Page 34 of Above
“Absolutely not,” I deadpanned. Merely chuckling at my refusal, Zade reached over and snatched the last quarter of my pastry, shoving it in his mouth before I could object.
“Since I am keeping your secret, I don’t think you have any room for negotiations.” He shrugged, his words showing me the half chewed bread and powder in his mouth.
“This is blackmail!” I covered my lips as soon as the near shout left them, but I still garnered the attention of the cores. Great.
“Yes, yes it is. Glad to know you’re keeping up. I was nervous that boot to the head might affect your intelligence. Speaking of which, I will be training you from now on. Expect an hour less sleep in the mornings, because I’ll be in your bed before dawn.”
Gaping at him, I tried my best to formulate some sort of argument. But what could I say? No thanks, but you better still keep my secret? As if that would go over well. Maybe scold his choice of words?
“Dinner will be tonight and our training starts tomorrow. We are set to start spending one day a week with our divisions, but we’ll make up for it. Falling behind is not an option, Supernova.” Then he got up, flicked my nose, and promptly left the dining hall.
Despite my better judgment, I allowed myself a single glance at the five cores on my right. Just as I expected, Altair watched, a scowl contorting his face and his hand gripping a knife.
Chapter Seventeen
Nova
“Life reminds me of chess. You’re constantly making moves, trying to outwit everyone around you. But in the end, we’re all just pawns being prepared for sacrifice.”
-From the journal of Nova Tershetta, 9280 AS
It turned out that dinner with Zade was just me letting him sit next to me in the dining hall as I ate. While I sat there, unable to pull myself out of my swarming mind, Zade talked. On and on he droned, telling me more stories of his life that I struggled to pay attention to.
Casually, he mentioned that his father beat him to near death the previous summer, and I found myself unable to take another bite of my steak and potatoes. Stars, they were fucked up.
All I could think to say was that I was sorry, but he only laughed it off.
At one point, I summoned parchment and graphite, preparing to pen a letter to my family while he discussed what sounded like the time he got drunk with Priya Otarn and his older sister, Dove, who then threw him off a small hill and shattered his shoulder. Fucked up, psychotic people.
Sighing, I began the letter.
Family Dearest,
I hope you’re all doing well. Not sure why, but it feels like years since I’ve seen you three (Four? Three and a half? I don’t know how to count Death). Anyways, please update me on the shop. How is business with all of the protests? Dad, how are you feeling after that cold?
Things are fine here. I got assigned to the Alchemy Division, not that it’s a surprise to anyone. I’m fitting in well, and I’ve even made a friend (someone hit Celeste for me. That’s right, I know you’re laughing at the idea of me having a friend, ass).
I miss you all so much.
Love, Nova
Lying seemed like the only smart option. What else would I say?
I’m falling so far behind that I’m terrified I won’t be able to catch up, plus everyone hates me?
That would definitely convince them to take their haya and believe in my ability to save them. Surely an utter failure like me could accomplish anything.
“What has you scowling like that?” Zade asked. His chin was resting on his palm, not the slightest hint of annoyance on his face.
“None of your business,” I hissed, standing up and quickly collecting my things before darting towards the double doors, my knee aching. Apparently, my poor attitude was not enough to deter Zade, who followed closely at my heels as I burst through the doors.
“Actually, seeing as we are friends now, I figure it’s sort of my business.” Growling in frustration, I turned on him, readyto swing if that was what it took to get him to understand my disinterest. “Woah there, haven’t you ever been told not to bite the hand that feeds you?”
“Yeah, because you’re somehow helping me.”
“I will be beginning tomorrow.”
“Why? What’s in it for you?” I shouted.
