Page 43 of The Divide that Binds Us

Chapter 10

Born Anew

Ultima: Rio

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The wait is alwaysthe worst part.

Since the confrontation with Elite, Master Cedric hadn’t mentioned anything, but he knew.He always knew.It’s just a matter of time until he’s ready to address the issues.Surely, my time is coming soon.

But Clyde Strife’s time is today.

I wait outside Master Cedric’s office, flinching each time a howl pierces and splits through the cracks of the door where air can escape.The intervals when Clyde screams are completely random and haunting.He was completely out of line, so he deserves this.

Right?

After fifteen minutes of mournful wails, a thud crashes to the floor.

Master Cedric whips the door open in his full glory and is dressed in a dapper gray suit.His zebra striped hair slicks back and pairs well with his peach skin.He fixes his maroon tie and stares at me.

“Get this filth out of my office,” he demands.“He’ll do well recovering in the infirmary for a few days.I appreciate your quick thinking and transparency.”

“Y-Yes, sir.Do you st-still want to meet after?”I can feel my pulse vibrating out of my butt.

“I’m in a rather foul mood, Commander.Take care of the matters you have, and we’ll reschedule.”

Cedric strolls away without another word, leaving Clyde in full view unconscious on the floor in Cedric’s office.I page for Scotland to help me drag Clyde to the infirmary and try not to weep in front of him from the mental exhaustion.

It’s been days since the confrontation with Elite and my phone won’t stop buzzing.Members have pieced together this member to the one who attacked the twins.I avoided hosting a meeting and instead sent an announcement.

My phone vibrates and I’m tempted to ignore it because it’s probably another notification from the U-Knit app.I check it and see a text from my mom.I’m way overdue on my weekly visits.

Agitation peaks when another notification comes from the app with yet another inane question about the mysterious girl who is coded as “Malice” since her real name is unknown.

Before Scotland can grill me with more questions about Clyde, I rush to the basement.I wait outside Natasha’s basement room when Drake finally emerges right through the concrete wall, like a ghost.He grins at me, wrinkling the scar that cuts through his right eye and cheek.

“Still alive and ready to go,” Drake says.“Wanna unlock the door?”

“Is shereallyready to go, or is she slumped over in the corner?”

He snickers, widening his heinous grin.“What do you think?”

I frown and unlock the door.Sure enough, Natasha is tucked in the corner of the concrete room, hair fallen over her ash face.

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