Silence of Stars

by Holly J. Wood

  “Rusty noticed that I was calling you by your first name. Between that and Slade’s accusation, I realized I had to be more careful. That’s why I was so abrupt. I hope you can forgive me.”

  I braved a glance his direction and was instantly drawn in by the hypnotic blue of his eyes. “Of course,” I said. “But won’t it be a problem for us to go exploring together . . . alone?” Please say no, please say no.

  Gideon shook his head. “When we’re around everyone else I’ll have to treat you like any other Recruit, but I can keep us off the radar at night.”

  My stomach lurched at the determined look in his eyes. I could only manage a nod.

  He smiled and straightened his shoulders. “So, now that you know what I want—isn’t there something you wanted from me?”

  My eyebrows furrowed and then my mouth dropped open. I took a step closer, grasping the front of his tunic.

  “You’re going to teach me to ride?”

  CHAPTER

  Nineteen

  The light from the moons glistened off Chrysaor’s sleek golden coat as Gideon led him through a field near the Norths’ tree home. He pointed out flowers and plants that bloomed at night and shone in the darkness.

  A few nocturnal animals scurried in the deep grass around us and I shivered, grateful I wasn’t out alone. We hadn’t seen any snakes, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the Recruit who’d been blinded.

  “This should be far enough,” Gideon said. He touched Chrysaor’s muzzle and the stallion went completely still.

  “How do you control him so easily?” I asked.

  “Lots and lots of training.” He patted the animal’s neck. “I’m going to get on first, and then I’ll pull you up in front of me.”

  I nodded and tried to quiet the flutter of anticipation in my chest. I thought he was going to give me riding lessons, but I wasn’t about to argue away the chance to ride with him.

  Gideon’s eyes met mine. “This is the crucial part: once you’re in the saddle you’re going to hang onto his mane as tight as you can. I’ll hold onto you and won’t let go. Chrysaor is more powerful than any horse you’ve ridden, so you’ll have to trust me.” His eyes searched mine as he waited for my response.

  “I understand.” I watched as he mounted Chrysaor, expecting to take his hand and use the stirrup to get on, but Gideon simply reached around my waist and pulled me up in front of him in one fluid motion.

  “Comfortable?” he asked.

  “Um, yeah.” I was much more than that with Gideon’s firm chest against my back, but I tried not to think about it. There was plenty of room for both of us in the saddle, though the wings would take some getting used to.

  I laced my fingers through the shimmery mane. It was like running my fingers through silk. Gideon wrapped his arms around my waist. The light flowing from him coupled by his proximity caused me to take in a sharp breath.

  “Are you alright?” His jaw grazed the top of my hair. The contact caused another shockwave of delight across my skin, but I fought to maintain composure.

  “I’m fine. Just getting used to it.” I said, grateful it was too dark for him to notice my blush. I could feel his heartbeat beneath the firmness of his chest.

  “We’ll do an easy flight this time. Let me know when you’re ready, and then hold on tigh—”

  “Ready,” I said before he could finish.

  He chuckled and suddenly Chrysaor’s wings were beating the air. We picked up into a fast trot and quickly stretched out at a full gallop. I grinned as the wind whipped around us. The sound of Chrysaor’s pounding hooves was replaced with the rushing of air. We were flying!

  There was so much adrenaline pumping through my veins I thought I might burst. I turned to look at Gideon at the same time he looked down at me. Our eyes met. If either one of us moved forward half an inch our lips would have touched. Something wild flashed in Gideon’s eyes a moment before he looked away.

  I faced forward again and buried my fingers deeper into Chrysaor’s mane. We were already well above the tree line. As fun as the Orb had been, this flight brought a new sense of freedom.

  The sweetly scented wind thrashed the hair beneath my shawl like a live thing. My body filled with Gideon’s light as he kept his strong arms locked firmly around me. I couldn’t take in the scenery fast enough. The mountains, trees, and nocturnal plants all glimmered below us.

  “Look down there.”

