble out a response. “It wasn’t on purpose. Maybe you shouldn’t talk so loud.”

  Malik’s eyebrows raise in amusement. From inside the office, Abel says, “Come in, Alanna.”

  Malik slowly moves aside, bowing mockingly at me. I sneer and skirt around him. He takes up position against the wall by the now closed door. I step up to Abel’s desk and face him, electing to forget Malik’s existence, even if his presence is hard to ignore.

  I look to Abel and find him in his usual position: behind his desk with his hand folded regally under his chin.

  Before I can say anything Malik chimes in. “Well now, doesn’t this just bring back memories. The three of us here in Abel’s office talking about oh so important things. Important things regarding topics too sensitive to leave this room.”

  It’s hard to miss the underlying threat in his voice. Say a word about anything I hear in here and I’ll find myself strung up in a tree.

  Or something along those lines, at least.

  Abel’s narrow eyes cut to Malik in a warning. “What can I help you with, Alanna?” Abel looks back to me, his eyes softening significantly.

  I hesitate, feeling awkward. “Elaine told me about the festival coming up.”

  His eyes light up with excitement. “Ah yes, in just fifteen days. What about it, young one?”

  I lick my suddenly dry lips. “I would like to go. I’ve never been to a festival like this.” Just having to ask about attending an innocent event is frustrating. And it’s at this moment the feelings of confinement and loss of freedom hit me hard. I push through the emotions, voice thick. “The closest one I’ve been to was Market Day in my village. And Elaine was telling me all about the events that would take place during the week. She insisted that it’s not something I should miss.” I pause. “Frankly, I would like to see it, too.”

  There. It’s out.

  That was more painful than expected. Part of me feels like they will deny me this opportunity just because I expressed a desire to go. Deep down, I know I’m being ridiculous, but I can’t seem to shake the feeling of dread growing inside me.

  Abel looks to Malik and they share and unreadable look. That trepidation sitting in my stomach like a stone grows in weight. They’re going to say no. I turn to glance back at Malik just in time to see his sharp nod of acceptance.

  The fact that Malik approved of my attendance is forgotten for a moment. A more pressing thought pushes forward. Why did Abel look to Malik for an answer? Maybe the man behind the desk isn’t truly in charge. At least, not in charge of everything. Now that I think back on it, this isn’t the first time Malik has made a decision that overruled Abel.

  I’m distracted from my thoughts as Abel begins again. I flip my head back around and connect my eyes with his. “We will all be going to the festival Alanna. We would be thrilled to have you join us.”

  My heart soars. “That’s great, thanks. Where is the festival located?” Belatedly, I realize I never thought to ask Elaine.

  “The capital city of Catrel.” Abel’s smile is kind.

  My brows furrow. “City? What’s a capital?”

  His hands drop to the desk gracefully. “A city is another term for village. As for the capital, it is where the King and the royal family reside.” My eyes widen. “It is a grand city, filled with beautiful buildings and shops… though it can be a bit crowded at times.” Abel’s hand gestures out. “The abundance of nature gives the capital a majestic feel as well. In fact, the entire city itself is completely sequestered away from the rest of Bylir due to the flora growth. There’s plenty of energy to harvest there. All of that only enhances the beauty of the castle.” A faraway look enters his eyes.

  My brows furrow. “What’s flora? And what’s a castle?”

  A wide smile etches across the kind talnarins face. “Flora are plants, nature. As for the castle. Well, you’ll just have to see it, won’t you.” He winks. “My poor description of the magnificent architecture will hardly do the castle justice. Let’s just say it is a four-story home made entirely of stones. It is a large home, able to house dozens of people in the royal court.”

  I gape, jaw dropping open. There’s no such thing. How can a building be that tall and house that many people? The idea is surreal, and I shake my head.

  Then again, there are so many things the talnarins have that humans don’t. If it’s not one surprising thing, it’s another.

  I ask my next question, pointedly ignoring the fact that many of the words Abel spoke went right over my ignorant head. “And this village… this city… can house all the talnarins in attendance for this festival?” It would have to be a huge city.

  Abel nods his head regally. “Yes. The city is quite large, as are the castle grounds. Those with no acquaintances or family in the city to stay with, have the option of camping on the castle grounds.” I shift my weight. “They also have the option of camping in the forest surrounded the city itself.”

  “So, would we camp then.” I say it as a statement, not a question.

  Abel hesitates briefly. Odd. “Yes.”

  “And the King will be there? At the festival?” I already know from asking Elaine, but I want to gauge their reactions to my question, too.

  Abel’s smile is forced as he says, “Of course. The King and royal family are always in attendance to the yearly festivals. Any other questions?” The rather clipped final words hint at the caution of any more unwanted questions. But the more they hide, the more I want to dig for answers.

  Heeding it this time I say, “Nope.” I spin around on my heel to leave. As I pass Malik, I find his expression unreadable. Next thing I know, Malik halts my progress as he steps before me, blocking my exit.

