Chapter 4
I’m laughing so hard, whirling round and around—almost flying.
After the rapid click-click-click of the camera, Wes yells, “Got it! You can put her down now.”
“Not likely.” Donovan’s arms tighten around my waist. “Tee-Tee isn’t allowed to walk anymore. I’m carrying her everywhere.”
“Idiot.” I give him a playful punch.
His hands clamp down harder. I can’t move an inch.
I’m dreaming one moment, then fully awake.
But still frozen in place.
Something is compressing my chest, wrists, and ankles. What? Where am I?
Think. Think.
The air is cold; why does it smell of antiseptic?
Why won’t my eyes open?
A clock ticks nearby. Tick. Tick. Tick.
“Five more vials and I’ll have the full two dozen.” A sharp pinch pierces the crook of my elbow.
“Is taking that much blood safe?”
My heart stops. I know that voice. Wes.
“Perfectly safe, but I’m surprised you care,” a woman replies.
“I care about your work being successful, Mother,” he replies, in a tone so different from the warm, loving Wes of my dream. “She’s the only AUA we have.”
“Dr. Hart is always successful,” a third voice chimes in. “And in forty-one days the whole world will see that.”
Forty-one days?
Janine Hart clicks her tongue. “Enough ass-kissing, David. Please focus on the procedure.”
“Of course. Apologies.”
Procedure?
‘Never trust anybody or you’ll end up as a lab rat.’
My poor parents were right all along.
Shit. Fuck.
No. No. NO.
I stifle the urge to freak out.
What would Alexis tell me to do?
Use the skills I have.
So I try to read Wes’s thoughts and…nothing. Whatever’s going on in there is hidden behind a wall of white-noise.
Janine Hart’s brain? Also blocked to me. “Push 50cc’s,” she says.
The smell of an antiseptic wipe, then a cold flood enters my body. Dark magic and drugs hit my system like a tidal wave.
“When will she wake up?” Wes asks.
“She’ll be out for at least another six hours. We’ll continue to dose her through the afternoon, and Wesley, I was pleased with your work last night.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
Last night.
Last night. The Ball. Wes…drugged me?
Someone clears their throat. “Er, Janine?” It’s a deeper male voice.
“Jonquil. What is it?”
I try my hardest to listen to Jonquil Hart’s thoughts. Again, nothing. Exhaustion pulls at me, trying to send me back to oblivion.
“Are you certain this will work? Shouldn’t we just keep the AUA locked up here?”
Wes’s mother tuts, annoyed. “Are you doubting my abilities, Jonquil?” The snap of nitrile gloves rings out like a slap. “Just take a look at our son—he’s been integrated perfectly. Docility is paramount. And you know I want her free of stress hormones. ”
I guess her wanting my body free of stress hormones is a good thing; takes torture is off the table.
“And we don’t need anyone causing a fuss because she’s disappeared,” Janine adds.
There are murmurs and a shuffling of feet ensues. I have no idea how many people are surrounding me. My mind and body are fading again.
“Shall we move onto the final two caches now, Janine?”
“You all go along, I’ll join you momentarily.”
A door opens, then closes again.
I’m drifting back to unconsciousness, but sour breath close to my face alerts me to stay awake.
“Theodora Wilson, your unlit spark is going to change everything. Even though you look small and weak, I don’t think you are.
I think you are going to withstand everything that’s coming to you.
I think you are going to be the conduit that finally allows me to fully embrace innate magic. ”
The touch withdraws. “And to think you were under my nose all along. It’s almost as though the Gods have gifted you to me. Rest well, Theodora. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
There’s a click and then the room is silent once more. My consciousness is fading, but I struggle against the pull of sleep.
—Guys?—
Nothing.
I try to visualize the glittering lilac and gold of my internal light but Amirene’s essence is almost used up. The feeble sparks of Lumina desperately trying to burn through whatever sedative is keeping me paralysed. I have to get out of here.
But how do I escape when I’m so tired?
So fucking tired.
???
The next time I surface, I’m still strapped down, but this time, the fog feels thinner.
Someone is holding my hand.
“I-I think I’m…sorry,” Wes whispers.
My mouth rolls open. “Wesss,” I slur.
An intake of breath. “Theo? How are you awake?”
I keep fighting the drugs in my bloodstream. “Love…” The word come out mumbled but clear enough. “Pl-l-lease…” My eyelids crack apart. The light makes them water, but when I regain focus, I see him.
Wes.
He looks at me, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know what I’ve done,” he mutters. “The only time I feel clear is when I’m touching you.”
“Then don’t let go,” I croak. “Let’s get out of here, together.”
“I can’t.” He leans in, his eyes searching mine. “But you’ll be OK. They’re sending you back to the academy tonight. You won’t remember any of this, your memory will be altered.”
“No, Wes,” I hiss. “Help me, please, baby, untie me.”
“Don’t fight us,” he pleads. “I’ll take care of—”
Ding. The sound of an elevator arriving.
“Keep still,” Wes whispers, straightening my sheets. “Close your eyes.”
The door slides open. Janine Hart walks in, her heels clicking. “Wes, is she stable?”
“Yes, Mother.” His voice is ice again.
“Good. David, administer the final dose.” The cold flush of the IV hits my vein.
The world turns to black.