Page 85 of The Divide that Binds Us

“Sorry, have to go.Queen Oona must be here.”

Lynn’s eyes widen.“Oh.Best of luck.”

As soon as I leave the cafeteria, I unwrap the muffin and take another huge bite to have more in my stomach before this meeting.Crumbs crumple out of the wrapper as my mouth is stuffed, trying to chew and swallow quickly.My chest tightens from the fast excursion, and my face flushes from a few members witnessing my shame.

The meeting is taking place in the conference room instead of Cedric’s office to appear more inviting.The base is so quiet with fewer members around, but Guards flood the lobby with their Onyx Island insignias.

I sweep behind the receptionist desk to go into the glass conference room where a long table stretches amongst the entire length of the room.Queen Oona sits opposite of the door with five—no, seven Guards huddled behind her.Master Cedric sits directly across from her, so I take the seat juxtaposed of him.

Despite his grim stare, he seems somewhat pleased from the slight curve of his mouth.I never know with this gin-drinking, suit-wearing, watch-collecting man.

He clears his throat.“Let’s get started.”

Queen Oona smiles smoothly, mystic pink hair fluffed out and caressing around her round ebony face.She wears silver eyeshadow and a metallic high-collared dress that fits tightly around her shoulders and the sleeves billow out at her elbows.

“Oi, let’s,” Oona says.“Master Cedric, Commander Rio.Thank you for meeting with me regarding the complaint of contempt filed by Commander Rebecca Foster of the Elite Organization.Would you like to present your defense now, or after?”

I’m concrete and can’t even crack a smile.My spine is tight, my neck aches, and my head hurts.

“Now would be best.Rio?”Master Cedric gestures for me to begin.

I carefully clench my jaw, strain radiating the lower half of my face.

“Queen Oona.I’ve been concerned about an Elite member who attacked two of my members on Topaz.This same member also attacked a different teammate on Emerald.There was also reason to believe Elite was involved in a—” I stop myself short, not wanting to reveal Mildred’s conversation.Queen Oona raises a brow.“I uh...th-that’s all I have.”

No point in mentioning anything else since it’s not substantial.

I’m such a fool.

“Queen Oona, if I may add onto this,” Master Cedric says.“Commander Rio has been diligent with the missions he’s assigned in our efforts to keep dragons safe throughout Zeala.With the recent deaths, he’s been made aware of a few particular concerns he wanted to further investigate and eventually report to the appropriate officials.”

I hold his steady gaze and give nothing away.

Oona smooths out a folder laid out on the table, flipping indulgently through the pages with a soft, warm, twinkle.

“Thank you, gentlemen.I now present to you the complaint of contempt by the Elite Organization.Elite’s Special Agent, Alice Reid was on an investigative mission on behalf of Queen Sophie on Topaz Island.She was interrupted by two rowdy Ultima members whom she kindly asked to leave, and they did not.”

Alice Reid.My head swirls her name in a toxic spiral.

Mom and I are going to have a serious talk later.

“Combat first.Powers second.”I refute.“Alice did not follow the code adopted by both organizations.”

“This is indeed acknowledged by Elite.Rebecca states that Alice reacted appropriately to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”She flips the page.“With the matter of Emerald Island, Alice embarked on another investigative mission—the details of which are confidential—when she encountered an Ultima member who brought Alice under the belief she would help her when she was actually calling for backup.Upon discovery, Alice defended herself once again to preserve the integrity of her mission.”

I sigh and hang my head.Cedric clicks his tongue and leans back in his chair.His blond salt and pepper hair glows under the ceiling light.

“The complaint also outlines your deceit behind Natasha’s disappearance,” Oona continues.“Upon confrontation with Elite, you disclosed not knowing of Natasha’s whereabouts yet already had her in custody.Do you deny this?”

I gulp.“No.”

“Where was Natasha at the time of the confrontation on Emerald?”Oona questions.

“In...in the trunk of the car,” I answer.

“And how did you get Natasha to join Ultima?”Oona asks.

“Natasha was initially resistant and harbored ill feelings toward Ultima to the point where she attacked me and my team WITH HER POWERS FIRST after we helped extract the gem.She wasn’t happy but extensive counseling led her to have a change of heart.”I smile ruly.

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