Page 21 of The Divide that Binds Us

There’s a drowning silence, and all I want to do is lie down.

I didn’t mind staying on Topaz to investigate more, but when I mentioned Ultima to Sophie, she suggested I leave.The eggs were sufficient to calm her worries.

Master Azul nods, extending the silence.“Well done on the mission, but I’m afraid we’ll need to keep you hidden for a bit.Your outside privileges have been revoked.”

“What?”

“Alice, you did the last thing you were expected to do.”Azul drummed her long fingers against her desk.For some reason, this is amplifying the chill in her room.“How many times have we stressed combat first, powers second?Your report mentions nothing of combat, only that you tried to redirect and then jumped to the next extreme.Why?”

I shake my head, sweat building on my forehead as I gasp.“I panicked; I am so sorry.Please, you just gave me those privileges.I don’t wanna lose them.”

Azul raises her hand definitively.“No.We must keep you out of sight until I discuss the matter with Cedric.Let’s pause on proceeding, and I’ll touch base with Sophie.”

“W-With all due respect, Master Azul, I don’t think this is a matter we can pause on.”I bite my lip, taking a step forward to her desk.I try to shift my weight a little, but my back hurts more from it.“Please let me continue investigating.I met a girl who can talk to dragons.She ran away, but I think she’d be helpful in knowing what’s going on.”

“One more thing you failed to mention in your report.”Azul exhales sharply and clicks her tongue.“Do we have any idea where this girl would be now?”

“I checked back at the cave, but she wasn’t there.The eggs were.”

“Then she’s a dead-end,” Azul snaps.“Like I’ve said, you’re hanging tight for a bit.”

But I can’t let it go.I don’t want to wait around like a dog on a leash; I want to be free.

My ache increases.“What’s special about Garnet that their influence is so heavy?I thought the islands were equal.”

“The islandsareequal, but that’s not to say their personalities are.Some monarchs are a little rougher around the edges,” Azul says.“With that come stronger opinions.”

I think of Evan from Sapphire, and Allison from Amethyst.They’re biological social hazards who need warning labels.If I expect anything, it’d be from one of them.Remington is such a teddy bear with a guttural laugh and a ginger beard that swallows his face.

Yet, despite six contrasting personalities, they all must be doing something right that the citizens haven’t revolted.They’re elected monarchs who serve for life or until they want to stop and open to a vote, but “stronger opinions” just sound like bullying.It’s the perfect excuse to be jerks to each other because they’re not allowed to overthrow one another.

“Can’t we just talk to King Remington?”I ask.

“No.You’re dismissed.Do not leave the base under any circumstances.Because you used your powers, you should drink some tea to recuperate.”

I can’t argue anymore.My back is on fire and my legs are going to collapse from underneath me.I trudge out the room without saying goodbye.

Rebecca is waiting outside of Azul’s office when I leave.She rolls her eyes and bumps shoulders with me as I walk by.I keep my back straight to descend the stairs back to my room.Right before I cut the corner, a line from the cafeteria stretches all the way into the lobby.One member groans and tells me the chefs are late opening for lunch.

Evangeline and a recovered Billie are already waiting in our room when I walk in.Billie is buried in her covers on the top bunk and Evangeline is on mine.In her lap is a shiny red book bigger than her head.I toss my backpack in the corner before joining Evangeline.

“Hey, we weren’t expecting you back so soon!”Evangeline says.

“I can say the same,” I sigh, extending my hand.“‘Sup, Billie?”

Billie’s head pokes upside down from her bunk and slaps my hand.“Hi!Omigosh, I’m so glad you’re back!I woke up in the infirmary so confused and ...”

I tune out Billie’s rambling and sprawl out on the bed thanks to Evangeline scooting over to give my legs room.The sun from my window beams hazily on my legs.Evangeline has her legs crossed, stealing glances at me and then back to her obnoxiously big book.

“How was the mission?Can you talk about it?”she asks, keeping the book cradled in her lap.The sun hits her, revealing blond strands that attacked her pants.

I vaguely talk about some loose details of the mission, prompting Billie to somersault off her bunk and throw herself onto us.Somehow, we can all squeeze on the twin-sized bed, with them sitting upright and me lying down.I wince from shifting my back as the sun dims likely from an invasive cloud.The mention of literal glittery, pastel dragon eggs doesn’t seem to faze either of them, so I continue to the part about attacking Ultima.

“Wait, Ultima showed up?WHAT.”Billie’s wide-set blue eyes somehow stretch open even more.

“Yeah, I know we’re supposed to follow combat first and powers second, but it was crucial they didn’t see the eggs.And honestly, it was none of their business.”

Billie makes an exaggerated face, lighting up like a little golden retriever with her bushy, tangled hair.“That’sWILD, Alice!Gosh, I can’t believe it.”

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