by Ruth Silver
“Do you tell yourself that so you can sleep at night?” I shot back. “I'm sure Joshua would love to know the truth about his father.”
“What truth?” He had no idea what I was talking about.
“Seriously?” I laughed, the dagger twirling in my hand. “You're joking, right? Was Anita a willing participant? I'm guessing you didn't give her a choice and then she was murdered over it. You disgust me,” I snarled. “Maybe he's better off knowing who his father is, even if it means losing you.”
He pinched the bridge of his nose. “Listen, you little brat.” He dropped his hands to his side. “I don't know why you're here or what you want, but I can assure you, what I had with Anita was consensual.”
“I'd ask her but it's a little too late for that,” I retorted.
“In a few weeks, it won't matter anymore. No one will care.” He walked towards the window, casting the shade aside as he glanced outside. “Everything's changing.”
“Yes, everything is,” I agreed. “You want your son back in your life, you'll do as I tell you.”
Dylan sighed as he shifted on his feet. “Fine, what is it you want from me?”
A few minutes later, I walked alongside Dylan Warren as we approached what had once been the Governor's mansion. It was no longer engulfed in flames, but a mess of rubble strewn across the lawn.
My stomach flopped as I surveyed the damage. I was thankful Jaxon's body was moved, but saddened I had no idea where he'd been taken. Some Cabal soldiers dug through rubble, looking for survivors. I guessed they were searching for their leader.
“What do you expect from me?” Dylan stopped walking, watching the aftermath of our destruction.
“All in due time,” I answered, confident of my actions. I had to be confident; I had no other choice. Showing weakness would get me killed. To the right of the rubble, I could see Jordan and a small band of followers he'd managed to round up. I didn't know how many were originally part of the rebel alliance but at least our numbers were growing in Genesis. He gave me a brief salute, letting me know he saw me. “This way.” I led Dylan towards Jordan and the mix of soldiers. There were twelve in total, three wearing the Cabal uniform and the rest of them neighbors.
“Where's Joel?” I inquired, taking a quick headcount of our small army.
“Trying to rally more support.” Jordan glanced around. “We have another dozen soldiers with him.”
“Cabal soldiers?” I asked, surprised.
Jordan smiled. “Yes, ma'am. They just want to go home and seeing as how all the governors are dead, the tide seems to be turning.”
“So it is,” I mused, glad the soldiers accepted our terms. Even with an army of two dozen, we wouldn’t have enough support if an air strike occurred, or if any additional men from the Cabal army rode into town. For now, it would have to suffice.
CHAPTER 25
“We got incoming!” From atop the stone wall, a rebel sat watching for troops.
“Everybody get in position!” Jordan shouted orders as the rebels raised their shotguns and pistols they'd stolen off dead troops. I refused to use a gun. I hadn't been trained with one, and so long as I wasn't on the front line, I'd be fine. At least, I hoped as much.
I crouched down behind the rubble of what had once been a house. I didn't know who lived there or why the Cabal soldier had burned it to the ground, only that it must have been in retaliation. The remains were black and charred. I coughed from the fumes. Even though it wasn't smoldering, it reeked of smoke.
From a crouching position, I could see headlights directed straight for town moving through the open gate. It had been knocked down sometime during the chaos of the past few hours. Without much warning or hesitation, shots ripped through the vehicles on their approach.
My eyes widened in terror, recognizing that it wasn't a military truck. “Stop!” I screamed, running out from my position. “Stop! They're rebels!” I shrieked at the top of my lungs, “They're with us!” I knew they were coming but it had taken longer than I'd anticipated. It took a few moments for the firing to cease and the air to still as the first vehicle rolling in slammed into a house and caught fire. “Shit,” I muttered, rushing towards the scene. I didn't know who was in the car and didn't care: they were one of us and we could have killed them. “You idiots!” I couldn't believe the mess they'd made. Did they not know the difference between a military vehicle and any other mode of transportation? Of course they didn't, they'd never seen anything outside of Genesis. I was furious and fuming as I approached the vehicle.
