Linked (The Shadow Chronicles Book 2)

by K. R. Fajardo

  “By the stars, Citera, you are beautiful,” Mikel murmured, walking up and embracing her. Dirik remained strangely quiet.

  The sun was beginning to set when they made their way to the Core. A large crowd had already gathered and the whole Core buzzed with excitement as people visited and chatted about the festivities to begin after the community meeting. Citera, Mikel, and Dirik wove their way through the crowd, until they managed to find a seat on a bench near the back where most of the seasoned members of the community sat, saving the front for the newer families.

  A hush suddenly swept over the crowd and Citera looked up to see K, Jaron, and Tyran, ascending to the top of the platform to begin the meeting. Jaron usually did most of the speaking at these meetings and this time was no different.

  He went over the standard rules, like no fighting, no thieving, no one is allowed to contact someone on the outside, and everyone must find a place to contribute. If anyone found themselves in a dispute with another member of the community then it needed to be brought to the attention of one of the appointed counselors who would serve as an unbiased mediator.

  Once he had finished discussing the rules he opened up for questions or comments. A few asked about the jobs available and some others asked about the training camp, which Tyran gladly stepped in to answer. Someone in the front brought up the topic of formula rationing and it was at this point K joined in.

  “All Full-bloods will be provided with the formula they need to survive,” K began.

  She was dressed in a sleek black gown with long sleeves, a high neck, and a slit on both sides that revealed a scandalous amount of her legs. Her hair was partially pulled back and adorned with decorative clips and pins. But there was no sign of her blades, which left Citera wondering where on her they could be hidden because she was never without them.

  But even dressed as elegantly as she was, her presence demanded the audience’s full respect as she stepped forward and continued, “However, all Full-bloods are expected to relearn how to eat normal food.” Hushed chatter spread through the front of the crowd where the newest members of the community sat.

  This point was always a big deal and was often met with protest.

  “We will become ill, possibly even die if we eat Terrian food,” a young lady called out nervously.

  “Why?” K asked flatly.

  The lady seemed perplexed; she took a moment to consider the best way to address the question before finally answering, “Well after we reach maturity our bodies change and we require formula to survive. From that day on we can no longer consume normal food or we become ill.”

  “And who told you this?”

  “No one, it is something everyone knows,” she answered, becoming more certain of herself as the conversation continued without repercussions.

  “I see,” K remarked. “So what would you think if I told you everything you have believed for the last fifty years was nothing more than a lie? What if I told you there was never any reason for you to have quit eating food once you matured, that it was all a part of the Shadows’ plan to keep you docile and under their control?”

  “But I have seen a Full-blood try to eat Terrian food and become violently ill,” another man yelled from the back.

  “That is because your bodies have been without it for so long,” Jaron joined in. “That is why we start slowly, adding in different items a little at a time and only after you have adapted to the prior ones. But eventually you will be eating food on a daily basis, decreasing the amount of formula you need to survive.” He paused, knowing what he was about to say was one of the hardest revelations for most Full-bloods to accept. “Our goal is to eventually get you all to where you will only need a bottle of formula a week. However, we have a few members that can go as long as a month.”

  A roar of conversation erupted amongst the newest members while those in the back remained silent remembering how they had felt after hearing this news for the first time. It was a lot to accept. The knowledge that they had wasted so many years hungry, often starving, when all along all they had to do was go the nearest market and purchase something from any one of the hoard of food stands that had surrounded them, was a lot to handle.

  “Starting tomorrow, those of you who are new need only report to the dining tent, let the ladies working there know you are new and in training and they will work with you to develop a menu that will help make the transition pass smoothly and with little to no ill effects.”

  The chatter in the crowd slowly began to dissipate as older members of the community began to comfort and reassure the newer ones by relaying to them their own experiences with the process.

  “Are there any more concerns or questions?” Jaron asked, looking over the mass of people below him.

  “I have one.” Dirik recognized Gregor in the front standing to speak. “Do you three drink blood like the Shadows?”

  The little chatter that remained fell silent instantly as all attention was once again returned to the podium. If they found the question offensive or surprising, none of them showed it. K, ever calm and appearing serene, stepped forward to address the question and the husky man asking it.

  “We do, as well as a few others.” More hushed chatter spread through the crowd.

  “Is that an option we have as well?”

  Of all the meetings they had participated in, this was the first time they had heard anyone ask this question. Citera turned to her father and could see the concern on his face. It was one of the things he and many of the other Terrians in the camp worried about, more Full-bloods taking an interest in blood consumption.

  However, neither K, Jaron, nor Tyran seemed either concerned or bothered by the question.

  “It is possible, but there are many things that should be discussed before that decision is made,” K answered, then raised her voice to be sure everyone in the crowd could hear. “Anyone with questions regarding blood consumption should get with one of us to schedule a meeting in private to discuss the benefits and risks of that decision.” K looked quietly over the faces of the crowd and smiled her best smile. “But for now, let us light the fire and let the festivities begin.”

