Page 10 of The Divide that Binds Us

Breathe.Focus on the cave first.

But what if—

“Thank you, everyone, for riding the Zeala Rocket Transit.We’ve arrived at Topaz Island—full of vibrant energy and wonderful sites.Please pick up a brochure to see what events are happening today!”the train conductor announces over the loudspeaker.I grab my bag and stand up, feeling wobbly like my guts are ready to spill out.1500 miles in five minutes and we’re here.

The sun’s rays hit me as my ears pick up on the trumpets and drums grooving to an unfamiliar tune.I shield my eyes to regain sight, but the vibrancy hurts.I can’t remember the last time I was on Topaz Island.

I saunter off the platform as people trip up the stairs, trying to rush onto the departing train.My eyes lock onto a group in black, standing out from the rainbow of the island—a few Guards dressed in heavy-duty military uniforms with Topaz’s emblem on the breast pocket.Queen Sophie stands with her legs crossed, holding a tiny, black lace umbrella.She wears the same fierce smile she had on TV.

“Special Agent Alice Reid?”Her soprano voice rings in my ears.The Guards behind her nod at me.One of them has the glittering speck by his hairline and is the only one who smiles.

“Yes.”I formally bow.“Queen Sophie, thank you for having me.”

“Ah!What a pleasure!”She grabs my hand and pulls me close with sparkly eyes.“Come, come, darling, I want to escort you to this cave,” she whispers, gesturing toward the shiny, black carriage with two black horses in the street.As we board and ride down the road, I admire the view and envy the island’s creativity.A parade starts near the station with a giant, inflated butterfly that performers dance on.The buildings are reconstructed into neon geometric forms.Even the sidewalks and streets are permanently colored and lack the concrete shade they used to have.

I jut my head out of the carriage, catching a few baby dragons soaring across the sky and landing on a cyan skyscraper.

Queen Sophie leans out.“Beautiful, aren’t they?Treacherous that people are killing them.”

“Yeah,” I mumble.“It’s too bad the monarchs don’t want our help.”

Our gazes shift to each other.Sophie straightens and places her black, gloved hands neatly on her lap.She’s a curvy, petite lady with straight, golden-blond hair swirled into a cinnamon-roll bun with colorful, fake flowers popping out.Her veiny skin resembles stilton cheese.

“This is true; however, as a concerned citizen, I want your help.”

I nod and try to keep a straight face, even though I’m internally panicking again about this task.

“It’s bad, isn’t it?”I ask.“The deaths?”

“The balance has always been dragons dying from old age and baby dragons hatching,” Sophie explains.“If dragons are dying at a faster rate than being born, then the balance is thrown off.The world slowly dies.It’s subtle, so no one catches it at first, but over time it becomes obvious.After all, they carry Zeala’s life within them.”

I cross my arms.“I wonder which monarch would be so against deploying us.”

“Us monarchs meet twice a month unless a situation calls for more.We met and came to a binding agreement to lean on each other for resources and support during this investigation, though I don’t necessarily agree,” Sophie notes.“I do enjoy an island with a heavy emphasis on nature and preservation.It’s quite different from Topaz.”

She stares at me long enough that the answer clicks.Garnet Island.

If the influence to not involve the organizations came from Garnet, then does this mean King Remington also wants Elite closed?It’ll create conflict between the islands if anyone finds out that Sophie is acting alone.

The carriage ambles through the crowd.Pedestrians catch sight of us and start screaming, whistling, and waving at Queen Sophie, but she doesn’t even flinch the slightest bit to acknowledge them.

“Why would a monarch not disagree?”I ask.“I assume any of them can change their mind, right?Why wouldn’t they approach Ultima?”

Queen Sophie stares thoughtfully with a small smile before replying.“From my perspective, Master Azul is a longtime friend, and I personally trust Elite.Perhaps that is all one can say about the inner workings of the monarchy.It is an emotionally volatile role.”

The rest of the ride is thick with tension, but not toward each other.I swallow the dryness in my throat.Sophie’s body sways from the motion of the carriage, especially when the wheels hit a pink pothole.When it comes to a slow stop, I examine the residential area with a stone or brick façade.

“What’s in the cave?”I ask.

Queen Sophie turns to me.“That’s your job to find out.”She grabs my wrist to put something in my hand.“Use this pager when you’re ready for a carriage to pick you up.”

I squeeze the pager in my hand.This is the most time I’ve spent with any monarch, and it’s obvious she enjoys the occasional ride.There were cars, but of course, Sophie’s giant carriage slows everything down.

When I hop out, a Guard escorts me to the cave entrance before retreating.I nearly lose balance as the concrete shifts into gravel.

“Your belongings will be transported to the most exquisite hotel on the island!”Sophie shouts.I look back at her and wave as the horses pull the carriage away.

The mouth of the cave slants downward, creating a rocky slope inside.I take small steps, remembering I’m not wearing the best shoes.I try to place my feet on sturdy rocks with one hand against the wall.Once I’m on level ground, I begin my search.The dim cavern engulfs me immediately into its darkness.I use my phone’s flashlight paired with my eyes adjusting to proceed.

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