Moirai (Aberrant)

by Silver, Ruth

  “I'd like us to get ring tattoos, identical ones.”

  I smiled weakly. “I'd like that.” I didn't ask if it'd hurt. Something about this place, everything hurt in here. I nodded slowly. “What do we have to do?” Aidan led us to a room on the first floor, offering us each a seat. I sat down first, though gestured towards Joshua. “You can get your tattoo first.” I wasn't quite sure what a tattoo was but was willing to try anything once.

  Aidan grabbed the necessary tools. “This will hurt a bit.” At least he didn’t lie to us. “You'll have to keep it clean and it'll take time to heal.”

  “That's fine.” I reached for Joshua's hand, giving it a squeeze. If he was okay with it, it was fine for me too.

  Joshua showed me a sketch he'd drawn. The lines intertwined like vines with a heart in the center. “It's basic but I thought it'd be nice.” He showed me how it would look. “Any changes you want to make before Aidan inks us permanently?”

  I examined the drawing for a moment. “It wraps around our finger?”

  Joshua nodded. “Just like the ring you're wearing.”

  “I can't imagine anything more perfect,” I admitted, watching as Aidan carefully cleaned the tools again along with Joshua's hand. I sat anxiously wondering how painful it would be. Aidan took the design, turning it into something temporary to trace before he used the instrument to mark Joshua’s hand forever, and mine.

  “Does it hurt?” I asked, watching his face. He didn't show even a hint of vulnerability. His face was reddening slightly and I moved to rest a hand over his shoulder.

  It doesn't feel pleasant. I wanted to laugh and tell him I was reconsidering with that answer. I didn't. I waited for Aidan to be done with Joshua before it was my turn.

  I was relieved when the tattoos were finished. Mine looked amazing, though Aidan suggested leaving it covered for a while to keep out any dirt or bacteria. I didn't argue. He knew what was best. Joshua and I headed back outside and into the crowd. The welcome change of scenery took my mind off the stinging sensation of my finger while we danced and celebrated the parade and our new marriage.

  After an hour of dancing, Chancellor Collins approached me. Pulling me from Joshua's arms for the briefest of moments, his eyes searched mine. “I want you to meet someone.” I had no idea who it could be that I hadn't known but didn't dwell on it as he walked me towards the crowd. My eyes searched for who he planned to introduce to me. “Hunter.” He gestured at a man. “I'd like to introduce you to your niece, Olivia.”

  “Hello,” I breathed, reaching out my hand to introduce myself. “It's nice to meet you.”

  Hunter nodded, taking my hand and giving it a tight squeeze. I was glad the tattoo was on the other hand. “Congratulations.” He smiled warmly. “Your wedding was beautiful.”

  “Thank you.” I blushed. I didn't want to admit it had been a surprise for me. Though, I suspected he knew as much based on the proposal just a short while ago. “What are you doing here in Shadow?” I was still getting used to the fact visitors found their way here, not many but a few from the rebel alliance.

  “Collins invited me,” he acknowledged. “I wanted to meet you,” he admitted anxiously. “Did you ever meet your grandparents?”

  I sighed, realizing why he had so many questions. He was the second born and had been sent from Genesis. He'd never met his biological parents and likely didn't remember Gavin, his older brother. “They passed away before I was born. I'm sorry,” I offered sadly. “Your brother is alive and well in Torv.” I didn't elaborate that we weren't exactly on speaking terms.

  “How's your mom?” he asked warmly, trying to make conversation.

  “It's complicated.” I laughed softly, glancing towards Joshua as he waved at me. “She's doing fine though. Are you married?” I didn't know what to ask him, what to say to him. He was my uncle but it was rare family reunited. I didn't know how to handle the situation. I tried though.

  Hunter nodded slowly. “Yes, she's a pistol.” He saw my expression. “I mean that in a good way,” he reiterated. “She's here somewhere,” Hunter acknowledged. “She went off dancing when the music started.”

  “Let me guess, you don't dance?” I grinned, seeing from his expression he wasn't amused.

