“This was your plan all along: take my mother, torture Eli, kill the Rivers… all to con me into doing your dirty work?” I breath, recalling Joshua’s strewn corpse and the message in his mother’s hand.
“Call it what you will,” he examines his well-groomed nail beds, looking bored, “but you’re here, aren’t you?”
“But… why me? Why didn’t you just arrest me like you did my brother? Or kill me like you did Josh?”
His eyes flicker back towards my face, a cat-like grin spreading across his lips, “Now that’s the interesting part. You see, we studied your bloodwork intensively, as we do any witch or wizard we test. You are no ordinary witch, Kenadee Coria.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“I have studied magic quite extensively over the years, thanks to the many prisoners I’ve held, but your magic ability is one of the most powerful I’ve ever seen. Powers like that… they don’t come easily, and that’s why I have high hopes for your success.”
“So, what?” I frown, “I somehow learn how to use this magic I’ve had all my life, do whatever it is that you expect me to do, and my family walks free? How do I even know that I can trust you?”
He chuckles, “Oh, yes. You think I may be lying. I’ll admit, I would be wary too if I were in your situation. But I can assure you that I am completely serious about this transaction. Eli and your mother won’t be harmed as long as you do exactly as I say. I don’t take kindly to those who try to trick me. Try to run, betray me, and I will personally bring you to the trials, where your mommy and big brother will die horrible, slow deaths. I will kill them without hesitation.”
Unfortunately, I believe him. I can see the truth of his words written in his smug features. He means it. I sigh, my body uncoordinated with my hands behind my back, swaying as the car hits a large bump. “Fine. What do you want me to do?”
“Well, it goes back to the trolley ordeal. You might think to save the larger number. After all, it’s one life for five. But, what if they’re the reason for this war in the first place? What if their people are the ones that destroyed everything? Then what? Do you still spare them, regardless of their sins?”
I don’t respond as the car slows to a stop at a red light. Reed continues without hesitation, “I’m talking about a group of rebel witches and wizards that took over an abandoned town about three hours west of here. Terrorists, plotting against us from the confines of their sacred little home. Who would you save? Your brother, your mom? Or them?”
I furrow my brow, confused. “If they’re such a problem, why can’t you just send in your military and be done with it? Why do you need me?”
He leans back, staring out the window. “While I have many young magic employees with exceptional powers that happily dedicate themselves to ridding the nation of these radical groups, there’s no way for us to actually enter their borders. Their leaders are quite ruthless, you see. They’ve learned to protect their little hiding spot with the help of their people—barring us from the inside out.”
“And you think that I can get in?” I almost laugh at the thought. “I know nothing about magic! I just learned that I have powers! What makes you so sure that I can be the one to do this?”
“Your elite powers,” he says softly. “They’re stronger than any other’s. This group can’t keep out everyone. They’ve created this sort of magic barrier. With it, they’ve managed to barricade themselves in and everyone else out. It’s my fault, really. I sent in some of my magic soldiers a few months back, and it didn’t end well. Because of that, this group will be suspicious when you arrive. That’s why you must feed them a convincing lie, earn their trust so that they’ll confide in you, train you. You can learn your trade, you could be my most powerful soldier. No one would stand in your way.”
I gnaw on my bottom lip as Reed watches me carefully. Finally, he sighs, breaking eye contact and staring out the window. “The late President Malen was magic, as you know. He destroyed his own kind. He had this vengeance within; a hunger I’ve yet to see in anyone else. It’s the magic; it’s evil. It turns people to a darkness which they can never free themselves of. Malen wasn’t well practiced in it. He discovered it a mere few years into his quest. If he were at full power and knew what he was capable of, he could’ve easily destroyed everything.” His brow furrows and he looks to me with an expression I almost believe to be genuine. “Contrary to your belief, I’m not a monster. Yes, I did lock up your brother. I have arrested many that were magic before him. I don’t enjoy it, but I’ll do what’s necessary of me. I’m trying to stop a disaster before it occurs—that’s why I’m taking on so many young magic soldiers. If I can redirect their powers and make them see the truth, then maybe they’ll help us save the world. We can’t function in a world like Malen’s, full of horrid powers. No matter what you may think of the people you encounter on your mission, they’re terrorists, plaguing our lands. By turning them in, by working for me, you’re doing your country a great service. I know that it’s a lot to take in, but Kenadee, you have all this amazing power. We need you to use it and help us find a way to destroy them.”
I watch the buildings turn to autumn-colored trees outside the car window, chewing on my lip. Whether I like it or not, I belong to Reed now. I am his soldier. If I don’t do as he asks, I’ll be killed right alongside my family. If just one mission is what it takes, then it’s the least I can do to save the ones I love.
Reed seems to know what’s on my mind. “Think of the trolley situation. Who would you save? A small group of criminals, or innocent Americans that are being targeted by this little rebel group?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer as his eyes gleam wickedly, “Turn them in and you’ll be an American hero. You’ll save your family’s lives. Once you’re done being of service to me, I will leave you and your family alone. You’ll be paid a nice amount of money, a home, and plenty of food. You could live the rest of your life free and happy. Get inside their walls and help me bring them down from the inside. Uncover their secrets. Tell me their weaknesses, wait, as I build my army, make them stronger. Together, we’ll take them down in a matter of months and you’ll be on your way to freedom.”
