Page 46 of The Divide that Binds Us

“That’s okay.I have paperwork for you to fill out, but I’m assuming fire is your power?I’ll also take you to meet Master Cedric.”

“Yes, I can conjure and manipulate it.I’ve been very blessed by Fire Superior, Frank.”

I avoid anyone who mentions being blessed by the Superiors because they tend to worship them more than I can emotionally agree with.

“Cool, I have lightning.”

She perks up with big eyes.“I remember!Which Superior Traced you?That’s such a rare element to have out of the four.”

My shoulders drop from a ripple of despondence.“Sadly, I do not know.”

The twins want to dragme and Lynn for dinner in the cafeteria.Lynn refuses several times until she gives in, but the irritation is clear on her sour face.Their suspension is driving them up the wall, but it’s always better than the alternative of seeing Cedric.

Well, anything is better than that.

“So, you believe us now?”Derrick asks, poking a spoon in his bowl of mac and cheese.

Lynn rolls her eyes.Her hair is wet from her shower.“I do not have time for gloating.”

“But it’s true!If we waited long enough, she may have summoned Skylar,” Eric says, menacingly.Without looking, he leaves his hand open for Derrick to give a high-five with a straight face.“Malice the Baddie is out to get us all.”

I choke on my ramen.“What the hell?Who says stuff like that?”

“We do,” the twins reply.

My phone rings while everyone is eating.The secretary asks me to come to the lobby.I give a look before swinging my legs from the bench and stalking down the hall.Some members hang around, whispering, giggling, or waving at me.When the light of the lobby shocks me, my eyes settle on a woman in a white business suit that looks ready to burst from her flexed muscles protruding through the fabric.Two puny Guards accompany her, but when I get closer, I notice their Garnet Island insignia.

I recognize the woman with beady eyes; she reaches out to shake my hand.

“Mildred, right?Commander Rio Shackler.”

Her handshake is firm enough that the bones in my hand grind against each other.I wince a little but maintain my confident smile.

“Yes, Mildred Anguine.”She clears her throat.She’s basically King Remington’s right-hand associate.I think Garnet Island is the only place that has an advisor.

“Welcome to Ultima.What brings you all the way over here today?”

Mildred pulls out a tiny picture presenting a young girl with a blue mohawk standing outside.“Alas, I am utterly broken from the loss of my heart.My joy has run away from home, and it feels like eons since I’ve seen her.The media is ruthless, so I’ve held my tongue on my cries for help.”

“I understand, ma’am.”

From the corner of my eye, the twins and Lynn peek from the hallway.

Mildred lowers her voice and leans toward me.“I hate to speak ill of a fellow organization, but can you imagine the hurt I felt in my bones when I went to Elite, and they turned me away?It did not sit well with my soul.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes.I’ve exhausted my resources.I’m hopeful I can trouble you with this?”Mildred asks.She tucks the photo back into her jacket and straightens her tall posture.

“I will handle this and report it to Master Cedric,” I tell her.

Mildred smiles widely.“Splendid!May peace be with you and Cedric as we keep this under wraps, yes?”

I return the smile and swallow hard, my neck aching from craning to look up at her.

“No worries, this will be kept strictly confidential.”

The Guards and I salute each other before they turn to escort Mildred out.The twins run up to me while Lynn strolls behind, arms folded.

---