by Chris Cannon
“As heart-warming as this is, Bryn, you should take your antidote before you pass out again,” Jaxon said.
Her mom peered at Jaxon for a moment, and then her eyebrows shot up. “You must be a Westgate.”
“He is,” Bryn said. “But he’s not nearly the asshat his father is.”
“And he’s not wrong,” Valmont said.
Onyx pointed to a small wooden-hinged box on the table. “It’s in there.”
Bryn flipped open the box. The top made a ringing sound as it smacked against the table. She picked up what looked like a small perfume bottle filled with orange liquid. The container felt oddly warm. She pulled out the stopper, which came loose with a pop, tilted the bottle to her lips, and sipped the contents. The bitter taste of orange rind filled her mouth, followed by something like aspirin. She grimaced and tilted the bottle, swallowing almost the entire dose in one gulp, and then she put the stopper back in and slipped the container in her pocket.
She waited to see what would happen. How would she know if it worked? Pain sliced through her hands. She gasped as the cuts, which had healed on her fingers split open like an invisible knife had reopened the wounds. “What the hell?” If felt like her hands were on fire.
“Your body is expelling the poison,” Onyx explained. “From the original entry wounds.”
“A little warning would have been nice.” Bryn gritted her teeth and stared at her fingers in fascinated horror. Blood the color of oranges dripped from her fingers and splattered onto the dirt floor.
Her mom wrapped her arm around her lower back, supporting her weight. “Don’t worry. I’ve got you.”
A wave of dizziness hit. Cold sweat prickled her skin. Nausea rolled through her body followed by a flush of cold. She took shallow breaths, concentrating on not throwing up.
Slowly, the urge to vomit receded, but she needed to sit down, because her legs weren’t cooperating with the whole standing-up thing. She didn’t want to appear weak, but her body didn’t seem to care about her agenda. Her mom helped her to a chair.
“Now the deed,” Onyx held his hand out to Jaxon.
“That’s all Bryn needed?” Jaxon said. “She’s cured?”
“Yes,” Onyx said. “I’m a man of my word.”
“As am I.” Jaxon tossed the attaché case so it landed by Onyx’s feet.
Bryn’s head cleared and strength flowed back into her body. “I think I’m okay now.”
“Then this meeting is coming to a close,” Onyx said.
“Wait. I don’t understand. Besides reuniting Bryn with her mother which could have been done in a number of ways that did not involve poison, what was the purpose of all this?” Jaxon asked.
“None of this was planned,” Onyx said. “Bryn stumbled into some of my friends when they were trying to retrieve a few items from the library. And without my consent, they took advantage of the situation. They used the Tyrant’s Crowns to frighten you, knowing you weren’t alone so you’d be able to remove them. The herbal mixture they used was non-lethal, and it’s completely curable. Hopefully, this incident will teach the Directorate a lesson they need to know.”
“What lesson would that be?” Jaxon asked.
“We are not unreasonable. We will keep our word. We, too, can be honorable.” He pointed at Bryn’s mother. “And kind, if given a chance.”
“And you had to drag us down here to accomplish this?” Jaxon seemed baffled. “We could have done all of this in the cabin up above.”
“True.” Onyx pointed at Bryn’s mother. “But some of this information needs to remain a secret.”
Two terrible thoughts occurred to Bryn. One, she was wearing a wire, so everyone already knew her mom was alive, and two it didn’t sound like her mom was coming with her.
“You’re not coming with us?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t. I have to get back to your father.”
“Just bring him here,” Bryn said. “If you’re worried about your parents, they were going to let you come to Christmas. They both cried when they thought you were dead. And I’m wearing a wire anyway, as a safety precaution.”
“That’s why we met here, honey.” Her mom reached out and touched Bryn’s cheek. “The hybrids live here because bugs don’t work this far down.”
“Your grandmother is probably ready to storm my cabin,” Valmont said. “We need to get back up there.”
Bryn ripped the bug from the seam of her shirt. “Go. Tell them we’re okay. We’ll be coming up soon.”