I let out a sharp breath, considering President Reed’s deal. This could be the key to everything. We wouldn’t have to worry about the future. I could see Eli again... If turning over a group of criminals is what I have to do, then there’s no question. I’ll do it.
“So…do we have a deal?”
I nod, letting loose a sharp breath, “Yes, I suppose we do.”
5 THE CAR CRINKLES OVER GRAVEL as it pulls into a long driveway. Wherever we’re going, it’s nestled deep within a cove of trees. I sit up a little straighter, the handcuffs digging into my wrists as I try to see where we are headed. No one says a thing as we stop in front of a large rectangular building, a plain, steely gray with only one window by the heavy metal door.
“What is this place?” I don’t struggle as they yank me from the car.
Reed greets us at the front door. “Welcome to the training center. I have them scattered throughout the country for the use of my people. Here you’ll prepare for your mission.”
I follow them in, looking around with a racing heart. The walls inside are as plain as they are outside, a metallic gray with nothing but maps for decoration. Arms folded across my chest, I walk around the large conference table, feeling their eyes trailing me as I take a closer look at one of the maps. It features the entire U.S.A., tiny red flags in clusters around Colorado, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming.
I don’t hear Reed come up beside me. His voice makes me jump. “Those are the few known locations of witches and wizards in hiding. We conquered the eastern and southern regions of the country.”
“Why don’t they flee to Canada or Mexico if they know that you’re looking for them? Wouldn’t that keep them safe?” I ask, then instantly regret my question.
He flashes a wicked smile, “They were just as torn apart by Malen’s war as u
s. You really think they’ll take on our magic?” I don’t respond, and he continues, “If we can take down the final few here, we’ll be much closer to ridding ourselves of magic for good. You’re helping with this camp.” His finger taps a spot on the map near the border of Colorado and Wyoming, marked with a tiny red flag. “The town formerly known as Steamboat Springs. Now, it’s home to the group I mentioned before.”
I frown at the teeny red flag, a foggy memory of the town in my mind. It’d once been a ski resort, a tourist destination. They made the mistake of trying to hide the witches in a public building instead of handing them over the government when the raids were going on. Uncle Sam found out and brought in the bombs a few hours later. There were no survivors.
I glance up at Reed. “There shouldn’t be anything left of Steamboat… I thought the entire city was practically wiped off the map. Besides… if they’re so well protected, how am I supposed to get in?”
“It won’t be easy,” Reed admits, “This isn’t any ordinary group. They know very well what my plans are for them, and they intend to use everything in their power to ensure it doesn’t happen.” He slips his jacket off his shoulders and deposits it on the back of a chair, “They know my subjects, both magic and non-magic. If they think that you work for me, you’ll be in deep trouble and there will be no way for to me to save you. Tread carefully, learn about their camp, and study that barrier.”
“And then what? You want me to break it down?”
“Eventually, yes. But first, I only want you to observe and learn your magic. Build it up, Ms. Coria, because the barrier will require an entire wizard army to destroy. If you can establish their weaknesses and train yourself in your craft, we can find a way to destroy them.”
“What happens after that?” I gulp, trying to contain my spinning mind. “What will you do with them once it’s down?”
Reed’s eyes glisten darkly, “You will have backup, of course, when taking down the wall. We’ll find a way to disable them. Then, the military will step in. If they don’t cooperate, we’ll kill them.”
I lean against the table, about to respond when a door opens and a harsh-looking boy with a closely-cropped buzz cut comes marching through. He doesn’t look my way as he salutes Reed, who waves him off dismissively. “Ah, there you are, finally. Markus, meet Ms. Coria. Kenadee, Markus will be the one to help prepare you for your mission.”
Markus gives me a cold look, extending a rigid hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Now,” Reed circles around the table so that his back is turned. We both watch as he types in a plethora of numbers and the iron door clicks open, “Let me show you what else you’re up against. A more bothersome factor.”
We follow, stepping down inside a bunker-like room, laden with weapons of all sizes and abilities. A gasp escapes me as Reed plants himself in front of a large screen. “When I told you about the dangers of these people, I wasn’t kidding. In fact, there’s one in particular that I would like you to always have eyes on. She’s an influential member of their ranks, one responsible for various attacks on our people. Markus, if you’d please.”
Markus snaps his fingers and the screen flickers on. Reed stares at it with a hatred I’ve never seen before in my life. A mugshot of a girl just a few years older than me.
“Harlow Creston, age twenty-one. An escaped prisoner of mine,” The President growls, “I’m ashamed to admit that Miss Creston got the better of me. At the time, I misjudged her and she used that to her advantage. She’s escaped me twice now, and while she’s received, well—” he exchanges a smug look with Markus, “—she’s been punished. That makes her even more hell-bent on my destruction.”
Chills riddle my spine, but I say nothing. Reed plants himself beside me, still staring venomously at the photo of Harlow Creston. “You’ll observe her carefully; she’s clever as a fox, one of our nation’s greatest terrorists—her demise would mean great things for our country. I want you to try and get close to her. Take her in with great measures, stay on her good side. Most of all: be wary of her deceit.”
