Page 76 of Revenge of the Forgotten

Vega scooted past, choosing not to say anything and beelining for the door down the hall where they wouldn't be alone to talk about this.

“Let me explain.” In just a few strides, Khort was beside her.

“There’s nothing to explain.” Vega tried to brush off the conversation before it could even start.

“Yes, there is.” Khort reached out and grabbed her hand, stopping her before she opened the door.

“No, Khort, there isn’t. What I did… what I said last night was out of line, and I’m sorry. I’m lost, tired, and in a world I thought would feel like home, but right now it just feels like more wasted time.” The truth slipped out, and Vega saw the hurt on Khort’s face.

“I don’t want you to feel that way.”

“We don’t always get what we want.” The truth hurts. Vega didn’t want to be mad about Quinley—she had no right to be, but somewhere inside she felt a little fit of anger bubbling. “You said it yourself, we don’t need to talk about this. Let’s just let it die and never talk about it again.” With finality, Vega opened the doors and stepped into the training center, where the start of today’s journey would begin. All eyes were on her as she strode in for the last time with no memories of who she was. Fingers crossed.

Arlet’s eyes followed Vega, then bounced to Khort for a split second.

Vega stopped in the center of the room and pulled a large breath in for encouragement. “I appreciate you all for coming with me. Again,” Vega said, forcing herself not to look down at the floor. A few mumbled their responses, but most of them stared like they’d seen a ghost.

She was in a tight black training suit with a black embroidered lightning bolt shooting up both of her sides. It blended in and looked like a seam to someone who didn’t know it was there. It shot from the curve of her hip to under her arm, where it disappeared. It clung to a body that was starting to feel stronger than ever. It was the same design she’d been wearing her whole life.

There wasn’t much talking as they each grabbed a small bag to travel with. Vega stayed out of everyone’s way and dreamed of the day she would feel useful.

Khort completely ignored any eye contact with her, and Arlet kept her distance from both of them. Leave it to Vega to piss off the only two people who ever cared for her. Would they realize how exhausted they were eventually and give up on her completely?

The boat they were taking appeared out of thin air, another object being concealed by Arlet off the coast of Imber. The trip would take under three hours. They would travel from the southern tip of Imber to the northern part of Fraus—close to Fortis’s territory line.

Vega hadn’t spent much time on boats when she was on Earth, but she always lived around the water, and the ones here in Tolevarre weren’t much different. This one was similar to the military boats she’d seen near Seattle’s naval base, except it was all black instead of a dull gray.

The boat wasn’t huge, only fitting ten people comfortably underneath.

“We’re almost there.” The interruption rattled her out of her deep thoughts. Her head shot up. Arlet sent a smile down to her from her standing position, pointing at the open seat beside her. “Mind if I sit?”

“Of course not.” She scooted over a little to give Arlet more room. “This trip isn’t as fun as our road trip,” she jeered.

Arlet smiled softly. “You’re right. Maybe we should sing to lighten the mood.”

Vega grimaced. “Maybe you should. They definitely don’t want to hear me sing.” Vega couldn’t help herself. She reached out and grabbed Arlet’s hand. “I’m scared,” she whispered.

“It’s okay to be scared.” Arlet squeezed in the same pattern she’d done back in Chicago when they were sitting on the cheap motel bed together and in the car after their singalong. “I’d be worried if you weren’t.”

Vega’s eyes fell to their connected hands and she changed the subject. “You didn’t tell me that he was seeing someone,” Vega said in a hushed tone.

“Who, Khort? He’s not. Not really. It’s casual. He’s been honest with her about that, but Quinley wants more. Everyone knows he’ll never really be available. Not until he’s ready to be.”

“She kissed him in front of me this morning, so I just assumed.”

Arlet cackled. “She what?!” She kept laughing, a few heads turning to look their way when she snorted. Arlet threw a hand over her mouth.

Vega’s eyebrows drew together in confusion. “I mean, it was on the cheek, but she looked pretty cozy doing it.”

Arlet wagged her head. “She was marking her territory.” A giggle slipped through her lips. “She’s from Amora, and she shares the invisibility power with your sister. She’s only met you in one life. She’s been spying for us for a while and has been crushing on Khort since the very beginning. I’ve hoped he would take it more seriously, but he won’t.”

Vega felt a pain of regret in her chest. “Why didn’t I choose him?”

Arlet let go of her hand and looked out the porthole window at the waves crashing around the boat as they slowed their pace. “You loved Bridger from the very moment you saw him. Watching you two fall in love was like watching two destined souls finally find each other. He was taboo for you, wild, dangerous. Khort was safe, and you’ve never been one to choose the easy way.” Arlet elbowed her playfully.

“Great,” Vega mumbled.

“We’re approaching the port,” Khort called down from the top deck. He disappeared before either of the girls could turn around and see him.

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