Page 17 of Dissent

I couldn’t watch. I couldn’t witness it.

My fingers sought my little heart, gripping it as the drums began to boom an ominous beat. I heard Raúl’s words as he recited the last rites. And then the screaming started. My breath hitched, a knot swelling so big, I thought I would choke. I couldn’t resist it. I knew I shouldn’t, but my disbelief forced me to do it—to open my eyes and witness it. My sight landed on Chase’s handsome face, melting as his screams filled the afternoon sky. My stomach roiled with the smell of burning flesh filling my nostrils. I quickly closed my eyes again, feeling the tears threatening to overcome me. But it didn’t help. I couldn’t shut out the screams, and I couldn’t get his face—the face that I held and desperately wanted to kiss—out of my mind. All I could see were Chase’s green eyes as the flames consumed him.

9: Liability

Ifelttheticklein my nose as I sniffled. Lying on my bed, I reached to my nightstand and snagged a tissue. A gentle dab at my eyes to soak up the moisture that was gathering again, and another swipe at my nose. I crumbled the mass and tossed it into the collection of used tissues that had amassed on my bed. Inhaling deeply, I filled my lungs until a twinging sensation stung in my chest, but I didn’t let it go. I held the breath, feeling it sting further before finally letting it all flow out of me.

My eyes swept across my nightstand and landed on my mini-tab. Hesitating slightly, I gave in and grabbed it. My finger swiped across the screen to unlock it, and his green eyes greeted mine. I always loved Chase’s eyes. I always felt that I might lose myself in them if I stared into them too long.

A fresh pang of hurt filled me, and the tightness in my throat returned. I closed my eyes, covering them with my hands. The tears were building up behind my lids again. I was going to have to change the screen from his picture to something else. I couldn’t have a traitor filling the screen of my tab every time I unlocked it. It would give the wrong impression, and I just didn’t think my heart could bear to see him every time I looked at the screen.

A gentle knock sounded at the door. Startled, I tossed my tab to the side and wiped the tears from my eyes. “Yeah? Who is it?”

“It’s me. I’m here to turn down your sheets.”

Fighting the urge to send Chelsea away, I mumbled an approval. She came in quietly, and one glance at her face told me she’d been crying. Her eyes were swollen and puffy, but her expression was cold…blank. I climbed off my bed and stepped away so she could fluff my pillows.

“Are you okay?” I asked. As much as I shouldn’t care about what a Subclass citizen was experiencing, I just couldn’t help but ask. She said nothing, ignoring me as her hands worked to straighten the sheets.

Finishing, she stood up and looked at me coolly. “Your father wants to see you down in the library.”

“Really?” My muscles stiffened. I grabbed another tissue and quickly cleaned up my tear-stained face. Glancing in my vanity mirror, I touched my puffy eyes. It would have to do. He’d know I had been crying, but I could probably lie and say I stubbed my toe or something. I took a deep breath to steady my nerves and left Chelsea behind.

Following the familiar steps, I made it down to the library, and then paused just outside the double doors. I was scared, and it took everything within me to keep from running back to my room. That wouldn’t end well. With a shaky hand, I opened the door, and stepped inside. Raúl was standing, speaking to Jacob, while Belinda sat in an armchair. Hearing me enter, he turned to face me.

“Mara, would you please join us?” He motioned to the other armchair across from Belinda. I nodded my head and steeled myself for what was to come. I slipped into the chair and did everything I could to refrain from looking at my stepmother. I could feel her gaze penetrating me, and the hairs on the back of my neck rose as a chill fell down my spine. “Mara, I know you were at the assembly today—”

“Late,” Belinda interrupted. “I think that is important to note, my dear.”

“Ah yes…you were late,” he added. “I am also aware of your affiliation with Chase Beckham.” The tightness in my throat returned at the mention of his name. I couldn’t cry here…not in front of them and definitely not in front ofher. I nodded my head. “It is imperative that you disclose the nature of your relationship with this rebel and anything he might have shared with you.”

“He didn’t tell me anything. He never told me anything about rebels or being one of them.”

Belinda shifted in her chair, clearing her throat before speaking. “The Council informed us that this traitor submitted a Match Application. He was hoping to be considered as a suitor for you. Clearly, you were romantically involved.”

No, no, no…“Yes, he wanted—”

“Keep your mouth shut,” she growled at me. “You’re a stain on this family’s good name.” I snapped it closed, glaring at her. “Jacob told us about conversations you had with this man. He showed obvious sympathies for the Subclass.” I flicked my gaze over to Jacob, anger welling up inside me. He promised he wouldn’t say anything. Hepromised! “Surely this man said something to you. It would be in Telvia’s best interest if you told the truth.”

“Iswear, I knew nothing. Chase never told me anything that would make me believe he was involved in rebel activity.”

“Lies,” Belinda shot back. “You had plenty of reason to know he was a traitor to Telvia.”

“I believe Mara,” Jacob began. “Mara is a loyal citizen and would have notified the REG should she have suspected any rebel activity.” He looked at me, eyes dark and serious and a grim twist to his mouth.

Belinda frowned. “As talented as you are, my son, I fear that Subclass Sympathizers have a way of making us believe their innocence. I am concerned about Mara’s affiliation with this rebel group.”

A pained expression crossed Raúl’s face. “I believe our general is capable of knowing how we should proceed. I’m willing to accept his reassurance.” Belinda’s eyes narrowed as her expression grew cold and venomous, but she stayed silent. A sense of relief washed over Jacob’s face before he quickly hid it, standing up tall and rolling his shoulders back.

Raúl continued. “However, if new information comes to light, Mara, that you have further knowledge of rebel activity and you failed to come forth, I am afraid that drastic measures will need to be taken.” I gulped, feeling it glide down my throat as I nodded. “I’m glad we have an understanding. You are excused.”

I wasted no time and sprinted out of the room without looking at any of them, letting the door close behind me. Leaning back against the wall outside the library, tears welled up and spilled over. I covered my face with my hands and tried to stifle my cries, forcing myself to choke down my emotions.

“She’s a liability, Raúl…” Belinda’s voice slipped into my ear. I looked up, startled, ready to lie about why I was crying, but realized I was still alone. Glancing at the door to the library, I noticed it was slightly ajar, allowing me to hear the conversation inside. Leaning in closer, I listened to the argument beginning on the other side.

“Mother, I trust Mara,” Jacob began.

“DO NOT interrupt me,” Belinda snapped. “You might be the new general of the REG, but remember how you got there.”

---