  “I prefer to keep my feet planted. Trust me, it's best for everyone.” I stared at him, examining his features. I could see the resemblance between him and Gavin. They both had dark, thick hair and dark eyes. Hunter's skin had tanned, probably from being out in the sun recently. “You look like him,” I whispered, “my father.”

  “Gavin?” He asked. “I hope to meet him one day. When things are settled and it's safe to travel.”

  “I'm sure he'd like that.” I smiled at Hunter. I glanced towards Joshua. Come rescue me, please.

  Joshua came walking over. “Hey, Olive.” He pulled me into his arms for a kiss. “Care to introduce me?” he asked, wrapping an arm around my waist as he stood beside me.

  “Joshua, this is my uncle, Hunter.” I glanced at Joshua for the briefest of moments. I didn't have to say another word for him to know how I felt.

  “Oh.” Josh's eyes lit up as he held out his hand. “We saw you last summer in Shadow.” He laughed, glancing at me. Not caring if he wasn't supposed to speak of it. “You verified the legitimacy of Gavin's journal.”

  Hunter nodded. “That's right. Our handwriting is frighteningly alike.” It had been a while ago, I was surprised he remembered. “I don't remember meeting you then…” he glanced at Joshua.

  “You didn't.” Joshua laughed and gave me a smile. “Do you mind if I steal my new bride away?”

  “By all means.” Hunter smiled. “It was nice to meet you both. I hope to see you again, Olivia.”

  I smiled, giving a brief wave as we headed away from him. I gripped Josh's arm. “Thanks for that,” I whispered against his ear. The music pulsed louder as we maneuvered through the crowd, and I saw the band playing in front of the city center. I stopped walking, finding Joshua's hand, giving it a squeeze.

  “He seemed nice enough.” He glanced at me. “You didn't think so?”

  “It wasn't that.” I blushed, glancing at him. I'm not so good with people I don't know.

  Joshua laughed. “I don't believe you're shy. No way.” He shook his head. “I don't buy it.” I felt his arms wrap around my tiny frame as he buried his mouth in my neck. I couldn't contain my laughter as I felt his hands tickle my hips and his warm breath on my skin.

  “You're trouble!” I squealed, trying to break free of his grasp. He stopped his movements, his face coming to meet my stare.

  “I learn from the best.” He leaned in, kissing the tip of my nose. I smiled, knowing he was teasing. I had plenty of comebacks, but I left them well enough alone.

  “Thank you.” I smiled, staring at him. “This has been perfect,” I confessed, still amazed by the fact we were married! It had been more than anything I'd ever dreamed of.

  “I'll meet you back at home in a few minutes.” I kissed Joshua softly. The parade had ended and I saw a confused look pass across his face. “I promise I'll be home soon.” I squeezed his hand before he headed back for the house.

  “Well, congratulations are in order,” Elsa laughed. She threw her arms around me, giving me a hug.

  “Thank you.” I laughed, nodding. “I can't believe we're married. I mean, I guess we were before but…” I shook my head. It was so hard to wrap my mind around being married, then suddenly we weren’t. We'd come to accept the rules of the cities outside of Genesis, and finally we had decided of our own free will that we wanted to marry each other when the time was right. There was no one else in the world we wanted to be bound to for all of eternity.

  “It's been long enough,” Elsa smiled. “I wanted to ask you before your honeymoon.” She winked encouragingly. “You've been eating the Silphium?” She walked along side me towards the house.

  I nodded with a nervous laugh. “Are you sure it'll work?” I was beyond nervous. I was terrified!
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  Elsa smiled. “When you asked me to find a plant that would prevent pregnancy, it took some digging. I mean, it's not common knowledge these days,” she reminded me. “I'm certain that Silphium was used in ancient Rome.” Elsa smiled. “Fora had a large supply of it. It's also used to treat a sore throat, cough, and fever.” She patted my shoulder as we stopped at the house. “Don't be nervous.”

  “I'm not nervous.” It was a lie. I hugged her again. “Thanks, Elsa, for looking after me.” I wasn't sure too many others would be so generous. It seemed as though everyone these days had their own agenda.

  “Just take your time and enjoy it,” she laughed.

  My cheeks reddened as I gave a brief wave. I was more than slightly embarrassed as I headed inside our home. “Joshua?” I called, glancing around, wondering what he was up to.