  I followed where he was pointing. A herd of wild aerion grazed in an open field. Chrysaor’s ribcage expanded as he let out a loud, musical whinny.

  “Hold on,” Gideon instructed.

  I tightened my grip on the mane as we glided down for a closer look. The aerion thundered down the field, kicking up clouds of fireflies as they took flight. I was awestruck by the beauty of these wild creatures. Gideon urged Chrysaor faster until we were close enough to see them better. In the midst of the herd I spotted a white mare with iridescent wings shimmering like multi-colored fire.

  “Look!” I said, pointing at the mare.

  “Don’t let go of the mane.” Gideon’s grip tightened.

  I grabbed hold of the mane again but didn’t take my eyes off the white aerion. “Do you see that one?”

  He chuckled at my enthusiasm. “I see her. She’s beautiful.”

  “Can we take a closer look?”

  “I don’t dare cut into the herd; not when you’re with me.”

  “Okay.” I swallowed the disappointment as Gideon reigned Chrysaor back and we fell farther and farther behind the herd. Chrysaor snorted in protest, but obeyed his master’s commands. We slowed until we were no longer moving forward, hovering in place in the air.

  “We’d better get heading back soon,” Gideon said.

  My spirit deflated, but I nodded. He’d been so accommodating that I didn’t want to be ungrateful. “Okay.”

  He paused. “Before we go back, there’s something I want to show you.”

  I turned, careful not to get as close as before. “Let’s go!”

  He grinned. When his eyes met mine his smile turned cajoling. “Do you think you could handle it if we went a little faster this time?”

  My jaw dropped. “He can go faster?”

  Gideon’s eyes narrowed and his arms tightened around my waist. Chrysaor pawed the air as we hovered in place. As soon as Gideon gave the signal, Chrysaor whinnied and broke into a flight that increased in pace until I almost couldn’t breathe.

  Tears streaked beneath my screens as the wind whipped faster and faster around us. Gideon held me tighter, increasing his light flow until I was sure I could never be separated from it again. I thought of our passage through the wormhole, but this was a thousand times better. This time I was fully conscious—though I was experiencing such a sensory overload I was afraid I might black out at any moment.

  After a few minutes of blinding speed, Gideon slowed Chrysaor. We approached a tall mountain; taller than any I’d seen. Like all the mountains here, there was a waterfall cascading down its face, branching over a huge outcropping of stone that split the waterfall in two.

  Gideon led us up close until I could feel the spray coming off one of the falls. He guided Chrysaor down to the base of the upper falls that fed into a large pond. I gasped as we approached and got a closer look.

  “The water glows!”

  Chrysaor’s wings beat slower until his hooves came to rest in the grass beside the pond of neon blue water. Gideon slid off the saddle behind me. Everything was instantly darker when I no longer felt his touch.

  He stood on the ground and reached up, pulling me down by my waist until we were both standing by the pond. Chrysaor grazed in the tall grasses and I stretched my legs as a chorus of cricket and birdsong filled the night air.

  “This is Halo Pond. It’s where I come when I need to think.” Gideon turned and gave me a wistful smile. “I’ve never brought anyone here before.”

  The look in his
eyes made my heart pound against my ribcage. “Thank you for sharing it with me.” I had the overwhelming desire to reach for him, so I crossed my arms instead and took a step closer to the pond. “What makes it glow like that?”

  “The water that comes from these falls is the purest in all of Lior. The soil at the bottom contains light minerals that make it glow. There are many ponds and lakes like this on Halo Mountain, but this is my favorite.” He bent down to run his hand through the water.

  I mirrored the movement, and then turned to him in surprise. “It’s warm!”

  One corner of his mouth lifted and he nodded. “I read in your file that you like to swim, so I thought maybe we could swim here before you have to leave.”

  I grabbed his hand. “Right now?”

  He stilled and looked down at my hand. I blushed and was about to draw it away, but he tightened his grip around my fingers. “Not tonight. It’s already late and I need to get you back.” He raised his eyes until they were level with mine. “But I promise to take you before you return home.”

