Blood Divided, page 4
“What do you think was really going on?” I leaned forward, resting my forearms against my knees.
Devlin took a long inhale from the hookah before responding. “I was worried it might involve something even I would consider unsavory—which I know is saying something—some sort of underage brothel or child labor program. I don’t know, exactly, but . . . something was wrong. Also,” he made a face, “I was rather inebriated at the time, but I could have sworn there was something off about the man. You know that tingling sensation you get when you sense golden blood? I thought I felt that, but no one around me seemed bothered, so it might have just been me.”
Something was certainly wrong, but I suspected it wasn’t what Devlin was thinking. If I was an Astral looking to get my hands on Daeval children, a privately funded orphanage with no government oversight would be the perfect way to ensure unrestricted access. The children could be taken to Aeles for experimentation without anyone being the wiser when they never returned.
Of course, even though the logic was sound, that didn’t mean it was correct . . . but there was no harm in looking into it.
“Who approached you about this?” I asked. Devlin gave me a puzzled look, so I added, “If this man finds someone to fund his project, and the government gets wind of it, there’s a good chance either your father or uncle will hire me to take him out.” I was pleased with my ability to concoct such a believable story on the spot. “I want to be ready when the time comes.”
Devlin ran a hand over his jaw. “He probably said his name at one point, but as I mentioned, I was somewhat inebriated . . . possibly more than somewhat. He approached me when I was at Tarfann’s a week or so ago but didn’t leave any contact information, so I don’t know how to get in touch with him.”
I filed away the name of the eatery, then let Devlin talk about other, less consequential things before I stood to take my leave. As I did, his Cypher, a large black panther named Onyx, suddenly materialized. He and Devlin shared a long look as they communicated silently, after which Devlin turned to me.
“Eslee and her friends are on their way. Why don’t you stay? There’ll be plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself.”
“I’ve got other matters to attend to,” I said, even though it was unfortunate I’d miss Eslee, as I’d always preferred her company to her brother’s. “Tell your sister I said hello, though.”
“Only if you let me meet Kyra the next time she’s here,” he grinned, and while I knew he was mostly teasing, a part of him was also serious. I wouldn’t put it past Devlin to make up an excuse to start spending time at Caz’s office, hoping to bump into Kyra while she was using his uncle’s special intersector. Thankfully, the suppressor medallion back in my cave allowed me to portal in and out of Aeles as I pleased, making Caz’s intersector unnecessary.
Thinking about Devlin’s fascination with Kyra, I realized something . . . she was going to be spending all day at internship, working alongside other interns, as well as supervisors, at least some of whom might, like Devlin, develop an interest in her.
That was entirely unacceptable and as soon as I got someplace where I could hear myself think, I’d contact her and learn exactly who she would be working with.
4
KYRA
I ran my hands over the skirt of my dark green dress, straightening the fabric that always reminded me of the forest before glancing around the spacious auditorium. We’d begun orientation with a few introductory games, followed by a tour, and now it was time to hear from our first speaker. The other interns were all Astrals I’d gone to school with, although I hadn’t seen most of them over the summer, and I’d accepted their condolences on the death of my father as best I could. I thought I’d spoken with everyone when Hymnia Narsis turned around in the seat in front of me, sympathy sweeping over her heart-shaped face.
“I’m sorry about your father,” she offered. “He was so kind. My mother’s still wearing a black mourning ribbon for him. I don’t know if you remember, but he helped heal her a few years ago after her sister passed away . . . she was so despondent, some days she couldn’t even get out of bed. We were really worried about her, but of course your father knew exactly what to do, and we’ll never forget him.”
“Thank you,” I smiled, even as my chest tightened. It wasn’t that I disliked such condolences—I was glad folks remembered my father so fondly—but each time someone shared a memory about him I was forcibly reminded he wasn’t just a building away in his office, waiting for me to have a break so we could get scones, or in a nearby auditorium, giving a lecture to a crowd of rapt listeners. He was gone, and I would have to navigate every day of the rest of my life without him. I struggled to draw a full breath, and the circular walls wavered in my peripheral vision, making it seem like they were moving towards me. I glanced towards the door, wondering if I should go collect myself in the hallway, when a loud buzzing noise suddenly rang out.
It sounded like a horde of cicadas had awakened in the room, and everyone quickly reached for their peerins. The government didn’t often send out mass communications but when they did, it was important. My pulse quickened as I flipped open the hinged copper lids and scanned the scrolling text.
“There’s been an avalanche!” Hymnia exclaimed. “In the southern part of the Wystern Mountains.”
Even though the avalanche had occurred hundreds of miles from my mother and siblings, it had still occurred in the province where they lived, making it far too close to home. I sent a quick message to my mother and felt a wash of relief when she responded, assuring me everyone was fine. As I told her I’d call during my first free period, I couldn’t help thinking how my father had died in a similar natural disaster. Earthquakes and avalanches had been unheard of in Aeles up until a month or so ago, and while I understood there was no controlling them, I wished I knew why they were occurring or at least how to predict them. Contemplating the possibility of my family moving to a province that hadn’t experienced a natural disaster, I read the government communication again. Soldiers had been dispatched to aid in rescue efforts and while not all citizens were accounted for, the search would continue until everyone was found.