  “Everything okay?” He smiled, coming down the stairs, standing just above me.

  I nodded. “Yeah. Everything's good.” My cheeks were still tinged red and I reached out my arms for him.

  He pulled me into his embrace. “I was wondering where you disappeared to. I wanted to tell you something.” He laughed, bringing me to sit down on the sofa with him.

  “Tell me what?” I asked. I tilted my head slightly to the side as I plopped myself down on the couch beside him.

  He leaned closer, resting his forehead against mine. I felt his fingers push the hair behind my ear as he wrapped his arms around me. “Do you remember months ago when I told you I had a dream that felt so real I was certain we had shared it together?”

  I frowned, trying to remember back to what he was talking about. “No.” I laughed. “I'm sorry.” I shook my head, not remembering.

  “It was a while ago, while we were recruits.” He smiled. “I told you the day after we had the Mindonsiphan administered to us that I was certain we shared a dream, because it felt so real. You brushed it off, telling me I was crazy.”

  I laughed now, remembering the conversation. “I never said you were crazy. What I said was I believed it had been the sedative that had caused you to have such elaborate dreams.” My fingers moved down his arms, feeling him shudder from the touch. “You never did tell me about the dream.” I smiled wider. “I always assumed it was a sex dream and you were too embarrassed to share it with me.” He leaned in, his lips capturing mine. “It wasn't that.” He smiled, pulling back. “Not that I haven't dreamt about that with you,” Joshua teased. “But no, that wasn’t my dream.”

  “Okay,” I laughed. “So what was it?” I couldn't believe he'd waited this long to share it with me.

  “The parade, the proposal. All of it.” He smiled, feeling my body tense. Then he frowned. “It was in detail but not the type of detail with Adelaide there.” He shook his head. “Though you were wearing the exact dress from the dream.”

  “How is that even possible?” I asked. Joshua shrugged. “Maybe it wasn't a dream but a premonition.”

  I couldn't help but eye him skeptically. We could do a lot with our talents, but I didn't believe in seeing the future. I couldn't believe in it, because it constantly changed. Our choices determined our fate. It wasn't written in stone. “No way. Consider it weird,” I offered. “But it wasn't a premonition.”

  “Come on.” He found my hands, squeezing them. “You have to believe me, Olive.”

  I knew he'd never lie to me. I breathed in deeply, moving to rest my forehead in the crook of his neck. “I believe you think you saw this, us being married. I believe there may have even been a parade,” I offered. “But come on. Every detail down to the dress? A dress that didn't even exist months ago? You couldn't have known it was going to be made just for me.”

  “I didn't know,” Joshua laughed. “I can't explain it. It's just, that's what I saw.” He held up a finger. “Maybe you'll believe me when you see this.” He got up from the sofa.

  “Where are you going?” I asked, watching as he disappeared down the hallway.

  “Joshua?” I called to him, wondering what he was up to. A minute later he reappeared bringing me a sketch he'd drawn. It was remarkable. It was obviously me, in the gown. My hair was different. It was up like it had been when we were married by the government. I smiled, glancing up at him. I knew he had a talent for drawing. He didn't do it often, but I'd seen him on occasion with a pencil. “Wow.” I stared at the picture. I knew he couldn't have drawn it in the last few minutes while I'd been outside with Elsa. It wasn't possible.

  “I drew this a few months ago. After the dream.” He handed it to me. “Believe me now?”

  I nodded slowly, unsure how else to explain what he was showing me. I didn't fully believe in the ability of premonitions and seeing the future. Anything could be changed. I didn't want to disappoint him though. I smiled weakly, wrapping my arms around him. “Of course,” I whispered, kissing his cheek. “I have some news of my own.”

  “You do?” he asked, pulling back slightly.

  “I haven't told you…” I hadn’t been sure how to bring it up sooner. I wasn't even sure I was ready, or when I would be, but at least now we would be protected. Joshua merely stared, waiting for me to elaborate. “There's a plant I've been eating that will keep us from getting pregnant.”

  He tilted his head slightly. “Are you positive it'll work?”