  A roar sounded from everyone in the crowd as a few men tossed torches into the fire pit, igniting it into a massive tower of flame and smoke. People scattered, most heading in the direction of the rows of tables lined with a variety of dishes, while a small band began to serenade them in the background.

  The party continued well into the night, Full-bloods and Terrians dancing, talking, feasting, and singing. A true testament to Jaron’s years of hard work, this camp was proof that not only could the two races survive together but they could also thrive in peace and harmony. Although a certain amount of credit had to be given to Casper, who having provided the festivities with his best stock, managed to turn even the most fearful and self-conscious amongst them into social butterflies.

  Citera enjoyed herself immensely. She spent the night eating her fill, mingling with friends, and even managed to talk her father into dancing a dance with her. But one person was missing and had been since the camp meeting ended, K. As the night continued on and still no sign of her, Citera decide to look around and see if she could find her.

  Surely she didn’t get all dressed up just to go home after the meeting, she thought, weaving her way through the crowd. She spent some time searching every inch of the Core, but without success. Disappointed, Citera finally gave up and settled herself on a log in front of the fire and watched as Lucas prepared to play his violin for a small group that had gathered around.

  The first song he played was a jovial tune that immediately coaxed several members of the crowd to their feet. Citera stomped her feet and clapped her hands in beat with the tune as the others skipped and spun themselves around the fire, dancing and laughing.

  “Having fun?” Mikel inquired, sitting down beside her just as another couple joined in the dance.

  “I don’t think I have ever had so much fun,” Ci
tera laughed, continuing to clap her hands. “Why don’t you join them?”

  “Oh no, no, no. I like things a bit slower.” He laughed. “Actually I was just coming to let you know I’m heading back to the tent. Dirik is over by the food tables, make him come back with you when you get ready to leave. I don’t want you walking around alone at night.”

  “Yes, Dad,” Citera said mockingly.

  “Still sassing your father?”

  Together they turned to find K standing behind them. “You should always respect your elders you know.”

  “Ha, ha, ha,” Mikel laughed sarcastically.

  Lucas finished up his happy tune and adjusted the knobs slightly, changing the sound emanating from the violin to a more solemn, saddened tone. He laid the bow back on the strings and let the slow music radiate amongst the crowd. The once happy dancers turned to one another, bowed, and held each other close as they danced slow and steady in pace with the melancholy rhythm.

  “Well, I guess I will go and let you two ladies have your girl talk, this elder is going to bed.” Mikel stood and stretched out the stiffness in his back.

  “Actually, it was you I was hoping to ask a favor of.” K replied, watching him closely.

  Mikel paused, his brows knitting together. “Me? What can I do for you?”

  “I would like you to dance with me.”

  Mikel’s mouth gaped and Citera had to turn around and face the other direction to keep from laughing out loud. She could hear him stumbling over his words, trying to find a way out of the situation without being rude. “I, I … Me? You don’t want to dance with me, I’m an awful dancer. Besides, I am exhausted and would really just like to go to bed.”

  “I’m not taking no for an answer Mikel,” K insisted with her face as stoic as ever.

  “Well, uh, what about Jaron or maybe Tyran?” Mikel asked, attempting another means of escape.

  “I don’t know where Jaron is,” K answered. Glancing over her shoulder in the direction of Tyran, she rolled her eyes. The man was surrounded by a flock of women, all of which were smiling and giggling sheepishly at everything he said. “And I would hate to pull Tyran away from such an adoring fan club.”

  “Oh.” Mikel glanced around the fire at the couples holding each other close as they moved slowly in time with the music. “K, I haven’t danced with anyone other than Citera since—”

  “Mikel,” K smiled cutting him off, “I only want a dance, no strings attached.”

  “Go on, Dad,” Citera coaxed. “One dance won’t kill you.”

  Mikel paled as he rubbed the scar on his forehead. In response K held up her hands. “Long sleeves, so you’re safe unless your hands creep lower than they should.” She moved one leg out to the side, revealing an unnerving amount of bare skin.

  Mikel gasped and stumbled back. “I would never …”

  “Good, let’s go then.” K grabbed his arm before he could protest any further and dragged him into the open area surrounding the fire.

  Citera struggled to keep from laughing at the expense of her father. He looked as dumbfounded as a teenage boy dancing with a girl for the first time. Unsure if there were rules or protocols for this type of situation, he kept looking from K to his hands and back again. “How do we? I mean, I know you don’t like to be touched …”

  “Mikel, I asked you to dance, therefore you have my permission to touch me.” Taking his hands into hers, she placed one carefully on her hip and held the other in her own. Then together the pair began to glide around the fire in tune with the music.

  Citera’s amusement subsided as she watched on, marveling at how well they moved together, not once faltering or missing a cue. The strangeness of the pair caught the attention of several passing people, and it wasn’t long until a small crowd had gathered, watching as they continued to dance as if they had done it a million times before.

  Mikel relaxed and allowed himself to get lost in the song’s soothing melody and their own flowing movements. And for the first time since he had met her, he let go of his fear and gazed down into her eyes as she peered back up at him; her face the ever emotionless mask. And though she appeared to be no older than his own daughter, Mikel couldn’t help but lose himself in the steady gaze that held the wisdom of several lifetimes locked away and hidden.