  I should have known he wouldn’t let the eavesdropping incident slide that easily.

  Chapter 22

  I’m starting to get used to waking up this way. Having the sheets yanked from my slumbering body is tried and true, and it’s getting old. Maybe it’s time he tried a new tactic.

  I grumble as I sit up, glaring daggers at the now empty room. Malik had once again pulled the sheets before making a swift exit. Before he departed though, he dropped a bundle of leathers on the edge of bed with strict instructions to bring the daggers I… acquired from the manor.

  I push myself up and survey the new leathers. These ones are black with long sleeves, designed for cooler days like today. I ready myself, pleased to find a tray of fruits. I assume they came from Malik, though he’s never left me fo
od before. Maybe it’s because he feels bad about the bomb he dropped on me yesterday.

  Not.

  “What did you hear?” He stands so opposingly, it’s mildly terrifying.

  “Uh, not much really. And I won’t say a word.” I pause gathering my courage. “You found another group of Them, though, didn’t you?”

  His expression clears of all emotion. “Yes.”

  Despite the nerves in my stomach, I push on. Needed to know. “And?”

  “And what?” Malik gives me a dead look.

  I mentally roll my eyes. “Did you get Them?”

  “Yes.” His eyes narrow marginally. If I hadn’t been staring so intently, I would have missed it.

  Good. “And did you get answers from the bastards?”

  His eyes widen in surprise. I would have found it amusing if the moment wasn’t so serious. “We did.”

  I wait for him to continue, he doesn’t. He eyes me with curiosity. I huff. “You’re not going to tell me what happened are you?” I cross my arms, irritated.

  “No.” Malik smirks. “It’s none of your business.”

  He’s right. And he’s wrong. “Those bastards are tied to Him, so it is my business.” I challenge, eyes narrow. “I’m making it my business.” We stare each other down for a long moment. Getting nowhere, I abruptly switch subject. “Your men, they’re called Elites?”

  Malik’s eyes narrow in suspicion, his expression guarded. “Yes.” He clips out. His one-word answers are grating on my every last nerve. It takes all I have not to lash out in anger.

  “I want to join.”

  Malik’s eyes widen more than I have ever seen. His mouth opens in shock. But before he can say a word, Abel cuts in. I whip around to face him. “Alanna, that’s not-”

  Stubborn, I repeat, face set, “I want to join.”

  “No.” I flip back around and face Malik head on. I’m not backing down. I need this.

  “I want to join the Elites.” I say firmer this time. I push more conviction into my words.

  “No.” Again with the one-word answers.

  I growl. “Why not?”

  Malik shakes his head, eyes hard. “Because it’s a risk. It’s dangerous.”

  Finally, I’ve had enough. “You think I don’t know that?” I nearly yell. “I sure as Hellvian know that it’s dangerous. But it gets me where I need to be. It gets me what I want. Why can’t you see that?”

  Malik’s lips press together into a thin line, the only outwardly sigh he’s losing patience. “And what is it that you want, Alanna?”

  I fling my arms out as I bark out, “What I’ve wanted since the start, Malik. Revenge. I want Him dead. I want His head on a platter, burnt to a crisp.”

  He shakes his head. “Bloodthirsty girl.”

  “I’m not joking Malik,” I spit.

  “I’m not either.” Malik voice is hard, unyielding. “And you thinking joining the Elites will get you that?”

  “Eventually, yes.” There’s only a slight hesitation in my words. Truth be told, I have no idea if this is the path that will take me to Him. But it’s the best bet I have at the moment and I’m willing to take it. I’m willing to take anything at this point.

  I push forward. “You’re hunting the rogues down one by one. He’s a rogue, so I have to assume we’ll get to Him eventually.”

  “That’s not a guarantee.”

  “I know that!” I yell. I suck in a deep breath, willing myself to still. Calmer I say. “But I need to try. Even if I don’t get Him, at least I’ll get others. These bastards need to die and I can help. I need to help.” I plead. “Let me join, Malik.”

  “No.” He crosses his arms, stance firm.

  “I can do it. I’m strong enough! Shit, you trained me yourself. You can trust me. I won’t betray you. As much as I hate to say it, you’ve grown on me.”

  I slap my hand over my mouth. I can’t believe I just said that. What in the Hellvian is wrong with me? Someone kill me now.

  A slow smirk works its way across Malik’s face. “We’ve grown on you, have we? Isn’t that sweet.” His stare is penetrating, intense. The smile disappears in seconds as he says, “You’ve grown on me, too.”

  I feel my face heat as I look down at my feet. Realizing that makes me weak, I scream at myself to look back up. But I don’t. Instead I say, “I want to join. I can keep up.”

  “Fine.”

  “I won’t slow you down and – wait what?” My head snaps up.

  “I said fine.” His expression is once more unreadable.

  “Really? I was expecting you to put up-”

  “Alanna.” He cuts me off, eyes serious. He grips my arm gently. “You need to promise me something.”