Valmont took the bug and ran back toward the ladder.
“Please come with me.” Bryn hugged her mom. “I just got you back, I can’t let you go again.”
“I’ll be around. Your father and I plan to build a home on the deeded land.”
“Too many things could go wrong between now and then. You could live at Sinclair Estates.”
Her mom laughed. “I’m not sure my parents would agree.”
“You won’t know until you ask them. And I’m not giving you a choice in this matter. I’m telling them whether you want me to or not. I won’t keep this from them.”
Her mom appeared stunned. “You’ve bonded with them? I never imagined that.”
“They are set in their Blue dragon ways and some of their beliefs are bizarre, but they are good people.”
“You can tell them, but you can’t tell anyone else.”
“Okay.”
Her mom pointed at Jaxon. “Will he be a problem?”
“No.” Bryn didn’t even have to ask. She just knew.
“Your new life is full of surprises. I can’t wait to hear all about it, but for now you have to go.”
“I understand why she wants to remain hidden,” Jaxon said to Onyx, “but why didn’t you come forward with the antidote. There was no need for all this subterfuge.”
“I wanted to talk to you specifically, without interruption, and your father never would have allowed that. I wanted to make you understand…to see our point of view. You grew up proud of who you were. My friends shouldn’t be ashamed of who they are because they are different. Change is coming. My friends’ numbers grow larger every year. Eventually, they might outnumber the traditional clans. Keep that in mind when you make your laws and pass your judgments.”
“I’m flattered, but as far as the Directorate is concerned, you attacked Ephram Sinclair’s granddaughter,” Jaxon said. “Keep that in mind the next time you want to appear reasonable, because if you do something like this again, the Directorate’s response will be swift and severe.”
“Duly noted.” Onyx turned to Bryn. “One other thing. You should know that those who died down here didn’t die by our hands.”
“The family…who were they?” Bryn asked.
“They were peaceful hybrids living out of sight, and someone had them hunted down,” Onyx nodded toward Jaxon. “His father knows what I’m talking about.”
“If you mean to be honorable and want our respect, then stop with the riddles,” Bryn said.
“Ever since the attack at the Christmas ball, Ferrin has sent out guards with the express order to execute any hybrids they can find, which is why I placed the spell on the hatch to hide the handle and keep the entrance hidden. Not that it did much good.”
Jaxon took a step forward. “My father would never kill unarmed dragons.”
“He didn’t do it with his own hands, of course, but he ordered it done,” Onyx said. “Now, if you’ll do me the favor of leaving out the hatch and taking all your hidden guards with you…” Onyx said.
This was all so crazy. “You didn’t have to let me know my mother was alive or give me the antidote, so thank you. I’d like to think, if everyone acts reasonably, we can develop some sort of peace.”
“That’s a lovely thought.” Onyx gave a sad smile. “But if your grandfather has his way, I probably won’t live out the night.”
“Then why do any of this?” Bryn asked.
“I wanted to show them who we were. There are Radica
l dragons in the forest, but the majority of my friends want to live their lives peacefully, and I wanted you to see the Directorate more clearly.”
Was he acting again? “I know the Directorate is old-fashioned and some of their thinking is downright archaic, but you’re the one I don’t understand. When I first came here, you gave me a protection charm. Why?”
“Alec had become unstable, and I feared he’d make an attempt on your life. I was trying to do what I could to keep you safe without breaking any of my allegiances.”
“What are your allegiances?” Jaxon asked. “Because it seems like you’re playing on several sides.”
“Perhaps I am. I don’t want war, but I don’t want things to continue on as they’ve always been. I think change is coming, and it is overdue. I’d prefer it happen in a peaceful manner, but I’m not sure that’s possible. I’m hoping this safe haven I plan to create for hybrids and Throwbacks will alleviate some of the tension and bad blood between the Directorate and its citizens.”
