Page 51 of Possession

I hadn’t seen much before all of this; I didn’t go to many places. I was born and raised in Indiana, and my family didn’t travel, thinking it was a waste of money. I considered taking a road trip across the country or going to Europe, because most young people think about doing things like that, but I always knew that I wouldn’t actually go. It was wishful thinking, something to put in a notebook.

Now that I’m actually in a different place, I find that it’s not much different than home. Still, the mundane excites me: trees, flowers, and even grocery stores. If I hadn’t been gone for so long, this place would be worth remarking on, and I’m wondering if my parents were right about travel.

I lean my head against the window as Henry turns onto the highway. For the first time in a long time, I find myself wanting to ask about my parents. Did they hear about my escape from the mages? Do they care?

I’m out now. Really, actually out. I could call them.

Ask him where you’re going. He said that the two of you would discuss it when mobile.

Right. I know that Aris is right, but it still takes me a few seconds to blink away the memory of stern, disappointed faces.

I repeat Aris’ question and turn to look at Henry. He doesn’t move his eyes from the road, though he must feel my gaze on his profile. “There’s a few options, but the one that’s probably best for you… isn’t one you’re going to like,” he says.

Yes, tell us this as soon as we’re trapped inside the moving vehicle.

“What is it?” I ask.

“I think,” he hesitates, tongue roaming the inside of his cheek, “that you should go back to the mages.”

I pause, shocked into silence. Did I hear that right?

Aris says nothing, but there’s a flare of bitterness from his side.

“Hang on,” I say when I find the words, “didn’t we just leave the hospital because we’re trying to avoid the mages?”

I told you that we couldn’t trust him.

I wince at the comment, because I’m having a hard time myself coming up with a defense for Henry. Give him a chance to explain. I owe him that, at least.

You owe nothing to no one.

And, for a brief second, I wonder if that’s true.

“The ones sent to retrieve you wouldn’t have listened to a word you had to say,” Henry says. “They’re grunts, and their orders are to toss you back in your cell. But if I take you back and vouch for you, the Grand Mage will listen. Your circumstances would be different.”

In the hospital, he told you that he didn’t have influence over the mages, Aris says, and I nod, remembering the conversation as well. Trepidation grows in my gut.

But I don’t have a chance to point out the inconsistency in Henry’s statements, since he’s already steaming ahead. “If we can all come to an agreement, you’d be able to live with us peacefully,” says Henry.

“That all sounds… nice, but what do you mean by ‘an agreement?’”

“Just something that can benefit each party, that’s all.”

Rage flashes through my body, instantly turning my skin wet and clammy. It lasts only a second, a momentary lapse of control, but its suddenness and potency make me ache all over.

I will never serve them. I do not serve.

I take a steadying breath. Maybe he doesn’t mean it like that. Maybe they just want us to be monitored. But my argument is half-hearted—I’m starting to consider that Henry just played me. What if his impassioned speech at the hospital was nothing but a ruse to get me to go with him? Did he and the Grand Mage script it? Did they rehearse it together, laughing and cueing in the dramatic pauses?

I’m more embarrassed than scared. All I can think is that Aris is never going to let me live this down.

Aren’t you going to gloat?

I haven’t been proven right yet, he replies innocently.

“Why would I want to do that?” I ask, glum. “If you’ll remember, they were my captors, and they didn’t exactly treat me well.”

Henry frowns. “You’re right. It’s just… they can offer you a good life. You wouldn’t have to hide or run. You’d have a home. I know it’s not preferable, returning, but you could see it as a necessary evil.”

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