  With his light flowing through my hand and his eyes penetrating mine, the desire to move closer to him was more than I could bear. I took a tiny step forward and tilted my face up to his.

  Gideon’s chest shuddered as he inhaled and took my other hand. His blue eyes ignited with a smoldering I’d never seen in them before as he bent down. Our faces were mere inches away from each other. His gaze traveled from my eyes to my lips. Everything around us went still. I held my breath.

  A twig snapped loudly nearby. Chrysaor snorted, lifting his head. Gideon dropped my hands and motioned for me to be quiet as he guided us behind a nearby tree.

  My heart thudded wildly, stunned from the impact of the almost-kiss and now hammering painfully in fear. Was someone watching us?

  Wait here while I check it out.

  I nodded and tried to steady my breathing as I strained to hear any sound.

  After a few moments that felt like eons, Gideon returned.

  “I didn’t see anything.” He glanced around. “It might have been an animal, but we should probably get going . . . just in case.”

  “Okay.” I nodded but didn’t move, waiting to see if he would try to recreate the moment we’d lost.

  Gideon motioned for me to follow him. “Come on.” He was acting the way he did when others were around. I bit the inside of my cheek and followed a few steps behind him. He mounted Chrysaor and pulled me up in front again. I gripped the mane as the stallion galloped through the tall grass. We were soaring through the air in a matter of seconds.

  We’re going to fly fast, are you okay with that?

  I nodded and tightened my grip on Chrysaor’s mane. Gideon gave Chrysaor his head and we shot through the air like a streak of fire.

  My arms and legs burned as I used all of my strength to hold on. I didn’t want Gideon to think I was weak, so I gritted my teeth and forced myself to give more. There wasn’t time to enjoy scenery or the power of this incredible flight; all of my energy was focused on maintaining my grip.

  Just when I was sure my muscles would give out, Chrysaor slowed down. I lifted my head and saw the Norths’ tree home, but that was all I could muster. Gideon’s light flowing through me was the only source of strength I had left.

  Lark, are you alright?

  I heard the worry in his tone. Straightening my back, I gathered his light and nodded. He must have conveyed the message to Chrysaor that we were in stealth mode, because the stallion was all but silent as he glided up to the balcony outside my window.

  I reached for the railing—praying I would have the strength to pull myself over—when Gideon gathered me into his arms and leapt onto the balcony. My body went limp and I didn’t have the energy to protest.

  I’m so sorry. I should never have pushed you like that on your first ride. I was afraid we were being followed, and my fear made me reckless. Gideon’s eyes were tight as he held me in his arms like a fragile bird before laying me on the bed.

  I shook my head against the pillow. “Don’t apologize,” I whispered. “This was the best night of my life. I just need to get my riding legs back. Tomorrow night I’ll do better.”

  He frowned. We’ll see how you’re feeling. If you’re not up to going to the Academy—

  I shook my head and gave him a wry smile. “I may be from Earth, but I’m not as puny as you think.”

  No one from your world is stronger.

  I rolled my eyes, but he didn’t smile. His blue eyes glimmered as we stared at each other. There were a few seconds of silence which were filled with something dense and electric. It felt like waiting—longing—smothering heat.

  Gideon reached to the foot of my bed and paused, holding up my Bible. “Were you reading this?”

  I sat up. “Oh no! I completely forgot. I need to read.”

  “Tomorrow.” He gently pushed me back down and then drew the blankets up over me. His face drew close and level with mine.

  Sleep well, Lark. His voice was husky.

  I held my breath; expectation suffocating me as his mouth hovered inches above mine. I felt his warm breath on my cheek. Before I could exhale, he was gone.

  CHAPTER

  Twenty

  I double-checked my screens to make sure they were recording as we stood outside our first training observation.

  “All set?” Gideon asked.

  I gave him a thumbs up.