  I hesitate. What is he making me promise? My palms start to sweat. “Okay.”

  “Don’t try to be a hero.” I open my mouth to comment but he pushes on. “We don’t need you to be. I don’t want you to be. If you join us, you work with us. My orders are absolute. If I tell you to walk away, you do it. If I tell you to infiltrate, you do it. No questions asked, am I clear?” His golden eyes are intense. It’s almost as if Malik is staring into my very soul.

  What he says hits. “Got it. Listen to orders, I can do that.” His expression is dubious. I frown. “What? I can.” As an afterthought I ask, “Do I get a uniform?”

  “No.” The reply is exhaled, like the question was exhausting.

  “Why? You said I can join the Elites, so shouldn’t I get a uniform too?” I lift my eyebrows in a challenge.

  “No, I didn’t.” My eyes narrow. “I allowed you to hunt down the rogues with us, but I never said you could join the Elites.” He shrugs nonchalantly. “You merely assumed.”

  I press my lips tightly together. “Why not?” Irritation simmers in my stomach uncomfortably.

  “It’s not a good fit for someone like you.” His expression is back to being unreadable.

  Then what he says sinks in. The fury bottles up as the insult strikes hard. Breathing hard, I ground out, “What do you mean someone like me?”

  “Someone with your capabilities isn’t a right fit for the Elites.”

  His comment just spikes the anger higher. “That still doesn’t make sense. How am I not good enough?”

  “What are you complaining about? You still get to hunt down rogues.” He gives me a challenging stare. “That’s what you wanted right?”

  “Well… yes.” I shift my weight on my feet.

  “Then the conversation is over.” I open my mouth to argue but he talks over me. “You’ll come with us when we hunt them down, just not as an Elite. Your position is… different.” The last word was said with obvious hesitation, almost like he needed to feel out the word before saying it out loud.

  “Lower, you mean.” I snap, arms crossed.

  “No. Quite the opposite, in fact.” My mouth opens and my eyes widen. Did I hear that right? I don’t get a moment to absorb what Malik said. “When we leave, you stay at my side the entire time. Do I make myself clear?”

  I huff out a breath. “Yeah. I’ll attach myself to you like an extra limb.”

  He is clearly not amused. “This isn’t a joke.” Malik’s lips turn down at the corners, disappointment evident on his face. “Go get some rest. We start training early tomorrow.” He moves to the side to let me pass.

  As I slide by him I mumble, “How is that any different than usual?”

  “Because-” I startle, not expecting him to hear me. “Tomorrow we are training you to kill.”

  I shake the memory off, chills running up and down my spine. Malik’s planning to teach me to kill.

  I gulp.

  That could be another reason for the meal; killing people requires strength, and I haven’t eaten since before speaking to the brothers last night.

  Somehow, I make it to the arena with seconds to spare, though I’m still chewing on fruit. Malik, Zeke, and a stranger await. I recognize him as one of the Elite’s from the manor.

  Before
I even draw to a stop, Malik says, “Today you are going to practice manifesting weapons from your energy alone.” My eyes widen. Excitement bubbles up. “Later, we’re going to teach you how to attack using a variety of weapons. That way you will always be prepared no matter what weapon is nearby during a hostile situation. We will run through drills aimed at familiarizing yourself with striking zones for weapons.”

  I nod. This is what I’ve been waiting for. I finish the last of the fruit as I give all my attention to Malik.

  “This is Adrian.” Malik gestures to the Elite as Adrian nods his head in greeting. “He’s a Firvo manipulator. Seeing as you’re still struggling with Elestal, we will focus on the Firvo affinity today. Once you learn weapon manifestation for one affinity, you can carry that training over to the others. Mindula isn’t a physical manifestation like the others, but we’ll discuss that later. But keep in mind, you must have excellent control over each affinity before you can master the weapons manifestation.”

  I nod and ask, “Why do you have to have excellent control?”

  Malik crosses his arms, his eyes steely. “Weapons manifestation requires a higher control because it’s a more complicated technique. It’s not easy and requires a tremendous amount of training. Though, once you achieve that level of proficiently, it requires hardly any effort to summon your weapons. What weapon are you the most comfortable with?”

  My brows furrow. “Bow.” Where is this going?

  He nods. “Why?”

  I hesitate. “I’ve used it more than any other weapon. Though I’m not perfect, I handle the weapon fine.”

  “Why do you use a bow more than any other weapon? What is it about the weapon that you’re drawn too?”

  “It’s ranged.” I push the hair out my face as I think. “I don’t have to be up close and personal to fight. It focuses more on stealth, too, and allows me to remain unseen if I wish.”

  He appears mildly surprised at my comment. “Then why did you choose those daggers from the manor?”

  I shrug. “It just felt right.” I cross my arms. I don’t know how to explain it but as soon as I saw the pair of them, I had to have them. They were mine.