I could hear footsteps behind me, whispers and chatter. I couldn't make out any words, my focus was on whoever was trapped inside. My eyes widened in terror as I caught a glimpse of brown hair, a head hanging forward, trapped by the seatbelt and unconscious. “Joshua!” I screamed, eyes wide in fear as the vehicle began to catch ablaze. “Nooooo!” I shrieked and felt the ground vibrate from my scream. As quickly as the flames rose, they diminished. Smoke filled the area and I reached for the door handle, not caring that it burned my hand as I pulled it open. “Josh, come on, Josh, wake up.” I didn't wait for anyone else to help. My fingers went to the seatbelt, unlatching it as his body fell forward into my arms. “It's okay, I've got you.” I wasn't sure that it was okay but I kept telling myself he'd be fine.
As I pulled his body from the car and down onto the ground, the car barely shielded us from prying eyes. “You can't die on me.” My voice caught in my throat, only now seeing the blood seeping through his shirt. His stomach bled profusely. “Damn it!” I screamed, my voice echoing against the stone wall.
“What can we do?” I heard Jordan's voice but refused to look up. Tears filled my eyes, and my hands shook as I leant down over Josh's body.
“Just go away,” I mumbled, sobbing into his chest. “Go away!” I screamed even louder, hearing his retreating steps. I lowered my lips to Joshua's. His skin was pale, ashen, his breathing labored, barely visible, but he hadn't died, not yet. “You will not give up, do you hear me?” I gave him a kiss, hard and filled with passion. I poured energy to him, gasping as I pulled back, tears covering his cheeks as much as my own from my pain. “I love you, Josh.” I covered the injury on his chest with my hands, letting my energy and will to live pass through him. I didn't know if it would work. I'd done it once with Drezden: I had to be able to heal Joshua. “Come on.” I closed my eyes, feeling a warmth spread through my fingers, burning my hands, the nerves tingling as if they were on fire. My hands trembled from exhaustion before finally stilling. “Josh?” His shirt was still covered in blood. I refused to look up, to know if anyone witnessed what I'd done. It could get us both killed.
He groaned, the color returning to his cheeks. “What happened?” His voice was raspy, his throat raw. “Where am I?” He was disoriented.
“You're in Genesis.” I smiled, staring down at him.
“You're alive,” Dylan gasped. I turned around to see his father standing behind me as he walked around to give Joshua a hug. “I missed you, son.”
“I missed you too.” Joshua returned the hug before we both helped him to his feet. “I'm okay,” he insisted, lifting the hem of his shirt. There was a slight scar and dried blood but the injury had healed.
Dylan raised an inquisitive eye as he glanced at me. “What the hell are you, child?”
“Just an ordinary girl.” I laughed nervously, hoping I wasn't in more danger from what I'd just done.
“I'm not sure I'd call you that.” Dylan wrapped an arm around Joshua's waist. “Let me get you home.”
“Dad,” Joshua resisted.
“No. Listen, son. Everyone thinks you're dead. If you show up in Town Square perfectly fine and healthy, it'll look suspicious.”
“I am healthy and fine,” Joshua reminded his father.
Dylan shot me a look. “Tell him you agree with me.”
I didn't want to agree with Dylan. “Your father's right.” I had to do what was best for Joshua and for myself.
Dylan l
et out a sigh of relief. “Good. I can get him home unnoticed. There's a meeting going on right now, Olivia. You should be a part of it.”
“Me?” I was shocked. “Why?”
“Just go,” he insisted, patting me on the back to move along.
My stomach somersaulted, uncertain if I should leave Joshua alone with his father. I didn't think Dylan would hurt his son, but after what he'd witnessed, I wasn't sure. “Okay, I'll be back.” I stared at Joshua, letting him tell me if he wasn't okay. You got this? I mentally asked, knowing he'd tell me if he didn't.
I'll be fine; you should see what my father is talking about. I'll catch up with you later, for a proper reunion. I leaned in, dropping a quick kiss to his cheek before heading towards the commotion in town.
