Chapter 6
The news hit me like a shockwave.
They were alive.
I slid down the wooden beam, my arms instinctively wrapping around my knees. The General’s presence became an afterthought.
I breathed in deep, feeling my body melt into the floor. Tension evaporated with my exhale and my face fell into my palms.
The brink of death—those words echoed in my mind. Not dead. The subtle distinction gnawed through me like a dull knife.
The girls had tormented me for nearly my entire life, and there were countless times I wished for their death, but I didn’t want to be the one to commit the act. Perhaps I didn’t really want them dead at all.
Sitting in silence for a few seconds longer, I let myself adjust to the relief. It felt foreign.
The General's laugh billowed through my thoughts, dragging me back to reality. “And don’t worry. No one knows what you did. It’s our little secret. Well, except for my little resurrectionist team. They know, obviously, but they won’t be mentioning that to anyone.”
“What? Why–” I stammered, confusion blasting through my short-lived peace. I found my balance as I stood. My head shot in his direction. A callous smirk returned to his face, but his eyes remained sharp, calculating. Like he was searching for some silent answer in my expression.
“Why would you do that?” I repeated in a low tone. I felt a sinking feeling in my gut as the realization settled over me.
Someone like him only helped people like me when they wanted something.
“I’m happy you asked.” He moved his hands behind his back as he sauntered towards me. “When I saw what you did. What you were capable of. I knew you were different. Special even. It's not something one comes across often, a gift such as yours. It could be useful to me…”
Gift?
Had this man not heard anything I’d said?
“Useful to the Isle,” the General continued. “I preside over a Faction of our Guard that is trained in special combat. I’d like to train you to use your focus properly. And I’d like you to join the Guard. Faction Venom.” He turned to look at me, eyes gleaming with something terrifying.
Seriously?
Tension filled the air, and it needed a release.
A laugh escaped me in almost desperate waves. I couldn’t help it. He had to be joking. Was he a fucking madman? It was perhaps the most preposterous thing I’d ever heard.
“I fail to see the humor, Riftborne. Enlighten me.” His voice took on a new edge.
I paused. He was serious.
My head began to shake as I shot him a confused look, an exhausted kind of exasperation still pulling at the corners of my eyes.
“Why? So everyone in your little platoon can get their brains juiced the second I lose my temper?” I asked, my voice like quicksilver.
In what world would I want to be a part of the Sídhe Guard?
Did he forget I was a Riftborne ? For all I knew, his father could have killed my own.
Not that I had any way of finding out. The Guard was thorough in their burning of records from that time.
He glared at me before clicking his teeth.
“How fast you forget the favor I so graciously afforded you. Covering up your attempted murder was no easy task.”
The arrogant smirk had returned to his lips.
The idea was so ridiculous that logic or reason completely evaded me. I opened my mouth, then closed it
“It’s your choice.” He paused, cracking his knuckles. “I mean… I can’t force you. If you’d rather face the consequences of your actions, then that can certainly be arranged. It would be unfortunate, of course. A waste of potential.” He shrugged.
As tempting as it might have been to finally control this curse inside me, being blackmailed into doing so made my mind want to release itself on his. Perhaps he’d like to see my focus more intimately…
“I need your answer before the weekend is over. I’m sure you’ll make the right decision.” He winked. Winked.
As he sauntered past me, I heard a clunk. And then he disappeared into the night. I made my way over to the table and found Ma’s key. And a card with his office address. Something inside me stopped my hands from ripping it to shreds.
It wasn’t long before Ma was standing in the greenhouse doorway, holding a flickering candle. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly, noting my less-than-ideal posture on the pavement.
My body just wanted to relax… I deserved that. I felt like I had been packed into a jar all day.
There was a strange relief in the fact that the inevitable confrontation had finally happened.
I had answers. He had seen me. It was real.
The sickening anticipation was gone, and I felt some semblance of clarity.
So, here I laid. Sprawled on the ground, stretching out the stress that had taken root over the last day.
Breathing felt so good. I'd take whatever peace I could get. I just wanted to forget everything for a single, perfect moment.
“I’m just exhausted,” I lied. I couldn’t tell her anything tonight. I needed to make my plans first. She tilted her head to the side, but her concern seemed to lessen, though I knew curiosity still churned inside. It was Ma, after all.
Sitting up, I ran my fingers through my hair, wincing as I snagged more than a few tangles. It probably looked as crazy as I felt.
“I know you want to talk about it, Ma. And we will, but I’m done for the night. I just want to go home and dive into my bed.” I gave her an apologetic half-smile. It was about all I could muster. After a few seconds, she nodded.
I could tell she was appeasing me. If it were up to her, we would have it out right here, right now.
“Go get some sleep, Fia. And have a good weekend. Try to do something fun. Oh, and don’t forget my travel day.
The shop will be closed.” She attempted a smile, eyes still cloudy with concern. My heart sank.
We headed back into the shop to lock up. I wished Ma a good night before wandering through the city, losing track of time as my mind drifted lawlessly—until my feet stopped in front of our apartment building. Even though it was small and rundown, I was going to miss it.
Sighing, I made my way upstairs, not even bothering to wonder what dreams would haunt me tonight.
I knew what I had to do.
I knew I had to run.