  “May I ask you a question?” he asked softly.

  “Of course.”

  “Is there an ulterior motive behind this dance?”

  K’s controlled smile reappeared. “Why would you ask a thing like that? Can’t a dance just be a dance?”

  “I meant no offense. However, in the short time since I have come to know you, I have never witnessed you do anything that did not have a purpose behind it,” Mikel responded carefully; the last thing he wanted to do was make her angry.

  To his relief, her smiled widened. “In so little time you know me so well.” She sighed slightly and looked around before meeting his gaze again, “But you are right. I wanted to talk with you about Citera for a moment.”

  “Did she do something wrong?” he asked, suddenly concerned. “She told me she might have upset you and Ivy this morning.”

  K appeared puzzled for a moment, then her face relaxed as she chuckled, “No, no. She didn’t bother either of us, we both know what we are and what we do, neither of us took offense to anything she said.” K paused, scanning the crowd once more. “No she asked me to speak with you regarding her desire to train.”

  “K, you know how I feel …”

  “Yes, I do. And I have already told her that whatever you decide is final. I will not go against your wishes for your daughter, I only ask you consider it before denying her completely.” K sighed and looked from him over to Citera. “Mikel you are a good man, but I fear in this you are in a minority. Citera is turning into a beautiful woman, however she is very naïve and you know as well as I how dangerous a place the world we live in can be for someone like her.”

  Mikel followed her gaze to Citera smiling and waving at him as they continued to glide around the fire.

  “When I was her age, I was much the same,” K continued, turning her attention back to him. “Until two men found me, lured me in with false promises, and then opened my eyes to the way the world truly is.” K paused, closed her eyes, and leaned her head against Mikel’s chest. “If only I had been as lucky as Dirik and been found by someone like you.”

  Mikel tried his best to remain calm in the midst of the unexpected contact. He glanced down and caught a glimpse of the sorrow she was feeling as it flashed across her face. But it lasted only seconds as she quickly recovered and resumed their conversation. “How different things could have been.”

  She raised her head and stared back up into his eyes. “Anyway, I only ask you to consider letting her learn the basics of self-defense. That way she can defend herself in case she one day finds herself in an unsavory situation.”

  Mikel sighed, glancing over at Citera. “Let me think about it.”

  K nodded slightly then leaned back into his chest as they continued to weave their way through the others dancing around them. However, unlike before, he found himself strangely comfortable with the contact. He moved his hand from her hip to her back, pulling her in closer, and feeling content as she relaxed into his arms. There was nothing peculiar or odd feeling about it, instead it felt right, as if it were meant to be. And as they continued, Mikel’s mind churned with the information she had offered him.

  Her words had struck a nerve. His mind raced with images of his daughter alone, trapped by two men, and helpless to do anything about it. He shuddered at the thought and quickly forced the images from his mind.

  “K, if you ever need to talk to someone, I am here to listen.” She took a deep breath and held it, as he continued, “I mean it. I know you have Jaron, but sometimes the people closest to us are the hardest to talk to. They hold preconceived ideas of who they think we are and should be, and if we try to tell them anything different they shut us out.”

>   “Thank you, Mikel,” K sighed, tilting her head up to face him. “I appreciate the offer. But I think I should make a quick confession. I had one other motive for dancing with you.”

  “And what would that be?”

  “I’m using you to make Jaron jealous.” As she’d spoken, she leaned back and nodded her head toward something behind him. “And we seem to have finally caught his attention.”

  “What!?” Mikel stole a peek over his shoulder and spotted Jaron moving rapidly through the crowd in their direction. “K, are you trying to get me killed?”

  “He wouldn’t hurt you, Mikel,” K answered, glancing over his shoulder as Jaron closed in. “That is one of the reasons I picked you.”

  Mikel resisted the urge to pull away and run as the brooding Full-blood neared. Yet K remained calm, and continued to lead him in the dance around the flames. “You see, Jaron would never ask me to dance, he thinks it too bold a thing to do. However, if I am already dancing ...”

  She nodded her head in Jaron’s direction as he parted the crowd like a wolf through sheep. All eyes were now watching the three of them, as Jaron closed in. Mikel struggled to stay calm and continued to dance despite his instincts telling him to flee. Soon Jaron was standing right on top of them and Mikel braced for whatever was about to occur. But to his relief, Jaron merely tapped him on the shoulder. “May I cut in?”

  Mikel glanced at K, backed up, and bowed. “My lady, I thank you for the dance.”

  She nodded slightly as Jaron took his place. “May I?”

  “Of course.”

  He carefully placed his hand on her waist, taking the other into his own, and together they glided into step. Mikel rejoined Citera to watch the pair moving in harmony. Despite the significant differences in their sizes, there were never two people who moved as if they belonged together like the two of them did.

  Mikel watched them for a few more moments, allowing his trembling nerves to calm, before returning his attention to his daughter, “I think I have definitely had all I can handle tonight, I’m going back to the tent.”