  I shrugged with a nervous laugh. “I don't know. I hope so. I've been eating it for a few months. Since before we left for Torv,” I admitted. “Elsa read about it in an ancient book about Rome. Apparently Fora had a supply for its medicinal purposes. Luckily, she managed to cultivate some in the greenhouse.” I smiled up at him. His thumb reached out, stroking my cheek as he leaned down, brushing his lips against mine. “We don't have to do anything you're not ready for.”

  I knew he was right. I knew he wouldn’t push, and yet I felt the desire building inside of me as his lips touched mine. A single spark of electricity was all we needed to ignite the burning fire I felt. Never before had I been touched in the way he touched me now. His fingers smoothed down my back as I opened my lips to his. I felt his body, my hands against his chest, but it wasn't close enough. We weren't close enough.

  “Upstairs.” I pulled back slightly, feeling myself out of breath. Gasping for air, we headed up the stairs, Joshua ahead of me as he took my hand and led me up behind him.

  Once inside the bedroom, together we fell in a heap against the mattress. His fingers skimmed my thigh as my leg shifted, wrapping around him. I couldn't find the words to speak. My breathing quickly became ragged and hot as I pulled at his clothes. I touched him, felt him, let my fingers graze against warm skin. Every detail I memorized. Every breath I felt caused me to shudder. Joshua was everything I'd wanted. Everything I'd dreamt of for so long. Finally it was mine. He was mine. It was all within my grasp to take.

  CHAPTER 29

  Our time in Shadow as newlyweds felt much too quick. I didn't quite know what a honeymoon was but I began to suspect how it must have worked hundreds of years ago. Although we hadn't the chance to travel to foreign or exotic lands like we'd read about, we certainly spoiled each other in any way we possibly could.

  We drove to Torv in May, just a few short weeks after the fall of the government. Joshua and I were honorary guests since we had been the biggest supporters and causes of the uprising. Elsa, Cate, and Chancellor Collins represented Shadow. Each city had an invitation for three to represent themselves. The three had been chosen based on a democratic election.

  I sat beside Joshua at the large mahogany table and to the right of me was Elsa. Cate and Chancellor Collins grabbed seats against the wall, squeezing into the room. To the right of Elsa sat Douglas. Beside him a woman from Torv whom I didn't recognize sat. She kept staring at me, her dark green eyes and jet-black hair stark against pale ivory skin. “I'm Olivia.” I stood up, introducing myself, feeling her attention on me. The room was loud, filled with commotion.

  “Isaura,” she shouted over the noise. “I've heard a lot about you,” she acknowledged.

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nbsp; “Nice to meet you,” I offered, sitting back down. There were a few familiar faces from my home, Genesis. Two of those I recognized were Jordan and my teacher during my first three years of primary school. I didn't have time to say hello before the meeting started.

  The room was huge, filled with members from every town. We worked tirelessly for hours to structure a democracy of laws, choices, and freedoms, giving the people what they wanted. It wasn't easy deciding how to deal with the current mess of the system. Children had been stolen from families, how could you fix that? Arguing and disagreements came from every side on some matter of law. Everyone had been affected one way or another. Some had had children taken, others had been provided a child. Neither side was willing to part with their vision of a new future.

  It seemed futile. It wasn't though. Our part lasted three days and when it was over I couldn't have been more grateful to know it was time for Joshua and I to start our lives together. We packed our bags and I glanced behind me when I heard a knock on the door. “Come in,” I called over my shoulder.

  “I just wanted to say, we're going to miss you,” Chloe answered from the door. “Everything you've done for us, it's huge.”

  I turned around, surprised to see her. “Thank you.” I smiled. We still didn't know if the hormone injections had helped. I suspected they hadn't and I was the reason Drezden had lived. I wanted to give them hope and now, with the additional medical staff from Maven, they would be able to pull their resources and minds together to fix the problem and help move forward towards a future generation.

  “I know we haven't talked about your father.” Chloe watched me curiously.

  “I don't want to,” I answered. “He's a part of my past, one I don't want to relive.” I sighed when I saw him standing out in the hallway behind Chloe. He'd been waiting to see me, to talk to me. I never would feel ready for this moment, but it was here.