From atop the stage, the same platform where the marriage ceremony and ‘The Day of the Chosen’ took place, Jordan rallied the people.
“We can't stand by and watch our children be taken from us. We're slaves to the government. They oppress us, show us only what they want us to see. Tell us only what they want us to know!” His voice echoed among the crowd. “We shall rise up together, as a new nation.” Jordan's eyes locked on mine. “There are losses among us, great ones we will remember and recognize. Joshua Warren—”
I cut him off, walking through the crowd. “Joshua isn't dead.” A murmur erupted through the town. Jordan gave me a puzzled look, certain he'd witnessed his death. “He's healing,” I offered. “By morning we hope he'll be well enough to be on his feet.” I didn't need to tell them he was already walking around just fine.
“How can that be?” A voice erupted in the audience. I turned, trying to find who asked the question, but couldn't see the person.
“A miracle.” It was all I could offer. I spotted Elsa and Chloe, giving them a faint nod. “Tell us what you're proposing we do, as a community.” I let him lead. After all, that was his job. At the same time, I wasn't going to let him destroy this new world we had worked to build if he had any ill intentions.
Jordan gave me a quizzical look before continuing his speech. “Governors rose from power given to them, not awarded on a fair system. We will vote for those we want to see in office. We will give true equality to the men and women of this nation. We will grant them freedom and, yes, we'll have to develop a proper system to have children, but no baby should be taken from his or her home. An election will follow and we will choose our leaders to represent the people.” He glanced at me, seeing if I was in approval of his message. I didn't want to tell him the system would be in shambles for a while, and that the people needed stability and assurances that their needs would be considered. “Would you like to come up here?” Jordan offered, waving me up. He knew the people respected me and many had wondered what had happened after I'd disappeared.
The crowd quieted as I stepped onto the platform. My eyes moved over the crowd and I offered a reassuring smile. “First, I want to thank everyone for coming out here tonight. I know it's past curfew and the world seems to be changing but I promise you, we are not alone in this change. Right now the other towns are in the middle of an uprising, a full-blown revolution,” I explained. “Many of the soldiers who patrolled this town and the outer walls are citizens of the outside cities. They've never told you this. It was forbidden. There is much to be discussed and much to learn. I'm in agreement with Jordan's proposal of an election and we, as a community, need to develop a new set of laws. I've been to Torv, a town hours from here by vehicle, but one full of hope and promise. With electricity and modern technology they are not much different than us,” I elaborated. “I'd like to recommend we elect three leaders who will represent our town and come to Torv for an election as we rebuild a democracy.”
“We want you, Olivia!” I heard a shout in the crowd and couldn't see quite where it came from in the darkness.
“I am not looking to be your leader,” I answered. “Your leader should be someone from Genesis. Someone who will represent what is best for the people. Someone who will put others first and be honest and fair.”
A murmur erupted through the crowd as they discussed this new information. “I will remain on the council as long as I can,” I offered and the commotion slowly simmered down. I couldn't explain that this no longer felt like home. I didn't know where I fit in this new world. I only knew I didn't want to be tied down, responsible for knowing what was best for everyone.
“The good news: with all of your hard work and sacrifice, the government's military has disbanded,” I announced. A loud cheer erupted from the crowd.
“Any word on the other cities?” Another voice echoed in the crowd.
Elsa moved forward towards the platform with an eager nod as I helped her step up and approach the crowd. “We have members of the rebel alliance in all the cities of Cabal. The rebels in Provisions locked themselves in protecting their food source. Eventually they'll come out. The citizens of Livery were already in a full revolt against the government when rebels from Fora arrived. Fora citizens were able to squash the small military force that was in Livery. I haven't heard anything from the towns of Edifice, the other Genesis towns, or Maven.”
“There are other Genesis towns?” Curiosity spread as voices rose, asking more questions.
Jordan held up his hand and gestured for everyone to be quiet so that Elsa could elaborate.
