Page 104 of The Divide that Binds Us

“I’ve been wondering if you almost reached Berserk,” Billie murmurs.

Did I really reach a high level of stress almost beyond repair?When was the last time I had tea?I can’t help save the world like this.

And if we ever capture Mildred, it doesn’t put an end to the murders.Her groupies may still carry out her wishes.And even if we do stop them all, it’ll take time for the world to restore itself as it should.Evangeline’s recovery won’t be instant.

Billie studies my face before pinching my cheeks.

“Hey, we’re in this together.I worry about them, too.You’re the sister I’ve always wanted; grumpy on the outside and gooey on the inside.”

I laugh and take a deep breath.“Nothing from Master Azul?”

Billie relaxes in the corner of my bed, once again sitting on my pillow.“Nah.Vinyl and Wren have been treated and cared for.Azul hasn’t said much about the information they’ve provided, but they did have a visitor who’s this chick from Ultima.The Guards I petrified were cured and brought into custody for further questioning.No reason was provided behind their motives, but Azul said we’re keeping Wren and Vinyl here for protection.”

“So, are you off the hook then?”I ask.

“Rebecca issued a final warning.”Billie’s eyes are glassy.She’s never been in this much trouble before.“But looks like everyone is still in a panic about Topaz having blood rain.”

It’s a big deal since it’s the first time ever the blood didn’t turn clear and instead stained everything.It still looks like a murder scene on the whole island.

“And we might lose Elite.”I echo her earlier comment.I swallow and look away, shame resurfacing up my stomach and throat.“I certainly didn’t help with that.”

Before Billie says anything, I abandon the laundry to flee the room.Silence rings through the building.In all my pacing, I didn’t realize how dismal Elite had become.The only person who looks unaffected is Stacy the secretary, and I’m pretty sure it’s because she routinely jams to her music at the front desk.Occasionally, I see the stationed security agents roll their eyes whenever Stacy blasts the music throughout the lobby.

I round the corner from the lobby to the hall heading toward the infirmary.I stop at Evangeline’s bed first, seeing her Trace Mark flashing slower by the day.She’s almost skeletal on her bed that the tears well up.My heart deflates with a slight pained quiver in my ribs.

I move a few rooms down to find Lady V and Wren sitting on the bed and watching TV.Wren looks at me and does that head tilt and smiles.Vinyl pats Wren’s head and rubs his shoulders.

“Hello, again,” she says.

“H-Hey.”I tug the hem of my shirt and awkwardly shuffle in.“Sorry about leaving so hastily when we first met.”

Vinyl’s face crinkles into waves of relief and warmth.Staring into her soft eyes wraps me in a blanket of longing.

“Please don’t worry yourself with that, dear.”She pats a spot next to her.“Sit.”

I obey and sit between her and Wren, who is still staring at me as if he’s viewing thousands of universes within me...or through me?Wren’s skin is more yellow than the purples and blues from the last time I saw him.His cheeks are rounder, but he still has the awful bowl cut hairstyle.

“I know you’ve probably explained everything to Master Azul and Commander Rebecca, but I was curious about your thoughts on the whole thing,” I mumble.

Wren grabs my wrist, eyes enlarged and face frozen on me.His head orients itself back from being tilted, but his face is vacant.Vinyl reaches over to gently pry his chubby hand off my wrist as I stand up to move away.

“Wren, honey.Tell her what you see, but you don’t need to touch her.”

Drool leaks from Wren’s hanging lip.“Wave Riding Season.”

Lady V looks up at me with a frown.“He hasn’t quite figured out how to articulate himself.I apologize for his abruptness.”

“No, it’s okay.I’m assuming he sees something bad happening?”I gingerly rub my wrist.

“Possibly.”Vinyl purses her lips.Her eyes are familiar, gray and cloudy, like someone else I’ve met.“Wren is clearly special, and I’ve lived a quiet life prior to meeting him.I can guess that someone is after him.”

“All the more reason to keep him safe then,” I murmur.

Vinyl’s smile shifts to a smirk.“Exactly.”

“Do you...know anything about a girl who can communicate with dragons?”I ask.

“Never heard of anyone like that.Someone you’re looking for?”

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