Damn it all, if she didn’t believe him. “I think you’re aiming for a worthy goal, but I’m not sure you’re going about it in the right way. Clashing with the Directorate will never lead to peace.”
“Believe me when I tell you I’d love to keep the casualty list at zero, but I’m not the only player on the field.”
“Instead of all this sneaking around, why don’t you meet with the Directorate and present your concerns,” Jaxon said.
Onyx laughed. “I’d be dead as soon as I entered the room with them. They aren’t the forgiving types.”
“I’d like to give you my word that you won’t be harmed,” Bryn said. “But I’m not sure my word carries much weight.”
“Mine does,” Jaxon stated with absolute conviction. “I’ll give you my word as a Westgate. No harm will come to you, if you agree to meet with the Directorate.”
For the first time, it appeared Onyx was at a loss for words. “Why?”
“Because, it’s clear to me now that Throwbacks and hybrids aren’t all bad, but some are. It’s the ones who attacked Dragon’s Bluff and the Institute that we need to fight against, not the ones who are seeking access to campus and trying to blend in.”
“I look forward to a time when you are running the Directorate, Jaxon Westgate, but for now, it’s best if my friends and I disappear for awhile. Your father’s temper might make it hard for you to keep your word.”
“Follow me.” Jaxon headed toward the ladder. They all followed. “Give me a minute.” He climbed up the ladder. “Valmont, bring me that microphone.”
Bryn heard a reply but couldn’t make out the words.
“Because I asked nicely,” Jaxon snapped. “And the faster you do this, the faster we can leave.”
“To anyone who is listening,” Jaxon said in a loud voice, “I have given my word as a Westgate that no harm will come to Onyx if he wishes to speak to the Directorate. Do not make the mistake of crossing me. You’ve all been witness to how long one of us can hold a grudge.”
“Nicely done,” Bryn shouted up to him.
“Time to go,” Jaxon said.
With her arm around her mother’s waist, Bryn headed for the ladder. Tears filled her eyes. “Please come with me. We can keep you safe. We can keep Dad safe, too.”
Her mom wiped at the tears running down her own face. “I am so proud of you, and I’d love to come with you, but I can’t. I’ll be in contact with you soon.”
Bryn indulged in one final hug.
“Go on,” her mom said.
Walking away from her mother now was so much harder than it had been when she’d left for school. “Promise me you’ll stay safe. I’ve already mourned you once. I can’t do it again.”
“I promise…and tell my parents I love them and I look forward to reuniting with them.”
Bryn sniffled and climbed up the ladder. It felt like she was being torn in two. She had to keep moving. She had to get back to her grandparents.
“Shut the hatch when you leave,” Onyx called out.
Jaxon and Valmont waited for her. Bryn stood and grabbed the hatch door, slamming it closed so Onyx could lock it from the inside.
“Talk so they know you’re okay.” Valmont handed her the microphone as they walked to the SUV.
“The antidote worked. I’m fine.”
Once they reached the SUV, Jaxon said, “Bryn sit up front with me. We need to present a united front.”
“Okay.” She didn’t necessarily understand his logic, but she climbed in when Valmont opened the door for her.
They took off like a rocket.
“In a hurry?” Bryn asked.
“You know they’ll be waiting to talk to us.”
“Of course they will,” Bryn said. “And they better have food. That antidote drained my energy.”
“Probably because it drained some of your blood,” Valmont said.
“Yeah, and that was disturbing.” Bryn looked at her hands. No cuts were visible. “And strange.”
“Did you keep the bottle the antidote came in?” Valmont asked.
“I assumed Medic Williams would want to study a sample of it.” Bryn pulled the bottle from her pocket and showed him the tiny bit left in the bottom.
They’d barely driven back onto campus and parked the SUV when Bryn’s grandmother yanked the car door open. “Are you all right?”
“I’m a little weak, but I think I’m okay.” Bryn leveraged herself out of the SUV and hugged her grandmother. She desperately wanted to tell her that her mom was alive but that would have to wait until they were alone.