“Yes, there are other Genesis cities, just like yours. They were used for breeding, to ensure a mixed and healthy population.” Elsa explained. Another voice, older and gruffer, answered me. “How will we decide who to elect?”
I nodded. “I've learned much about history and our past. An election will be cast where everyone may vote for the candidates they wish to see in office.” I tried to remember the lessons in Haven I'd read and the books back home I'd studied. “We will hold a debate and let the candidates tell you what they stand for. What they believe in and the laws they wish to enact. From that debate the people of Genesis will choose who they wish to represent the community. Two weeks from today shall be the election.” I stepped off the stage with Elsa following behind me. The crowd made room for me as I moved swiftly back towards Joshua's childhood home. I wanted to be with him.
“Back so soon?” he teased as I opened the front door and saw him sitting on the sofa.
“For now.” I smiled, scooting next to him, resting my head on his shoulder. “Where's your father?” I asked, running my hand along his thigh.
“He's in the kitchen, trying to prepare me a good meal before we go home.”
“Home?” I repeated, letting out a heavy sigh. Even with the changes that would come, Genesis couldn't be home, not with what Joshua and I had become.
“I thought you'd want to go back to Shadow because Adelaide is there.”
“She is one of the reasons I want to go back.” At one point, she was the only reason I cared about staying in Shadow. For months, I'd wanted to leave, to escape. Now that I had the chance, I wasn't sure where else to go. Joshua and I, we didn't fit into any city in this world. Not with the things we were capable of doing. To imagine a life without using my abilities wouldn't have seemed so trivial if it wasn't for nearly losing the one person I loved, Joshua. I couldn't take a risk that I'd be forbidden from using them elsewhere. Shadow would have to be home.
“One of the reasons?” he repeated. “There are others?” He softly brushed his lips against mine. “Things may begin to change,” he breathed, staring at me, “once an election takes place and the representatives meet at Torv. It's likely families who had children taken will want them back.”
“I know, things are going to become a mess.” I didn't want any part of figuring out how to resolve it. Adelaide had already been through so much. “Have I screwed up?” I asked, closing my eyes and wishing it all away. “I don't want to pull her away from the only family she knows.” I felt terrible.
“Change takes time,” Joshua remarked. “Perhaps we can arrange a system that will allow for children wishing to know their birth p
arents the opportunity to see their families again.”
I shook my head in dismay. “They're still stolen children,” I remarked. “This is a disaster.” My mind raced. “What are we going to do?”
“We?” Joshua asked. He hadn't moved. “The way I see it, you get to ask the tough questions when you handle the debate. The candidates will have to figure out what laws to propose.”
“You heard about the debate?” I asked, surprised.
“I may have snuck out of the house,” Joshua smiled. “I promise though, no one saw me. At least not for who I am.”
“You didn't?” My mouth dropped. “Glamour?”
“You're not the only special one,” he smiled, leaning in and stealing a brief kiss from my lips. “I figured it out too.”
I laughed gently resting my hand against his chest. “In all seriousness.” I stared at him. “You and me. What are we going to do?”
His thumb stroked my cheek. “We go home, we don't worry about it. It's not our job to change the world, well, any more than we already have,” he laughed.
CHAPTER 26
As we packed the car, I knew there was one person I needed to say goodbye to before we left. I never had the chance the last time.
Joshua accompanied me as we walked up the front lawn towards the door. I gave a brief knock, knowing she was home but wondering if she'd answer. After everything that happened, I hadn't seen her much during the uprising in Genesis.
She pulled open the door and embraced me in a tight hug. “I wish I could convince you to stay.”
I sighed, feeling the heat of her stare. “I don't belong here.”
“I wish I could tell you that weren't true. That you do belong here.” My mother paused, considering her words. She looked distraught. Heavy bags lined her eyes and her skin was glistening and pale.
“What's wrong?” I swallowed the nerves, pressing forward.
She gestured us inside, shutting the door behind us. “There are rumors about the two of you, they don't make sense, witchcraft, magic.” She laughed at how absurd it sounded. “Some people think you helped Joshua rise from the dead.”
