Page 73 of The Divide that Binds Us

“Great, we’re totally gonna die now,” Derrick whines.He runs up the stairs, nearly knocking me over and skipping every other step with Eric behind him sprinting back into the lobby.Lynn grimaces but is nearly on their heels.

“Where are you going?This is not the time for shenanigans!”she yells after them.

The twins wait by the front doors, chatting up the security agents with their ping-pong exchanges.Eric beams at me, but I cut in their conversation to glare at the twins.

“Don’t even dare leave this base to drink.You two are still suspended from leaving for unsupervised activities because of your last outing,” I tell them.

“No fair.”Eric juts out his bottom lip.

Lynn is behind me, scrolling through the news coverage on her phone with creased black brows.Her watery, musical note-like Trace Mark has an unusual rapid flash.Her pink lips press in a firm, straight line, but her green eyes give her anxiety away.

“Report back to your rooms.”I look around with lightning building inside me.“I need to check to see if everyone is okay.”

I send out an alert on the app for everyone onsite to report back to their rooms or head home if they commute until I’ve done a full sweep of the building and identified any damages.One security agent walks with me through every crevice and shadow of the base.I find Master Cedric in passing, hands in his pockets leisurely strolling with another security agent.My breath hitches as we pass, but he gives a simple nod and continues his conversation with his security partner.

The only real damage is in the cafeteria and kitchen.Pots and pans are scattered and shards of drinkware and plates liter the floor in a jigsaw puzzle.A few kitchen staff who don’t live in the base are still there cleaning up the mess, so I jump in and help.

It’s after midnightwhen I finish inspecting the entire building.Master Cedric sent out an announcement on the U-Knit app, offering a leave of absence for anyone traumatized by the frequent dragon murders.It’s unusually considerate for him.There are pressing matters I need to figure out before bed.

My office door is cracked open just as I left it, so I pop in just to check my emails before bed.

I toss my phone on the desk and move around to turn on the computer.Before I sit, I notice a shadow in the room’s corner.I rub my eyes and squint enough to make out a person sitting in the egg chair with a disembodied smile.A shout escapes through my throat as I nearly jump on my desk.

“Mr.Shackler.Sorry to frighten you.”

Mildred sits with her thick legs barely crossed.

“Wait...how did you—”

“I was escorted here.”Mildred intently files her nails.“Patience is how our world was built.”

The computer is ready, so I cautiously sit down and open my emails.My breathing shakes as I notice a shadow in the hallway.Mildred glances at the door and then goes back to filing.

“Oh, that’s just a Guard.Do not fret,” she says.

I fold my trembling hands on my desk, hoping she doesn’t notice.

“It’s awfully late, Advisor.What brings you here at this time of night?”

“Curiosity fetched for me and wouldn’t let go.My thoughts are with my sweet Fae.”

I gulp and nod eagerly.“We haven’t made any real progress because of other priorities, but after some thought, I don’t think Master Cedric would want to be involved in this either.”

“That’s forgivable.He’s a sour little one, isn’t he?”she asks, finally looking at me with those sunken, dark eyes.She puts the file stick in her suit jacket and stands up with clenched fists.

“We have enough happening at the moment.I can investigate it on my spare time, but not under Ultima business,” I reply.A quick glance at my emails brings a frown when I read one of the subject lines.I knew eventually I’d be contacted by King Jonah for that incident.

Mildred approaches my desk and leans forward, her stare penetrating through my mental defenses.“Has anyone ever told you that your eyes are marvelous?It’s a rare color.”

“Um...th-thank you.Teal eyes are from my father’s side, but I’m the only one left with them.”I lightly tap on my desk.

“I see.”Mildred straightens up and fixes her black jacket.“You’ve been a great help to me, Rio.I hope Sophie is flourishing.”

“Sh-she’s...uh yes.”

Beads of sweat build on my forehead while I continue drumming my fingers on the desk.Mildred maintains her smile and reaches in her jacket to pull out her business card.

“Please stay in touch.I wish you the best of luck with everything, and hope that if you can help that you make better headway than I do,” she whispers.“Have a good night.”I take the business card and tape it to my computer monitor.I smile back and fold my hands again.

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