Page 111 of The Divide that Binds Us

I grab a few bags to help him take to his room before we part ways.He still looks worried, but this isn’t his problem.Logically, what he said makes sense, but somehow, Alice is still involved in this whole thing.

People chatter in the halls about Wave Riding Season starting, and the volume in the cafeteria spikes to bass blaring heights as members’ shoes squeak and squeal past my office to join others.It’s not even lunch or dinner time, but everyone likes gathering in the cafeteria instead of the rec room.There’s just something about sitting on the benches and tables while craning necks happily break to see the screen that people love.

I visit Lynn in the infirmary, who is sitting upright in her bed watching the event live from her phone.The nurses hesitate outside her curtain with worried glances.Lynn is not thankful for their help.Instead, she screeches and throws pillows at them.She wants to heal faster.She wants to play again.She wants to stop hurting.

Bypassing the nurses, I slip into the room and plop next to her in the plastic rickety chair.Lynn slowly turns to me and pats a spot on her bed for me to sit and adjusts herself to share her phone with me.On the screen, a tall figure approaching the screaming and waving crowd is zoomed in on by the cameramen.The guy has a graceful aura—divine and arresting.His cerulean eyes hold a gentle gaze, and his chestnut brown hair is swept back in a low fade.

My eyes widen.“Holy Superior is that—”

“Water Superior Wyatt,” Lynn whispers.“He is here.ON ZEALA.And I am missing it!”

Wyatt greets everyone in his vibrant blue robe with gold stitching, and silver designs.Despite his attire, he looks deceptively normal.He comes down often, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Superior up close.I can’t believe this guy has the ultimate power of water.

Lynn passes her phone to me and swings her legs over the edge of the bed.

I begin to protest.“No, Lynn.”

“I am going to this event; nothing will stop me,” she says.Her determination radiates in her eyes.She’ll probably hypnotize me once she gets ahold of her violin.

Wait ...

The violin case leans against the wall, so I grab it before she’s completely standing up.Amazing that this withstood the fire she fell victim to.

She gives a warning glare.Most of her skin except her face is devoured by the bandages.She’s had a lot of skin treatments done, but she still has a soft hue of shiny pink from the burns.Her face healed first, as this was a priority before the rest of her body.

“Give me the case,” she demands.

“You’re in no condition to be moving.”

“Commander, please.This has been my lifelong dream.He is my Superior!”

I consider the idea and then come up with a compromise.“Okay, I’ll take you there.But the violin stays here.”

She hesitates.“...Rio—”

Derrick busts through the curtain.“OH MY GOSH THE WHOLE GANG IS BACK!”he roars with Eric jumping up and down and squealing.“Um, Lynn why are you standing?You should be resting.”

I ignore them and stare at Lynn.“The violin stays here.”

“Okay.Deal.”

An older nurse frantically shoves himself into the small space, huffing and surveying all of us.“Mr.Shackler, surely it’s not safe for her to travel.”

“I know, but I’ll take responsibility,” I reassure him.The nurse still seems hesitant, but nods and hurries out to check on another member hacking up a lung next door.The twins wag their brows with sly smirks.Derrick wears black denim skinny jeans and a blue hoodie with the Sapphire Island insignia on the back.Eric’s hair is curly and dripping wet on his faded-tan shirt and gray cargo shorts.

“Is this an outing?”he asks.

“This istotallyan outing,” Derrick confirms.

Lynn grunts and scrunches her face.

If Mildred is there and something bad happens, I can’t guarantee I’ll be able to keep my teammates safe.I just want to capture Alice before Mildred does.

Derrick brushes what’s left of Lynn’s loose hair back into her high ponytail.She’s still in a gown but Eric gives her a jacket and sandals to slip into.Every movement makes her wince, but she pushes herself while holding onto them.

We take a cab to the station and board the train.The twins gush about seeing so many dragons up close and buying drinks later while Lynn absently opens and closes her fists and bites her lower lip.She’ll finally meet her Superior, the deity who Traced her and gifted her powers.My envy shows.

I’ve been wondering why my Superior Traced me.Heck, who Traced me?Why would someone take everything I’ve ever wanted away from me, and turn me into their puppet?Or worse, why would they turn me into a monster?

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