  He nodded. “Remember, you and Captain Harris are here to document and make friends with the others, so don’t be nervous. We’re starting out with a class I think you’ll like.”

  “What is it?”

  He scanned his cuff at the door and it slid open. “See for yourself.”

  I gave him a curious glance.

  Rusty turned to Slade. “In case you’re wondering, I’m fine too,” he said dryly.

  Slade rolled his eyes. “You going in, or what?”

  Rusty winked at me. “Can’t you just feel the love?”

  I snickered and followed him through the door. As we entered the large room, I was hit by the smell of food and the sound of pots and pans clanging. Apparently we’d just entered Lior’s largest kitchen. Rows of Recruits working at their stations stretched out before us.

  At the front of the room was a large kitchen area. A middle-aged woman in Freedom Fighter uniform stood behind a butcher-block table. Her voice carried over the room as she kneaded dough.

  “The trick is to use enough flour so that the dough doesn’t stick, but not so much that it makes the bread dry.”

  The Recruits were kneading dough at their stations as she spoke, their Guardians standing watch. One of the Guardians close to the front stepped forward and whispered in the instructor’s ear. She dusted her hands on her apron and straightened.

  “Recruits, we have some visitors here this morning. I’m sure you all recognize Captains Taylor and Harris. They will be observing our class, so be sure to give your best effort.”

  There was a ripple of excitement as all eyes turned toward us. I hated the attention but willed myself to smile like Rusty was.

  The instructor nodded and resumed teaching. “Now back to the dough. Once you have it properly kneaded, you’ll set it in a bowl to rise and begin working on the eggs.”

  “Okay, guys. Go do your thing,” Gideon said.

  “We just walk around?” I shifted my weight, glancing about the large room.

  He nodded.

  “Should we stick together or split up?” Rusty asked.

  Gideon’s eyes flicked between us. “If you split up, you can cover more ground.”

  “Do whatever you want,” Slade cut in, with a bored wave of his hand. “Just start talking to people.”

  Rusty looked at me with a questioning glance.

  I shrugged. “Might as well split up. I’d probably cramp your style anyway.”

  Disappointment creased between his eyes, but he erased it with a
smile. “Okay. Good luck.”

  “You too.” I nodded at him and walked toward a row of Recruits. Each had his or her own space that resembled kitchens on Earth, complete with sink, stove, microwave and refrigerator.

  “I don’t know why, but I was expecting some high-tech equipment in the classrooms,” I said to Gideon.

  “It wouldn’t do them much good to practice cooking on unfamiliar equipment. They are being given skills that can be applied once they return home.”

  “That makes sense.” I lowered my voice. “But how is cooking going to help our society back home? We don’t even have real food to work with.”

  He folded his arms. “For now, put the questions on hold, Sherlock. You’re not here to talk to me—talk to them.”

  I tilted my head. “Did you just make a Sherlock Holmes reference?”

  One corner of his mouth lifted. “I told you I did some research. Now quit stalling and start mingling.”

  “Fine.” I dropped my hands and gave him a look before walking along the stations.

  Recruits eyed me curiously as we passed, some smiling and others looking flustered. I smiled, but wasn’t sure how to strike up a conversation. One girl had her back turned as she worked at the stove. She was petite, with strawberry blonde hair pulled up beneath a hairnet. Maybe it was because we were similar in size, or the fact that she wasn’t staring me down, that made her less intimidating. I approached, peering over her shoulder.

  “What are you working on?”

  She started, her light blue eyes considering me before returning to her pan. “Eggs. They’re difficult to manage.” She had a pleasant accent.

  “You’re doing just fine,” her Guardian said while casting a furtive glance at Gideon.

  The girl shook her head. “I hope we’ll get to do pastries sometime. That’s my specialty.”

  “You like to cook?” I asked.

  She nodded. “My grandmother and I used to spend all of our time in the kitchen, trying to make something edible from the rations.”

  “Where are you from?”

  “Sweden.” Her face softened and I could tell she was homesick. Why had I brought up home?