Page 13 of The Divide that Binds Us

Chapter 3

A Tale of Topaz

Ultima: Rio

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“Again,” I demand.

Scotland huffs with a creased brow and races Clyde across the gym and back.They look at me for further instruction.

“Again.”

Clyde swears under his breath and sprints with Scotland across the black polished U on the gym floor and back to me.Scotland gives no signs of fatigue while Clyde is bent over, trying to catch his breath.

I nod at Scotland.“Your stamina is improving.”

“I would hope so!I’m rooming with the Commander for Superior’s sake,” he scoffs.“If I’m not on top of my game, I’ll never hear the end of it from you, sir.”

If Scotland continues at this rate, he’ll run longer at his speed.It’s just asthma that gets him.

“Why do we have to train?Our success rate in protecting dragons has increased by half this year.What gives?”Clyde grumbles.Strands of his raven black hair fall over his hooded, arctic eyes.A scar interrupts his cheek and lips, which often wears a scowl.

“And despite our best efforts, they’re still dying and at a faster rate now.We must always strive to be our best selves by training.Your turn, Clyde.”

He rolls his eyes.“I’vebeentraining.I’ll give you a panic attack, dude.”

I have my fair share of those.“Try me.”

With a mischievous grin, Clyde flexes his muscles under his black shirt that may be too tight.He stretches his arms, causing the shirt to ride up and expose his plaid boxers poking from his black cargo pants.

“Hurry up!”I snap.“And get a bigger shirt or wear your jacket next time.”

Clyde sucks his teeth while Scotland moves aside to sit on the bleachers, pull up his white calf socks, and tie his bulky sneakers.I’ll never understand how the fastest guy on Zeala can wear such thick shoes without falli—

Heat courses through me as sweat oozes from my skin.A fever breaks, but my head is foggy like an overdose of allergy meds.Each limb gains fifty pounds, so I collapse to the floor but catch myself with my knee.A distant ringing crescendo in my ears to the point of sickening nausea.The darkest pools of my mind spread like a rampant virus, whispering and telling me to be afraid.I want to run or hide; I don’t feel certain of myself.All I have is doubt, danger, and death.

“S-Stop!”I gasp, trembling.

The chilling sensation leaves my body in a quick, forceful pull.I get back to my feet and find Scotland perspiring in a pool of visible anxiety.

Clyde crosses his arms with the return of his scowl.“Is that enough for you?”

“Certainly, especially since training means no assignments for either of you.”I clear my throat.“You’re both dismissed.Remember to drink some tea to replenish your powers.”

Scotland scrambles off the bleacher and zips out the gym in a flash.Clyde grabs his jacket, but I catch his arm when he’s close to me.He winces and gives a look that can probably kill puppies.

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