“You really do need to stop scaring the life out of me,” her grandmother whispered before releasing her.
“Gladly.” Bryn glanced around and spotted Medic Williams. “I better hand this over before someone marches me off to a meeting.”
“No one is marching you anywhere.” Her grandmother placed a hand on Bryn’s elbow as if to hold her in place. With her other hand she gestured for the medic to join them.
Bryn held out the bottle. “I’m not sure what’s in it, but I saved you a sample.”
“Good idea.” Medic Williams placed her hand on Bryn’s forehead. “Let me do a scan to make sure you’re all right.”
Bryn felt the familiar warm honey sensation flowing through her body.
“Everything appears to be in order. I’m going to channel a little Quintessence into your body because you’re weak from fatigue.”
Bryn closed her eyes and another lovely warm sensation flowed through her muscles, giving her energy. “Thank you. That’s much better.”
Medic Williams pointed at Bryn like she was about to give her a lecture. “Take it easy for a while. We don’t know the long-term effects of whatever this was.”
Valmont moved a step closer and said, “Don’t worry, between Mrs. Sinclair and myself, we’ll make sure Bryn doesn’t over exert herself.”
“Now we’re going for a short walk to one of the private rooms in the dining hall where you will eat and Jaxon can explain what happened.” Keeping her hand on Bryn’s arm, her grandmother headed down the walkway.
“How did you get Ferrin to agree to come down from his office on high?” Bryn asked. “He normally makes us trudge up there.”
“I informed him where the debriefing would be and invited him to attend.” Her grandmother gave a wicked smile. “You should have seen the expression on his face. Your grandfather wasn’t pleased at first, but he came around.”
Bryn loved that her grandmother was openly stepping up. She knew her grandmother had always contributed to her grandfather’s business and political decisions, but previously, she’d stayed in the background.
“Your grandfather is probably being agreeable because he wants to make sure you have an influence in the Directorate after he retires,” Valmont said.
Her grandmother nodded. “I think you’re right. Now we need to get Jaxon on board.”
“I think he’s already on board,” Bryn said. “If for
no other reason, than he knows I’m not the type to keep my opinion to myself.” She glanced around. “Speaking of Jaxon, where is he?”
“I believe he took off for the dining hall while the medic was examining you,” Valmont said. “I imagine he has a few questions he wants to ask his father.”
Poor Jaxon. If his father really had ordered the execution of innocent dragons, how would he deal with that?
Once they made it to the private room in the dining hall, Bryn saw that Jaxon sat beside his father, his expression unreadable, like an upper class Blue who thought a gathering was beneath him. It was the exact same expression Ferrin wore.
“That’s not good,” Valmont whispered to Bryn as he pulled out her chair.
Bryn’s grandfather greeted her with a nod. “You look much better.”
A door opened and the scent of pizza wafted into the room. “That smells fabulous.” Bryn’s mouth watered.
“I thought you’d approve,” her grandfather said. “Don’t bother waiting for the rest of us, you need to eat.”
“Thank you.” As soon as the waiter set the thick crust cheese pizza on the table, Bryn grabbed a slice and took a bite. It was spicy-cheese-and-tomato-sauce-covered-carbohydrate-bliss. She finished off two slices and felt more like herself. “There. That’s much better.”
“Perhaps now we can get down to business,” Ferrin stated in his holier-than-thou tone.
“Good idea,” Valmont said. “Did you order the execution of hybrid dragons like the ones living on my property?”
“You,” Ferrin pointed at Valmont, “have no right to speak in this meeting, so I will ignore your absurd question.”
“Then I’ll repeat it,” Bryn said. “No disrespect okay, that is a big fat lie but Onyx told us some disturbing things this evening. Did you order the execution of hybrids?”
“No,” Ferrin stated and then sat back and crossed his arms over his chest.
“How do we know you’re telling the truth?” Bryn asked.
“I am the Speaker for the Directorate,” Ferrin said, like maybe she’d forgotten that fun fact. “I’m trying to stop a war, not start one.”