The door in the side of the auditorium opened, pulling me from my thoughts, and as the other interns quieted and peerins were put away, I focused on Lionel, the internship coordinator, making his way to the podium. I had interacted with him a few times during the internship application process and had always found him unfailingly polite, as well as quite knowledgeable.
“Greetings, interns,” said Lionel, setting down the portfolio he’d been carrying before grasping either side of the white quartz podium. “I’m sure you’ve all heard about the avalanche. Please know the government is doing everything they can, and we’ll keep everyone updated on the rescue efforts. We don’t know what caused the avalanche, just as we don’t know what caused the earthquake last month, but the brightest minds in Aeles are working on it, which means answers will surely be found.”
That was good to know and helped alleviate some of my anxiety. I had no idea how to protect my family from things even the government couldn’t explain, but at least this was one problem I didn’t have to solve by myself. Astrals with specific knowledge of the realm would uncover what was happening and either fix it or provide guidance on how best to be prepared in the future.
The other interns nodded, and Lionel drew a deep breath, which served to soften his serious expression into a smile he almost seemed comfortable giving. His brown eyes shone with sincerity as he gazed out at the gathered crowd.
“In the meantime, I hope you all had an enjoyable break, just as I hope you’re all ready to dive into your new assignments. Congratulations on your placements; as you know, they were extremely competitive this year.”
The gold bracelet on my wrist vibrated, and my stomach dropped. Why was Sebastian reaching out so soon? Had he uncovered something looking into the kidnapped Daevalic children? Was he hurt? Heartbeat quickening, I pressed my fingertips against the jewelry while trying to appear as if I was simply rearranging my long sleeve.
Are you alright? I whispered, even though I was speaking in my mind and didn’t technically need to lower my voice.
Of course. I just wanted to see how you were doing.
I was relieved to hear he was safe and while I appreciated him working to express himself more clearly, this was also a terrible time to attempt a conversation. I didn’t want to appear uninterested in Lionel’s speech, and I also didn’t want to miss anything important the coordinator shared.
Do you know when you’ll be finished yet? Sebastian’s voice drowned out whatever Lionel was saying.
We’re just now hearing from supervisors and support staff. Even though I’d spoken quickly, I still missed the next words Lionel said. Pausing to listen, I was glad to hear he was reviewing things I was already familiar with, such as dress codes and timeliness. I’ll let you know as soon as I have an exact time of departure, I assured Sebastian, and thinking that would be the end of it, I was surprised when he spoke again.
This isn’t one of those places where they expect you to be at the office day and night, is it? I’ve heard of jobs like that in Nocens, and you can’t do that.
I stiffened, not liking the way he’d said I couldn’t do something, but we could discuss that later when we were together. I started to say as much but Sebastian wasn’t done.
Have you seen anyone you know? Will you be working near Demitri?
Lionel must have asked a question because roughly half the interns raised their hands. My stomach did a somersault, and I tried to slow the panic spreading through me. I hated trying to do two things at once and ultimately failing to do either successfully. While I loved how easily Sebastian and I could communicate, for the first time I realized there could be challenges associated with him being able to contact me at any given moment.
I haven’t seen Demitri yet, but we’re meeting later at a café, I said as fast as I could while nodding and catching every other word Lionel said about detailed documentation.
Burning realms, Kyra! Sebastian’s snarl was so loud, I jumped in my seat, earning myself a handful of odd looks from the other interns around me. Feeling heat rise to my cheeks, I sank down in my chair as I stared at the wall behind Lionel.
I was going to bring this up later, continued Sebastian, but I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to spend time alone with Demitri.
I let out a controlled exhale, counting to five as the breath left my lungs. I wished Sebastian knew Demitri would never be a threat to our relationship. Of course, I couldn’t tell him why without revealing something incredibly personal about my best friend. While I could never predict what would be shared through our bracelets, the jewelry seemed to limit itself to memories, thoughts, or feelings directly involving Sebastian or me, which meant so far I’d managed to keep Demitri’s secret to myself. I also wanted Sebastian to believe me about Demitri because he trusted me, not because my best friend’s romantic interests ran exclusively to men.
I’m meeting Demitri at a café, I explained, which isn’t the same as being alone with him. I’m going to ask him about using different locator spells to find any other suppressor medallions that might still be out there.
While Demitri and Sebastian both knew about the suppressor medallion I’d found, I hadn’t told either of them how I’d actually come to possess it, discovering it in my father’s medical kit. Even though they deserved the truth, I couldn’t bear to tell them—especially Sebastian—without knowing what my father had been using the medallion for.
I understand this is important to you, I continued to Sebastian, and I want you to feel comfortable with what I’m doing when we’re apart, but I really need to pay attention to what’s being said right now, so can we discuss this more when we’re together?
Fine, sighed Sebastian, and while it was obvious he didn’t like my answer, I appreciated his willingness to postpone what was clearly going to be a difficult conversation. Let me know how you’re doing later, alright?