I study her face, determined to memorize each feature. Her image stares back at me, eyes a striking shade of icy blue. In the photo, she sports a black eye and a cut lip like she’d been in a fight.
Harlow Creston, age twenty-one. Highly dangerous.
“Now, on with business,” Reed says, opening a drawer and fumbling through it as Markus switches off the screen. “Ms. Creston isn’t the only danger there. She’s just the only one we know about. Should harm come along, we expect you to use this.”
He hands me a small device that lights up with the movement. It’s extremely light in my palm, and tiny enough that I can wrap my fingers around it. “It’s a communicator. Hold on to it, guard it with your life. The technology will work within the confinements of the barriers, so long as you do not get caught with it. Markus, call Kenadee.”
Markus does as he’s commanded with a scowl. I gasp as a screen pops up in mid-air, Markus’ face an electronic white. “We’ll use it to report to one another. In case of an emergency, you can click this—” Reed taps a button on the bottom corner and immediately it begins to flash. The entire device turns red, buzzing maniacally against the hard surface of the table. “We carry it with us always, so someone will always be near if you need them. When you’re there, I’ll expect you to answer the calls each night at nine o’clock from the safety of your own room. I want you to be a fly on the wall. Take notes, report anything and everything they plan. Keep it some place safe.”
I nod, feeling a weight in the pit of my stomach as I tuck the device into the depths of my pocket. All I have to do is this one thing. One thing to earn my family’s freedom. One thing to earn my own freedom.
I can do this.
I have to do this.
My hands tremble as my mind races through everything I’ve learned so far. There are still so many questions left unanswered. Why do I feel like this mission might be the death of me?
I bite my lip as Reed slips on the jacket he’d left dangling on the back of a chair, straightening his collar and nodding to one of his men, who slips out the door and climbs in to start the car. “Now, I have business to attend to. This is where I leave you, Ms. Coria. Markus will work with you to ensure you’re prepared for this position. My men will be back to collect you in two days’ time, so I suggest you make the most of your time here.”
Before I can stop it, I’m calling after him, the question rolling from my lips with embarrassing shakiness. “What happens if I can’t do it?”
“We’ll kill your family and arrest you. I can promise you a lifetime of torture and rotting in prison. Sweet little thing…” The smile returns, crooked and evil, “You don’t want to stand in my way. I’m doing you a favor here. It’d be wise not to forget that.”
“Understood,” I whisper. My knee bounces nervously as I try to remember all the information I was just given. Camp in the woods. Harlow Creston. Magic. I’m magic.
“Glad we have an understanding. Goodbye, Kenadee Coria. I’m sure it won’t be long until we see one another again.” He slips through the door, as quiet as a mountain cat. I watch the car bounce down the gravel road, spitting up dirt and a cloud of dust as it disappears around the corner. I turn towards Markus and his weapons, ready to begin.
6 “AGAIN!”
At Markus’ words I let out an annoyed huff as he rewinds the video and switches the subtitles off. “This is the billionth time I’ve watched this. Is this really necessary, Markus?”
He doesn’t respond, toying with the controls on the remote. I take the opportunity to complain louder, though he doesn’t even seem to be listening. “You realize we’ve been at this all day, right? What’s the point of learning to read lips anyway? I just found out I have all these cool powers. I could probably find some trick that tells me everything they’re saying!”
He pushes himself off the desk, “Do you want a tiny violin, ‘cause I think there’s a music store a few mile
s off.”
“I want to learn how to fight and shoot. If they’re as dangerous as Reed says—”
“Then a gun won’t help you until you have an entire army behind you. They have powers, Coria, dangerous ones. Why do you think Reed keeps pulling witches into his ranks? With our weapons, we don’t stand a chance against them.”
I think about this for a moment, watching Markus from the corner of my eye. There’s something about the way his expression darkened as he said those last few words, as if he realized what I am. A witch, a tainted one…
A monster.
My fingers tap nervously against my leg as Markus brushes past, avoiding my gaze. I pivot slightly in my chair, sticking one bent leg up on the cushion and draping my arm across the back of the chair as a sudden desperation to prove myself washes over me. “Can we at least change the video so I can practice? I’ve pretty much memorized everything they’ve said so it’s pointless to read their lips.”
He’s already at the door, pressing his shoulder against it as a small streak of daylight shines through. “If I get back from making us lunch and you can read my lips, then we’ll move on.”
***
AFTER LUNCH AND A SOMEWHAT unsuccessful attempt at reading Markus’ lips, we move on anyway. As he digs through a cabinet, muttering the occasional swear word in frustration, I examine the arsenal of shiny weapons on the wall. When he isn’t looking, I reach for a handgun and weigh it in my hands.
“What are you doing? Are you five? Put that down.” He snaps, wheeling around and grabbing the gun from my hands. I hold them up in feigned innocence, watching his face turn the color of a tomato. After a few deep breaths he says, “Just don’t touch anything, okay?”
The Traitor's Crux (The Dark Powers Book 1) Page 3
