Page 8 of The Divide that Binds Us

“Yes, this is Ultima’s purpose, but they weren’t asked to do this, we were.You’ve spent the last five years training.You are ready.”

My mind scatters to gather the right words.I want to pull every strand of my hair out and scratch every inch of my coppery skin to make it make sense, but it’s not.It never will make sense.

“Master Azul,” I begin, trying to relax and prevent sweating.“Please forgive my inquiries, but...am I being deployed for Elite’s sake?”

Azul’s lips form a smooth line across her face.She takes a deep breath, placing her hands on the desk.The creases in her forehead and eyebrows are telling.

“You understand why Ultima and Elite exist, don’t you?”she asks.

I frown, the anger simmering in my stomach.“Of course.”

Overdrive.Everyone knows.

“Then you understand that Ultima has always been the higher-ranking organization of the two from the very beginning,” she says.“I have reason to believe that the monarchs have been discussing potentially dissolving Elite.The people may not be thrilled, but it would be helpful to the economy.Ultima could absorb any members under Master Cedric’s regime.”

The irony is incredible, given that Elite was created as a resistance to Ultima.We can’t go back to the pain they’ve brought to many as Overdrive.

“No,” I whisper, shaking my head.“I—no, that can’t happen.”

“I agree, but two organizations don’t make sense to the monarchs when one can do it.I want that to be Elite.So yes, you are being deployed for Elite’s sake.”

I rub my face in my hands and try to process everything, but I have so many questions.If the killings continue and the Guards and I don’t figure it out, then Zeala is in big trouble.

“Is this a reaction to the monarchs not calling upon Spirit Users to help?”I ask.“Who requested this mission?”

Azul’s sharp gaze briefly flickers.Got it.

“I can’t say much more.Things are complicated and no one wants to start any wars.That’s why this is to be kept confidential.Be discreet, as we do not want a deficiency.Inspect the cave first and gather some intel while on the island.Report your findings immediately.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Back in my room, I pull out a black backpack from under my bunk and plop on my bed with a heavy sigh.The past twelve hours have felt like an eternity.Now, two days after my nineteenth birthday and on my fifth work anniversary, my biggest mission is uncovering the mystery behind the dragon deaths?

I can’t function like this.

Feeling the jitters zapping from my toes to my ears, I dig in the first drawer of the worn dresser and pull out my dagger hidden under my socks.I hold the golden hilt with a gentle squeeze.After my first year in Elite, Billie gifted me this.The gold was intentional because it matches my eyes.

The goofiest thing was she forgot the sheath at the shop, but she was so proud of the dagger that I never bought one.I toss it in my backpack and move on to the second drawer dedicated to Elite uniforms.

“Hmm.”I grab a pair of black cargo pants we all wear and move the accordion closet door to take a spare maroon, double-breasted military jacket, completing the uniform set.

That nap will be my undoing because now I’m too wired.I can’t even focus on reading my book.I pace around the room and stay up late cleaning our bathroom.I flex my fingers and pace again, replaying my conversation with Master Azul.I finally eat my chocolate chip cookie, but it’s a crumpled mess.I sit on my bed, lost in thought about the two dragon deaths.Finally, I turn off the lights and let the darkness swallow me whole.

The emptiness in mystomach wakes me up.I check my phone and groan, accepting that I slept too much into the afternoon.My next check is my email, remembering everything that happened yesterday and my new assignment.

I skim through emails as my stomach growls.Topaz’s dragon population is small compared to other islands; they have too many fireworks and parties.

By the time I realize I have a text from Evangeline from a few hours ago, there’s a knock.

“Come in!”I croak.

Evangeline pops her small head through the door with big, round eyes.

“Howdy!We go see Billie?Oh–are you just waking up?”The rest of her body emerges through the door as her gaze lingers on the backpack at the foot of my bed.“You’re leaving?”

I sit up and let the blanket fall off me.“Yeah.I can’t say why, but I’ll be back tomorrow.”I quickly yawn.“Let’s see Billie before I leave.”

“Okay, but hurry up.I’ll grab you something from the cafeteria and meet you there.”

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