I will. Touching the bracelet, I severed our connection. It seemed I’d turned my focus back to the auditorium at just the right time because Lionel’s smile widened as he clasped his hands in front of his chest.
“Now, while I appreciate your attention, that’s more than enough from me. We are so very honored to have with us this morning one of our esteemed senators who, even though he’s still relatively new to bureaucracy, has already made quite the name for himself.”
Lionel’s voice grew louder.
“He has a particular interest in the protection of Astral culture and stemming the ever-present tide of corruption from Nocens. He’s sponsored over twenty laws and campaigned vigorously on issues including improvements in Astral health, the preservation of historical Aelian artifacts, and increased cooperation between government and military research. I’m fortunate to work with him on a daily basis as his personal assistant, and I can attest he is truly the future of our government and our realm. Interns, please join me in welcoming Senator Tenebris Rex!”
Lionel began clapping enthusiastically as the door in the side of the room opened and Senator Rex strode in, waving and smiling. He came forward and shook Lionel’s hand, clapping him on the back as he did.
I joined the other interns in their applause and tried my best to smile, even though Lionel’s comment about “corruption from Nocens” was painful to hear, especially since I knew it to be blatantly untrue. If Astrals would interact with Daevals instead of barricading themselves behind the Blood Alarm, my kind would realize how wrong we’d been about those with silver blood.
Lionel grabbed his portfolio and slid into an empty seat as Senator Rex turned to address us.
“Whenever I need to feel especially good about myself, I ask Lionel to introduce me at a speaking engagement,” he said with a mischievous smile. “He has a notable tendency for exaggeration, and his descriptions always give me something to strive for.”
The senator’s glacial blue eyes moved slowly over the audience as he spoke, and when they met mine, they flashed with recognition, and he dipped his chin slightly. His reddish-blonde hair was longer than the last time I’d seen him, the curls more pronounced, and the white pearls on his gold jacket gleamed like miniature moons.
“I’m so pleased to be here with you today.” His expression turned wistful. “I remember sitting in those seats, wondering what internship would be like and where I might find myself in a year or two. For me, there was never a choice other than politics . . . it has always been my calling and my duty. And while I know the mundane toil of government work isn’t for everyone, some of you,” he smiled directly at me, “are just beginning what I imagine will be incredibly lustrous careers here in Celenia.”
I smiled back, hoping he was right. Completing internship was the next requirement for following in my father’s footsteps and becoming the Princeps Shaman, the highest-ranking healer in Aeles. Not only did I want to know everything I could about healing to help as many patients as possible, I also viewed holding the public position as another opportunity to lessen the antagonism between Astrals and Daevals. In fact, my first order of business after being named to the position would be hosting a conference and inviting healers from Nocens to attend, allowing us to share what we each knew of healing.
Senator Rex spoke a bit more about the various educational opportunities available to interns and offered his support anytime someone wished to speak about career possibilities. He then shifted his weight, straightening his shoulders as his expression became more serious. I bit the inside of my lip, hoping he would conclude his speech and send us on our way even as apprehension stirred in my chest.
“Now, perhaps more than ever,” said Senator Rex, “we are in need of your new perspectives and impressive talents. While Daevals have always attempted to enter our realm, their attacks have become more serious of late. Those with silver blood are nothing like us, and no matter what well-meaning Astrals with questionable sympathies might say, there will never be a chance for peace between Aeles and Nocens because Daevals simply won’t have it.”
What attacks was the senator talking about? The last time the Blood Alarm had gone off had been because of Sebastian, but that hadn’t been an attack. Did Senator Rex have information I didn’t, or was he making things appear worse than they really were?
“Many Astrals believe the military will be our salvation when it comes to winning the war against Daevals,” Senator Rex continued, “and while our soldiers are certainly important, there are those in the government—like myself—who believe winning battles of an intellectual nature is just as important, if not more so. After all, we fight for our beliefs, making what we believe a singularly motivating force not to be underestimated.”
Judging by the murmured agreements and vigorous nods rippling through the interns, the senator’s words had struck a chord. Everyone’s attention was fixed on him and glancing at the interns on either side of me, I momentarily wondered if they were blinking.
“Perhaps one day,” Senator Rex’s voice grew louder, “we won’t have to tolerate the evils of Daevals anymore. Perhaps one day we will fulfill our grand purpose and put an end to their destructive ways. Perhaps one day we will bring about a true peace . . . a world without pain, without loss, and without suffering . . . in short, a world without a drop of silver blood!”
The interns around me leaped to their feet, clapping excitedly, many whistling or cheering. The senator certainly had a way of bringing folks together, and as the applause swelled, my heart pounded out a staccato beat; fighting down my rising anger, I forced myself to join the standing crowd.
I felt terrible doing so, betraying the man I’d been married to a lifetime ago and was currently romantically involved with, but I also didn’t want my first day as an intern to be marked by publicly disagreeing with a senator . . . especially a senator I was going to be working with. Looking around as I pantomimed a few claps, my heart sank. How in the falling stars was I going to change Astrals’ minds when they were so eager to despise Daevals?
