Page 17 of Riftborne
As he sauntered past me, I heard a clunk. And then he disappeared into the night. I made my way over to the table and found Ma’s key. And a card with his office address. Something inside me stopped my hands from ripping it to shreds.
It wasn’tlong before Ma was standing in the greenhouse doorway, holding a flickering candle. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly, noting my less-than-ideal posture on the pavement.
My body just wanted to relax… I deserved that. I felt like I had been packed into a jar all day.
There was a strange relief in the fact that the inevitable confrontation had finally happened. I had answers. Hehadseenme. It wasreal.The sickening anticipation was gone, and I felt some semblance of clarity. So, here I laid. Sprawled on the ground, stretching out the stress that had taken root over the last day.
Breathing felt so good. I'd take whatever peace I could get. I just wanted to forget everything for a single, perfect moment.
“I’m just exhausted,” I lied. I couldn’t tell her anything tonight. I needed to make my plans first. She tilted her head to the side, but her concern seemed to lessen, though I knew curiosity still churned inside. It was Ma, after all.
Sitting up, I ran my fingers through my hair, wincing as I snagged more than a few tangles. It probably looked as crazy as I felt.
“I know you want to talk about it, Ma. And we will, but I’m done for the night. I just want to go home and dive into my bed.” I gave her an apologetic half-smile. It was about all I could muster. After a few seconds, she nodded.
I could tell she was appeasing me. If it were up to her, we would have it out right here, right now. “Go get some sleep, Fia. And have a good weekend. Try to do something fun. Oh, and don’t forget my travel day. The shop will be closed.” She attempted a smile, eyes still cloudy with concern. My heart sank.
We headed back into the shop to lock up. I wished Ma a good night before wandering through the city, losing track of time as my mind drifted lawlessly—until my feet stopped in front of our apartment building. Even though it was small and rundown, I was going to miss it.
Sighing, I made my way upstairs, not even bothering to wonder what dreams would haunt me tonight.
I knew what I had to do.
I knew I had to run.
CHAPTER 7
The rhythmic clangof metal against metal resonated through the room, merging with the erratic crackling from a fire below. Acrid fumes of burning coal and metal hung heavy in the air.
Shadows danced along the walls as an arm escaped from the darkness, flying above my head, a hammer gripped in its hand. It raced down, clanging against the surface of liquid steel.
Sparks flew as the metals collided. Heat enveloped me. Smoke billowed through the room. The hammer struck again, louder than the first time. And again. And again. Each time with more force. As the hand approached the burning embers, I noticed intricate tattoos swirling up the arm of the wielder.
Smoke began to fill my lungs.
The hot steel, once a river of liquid flame, began to take form, gradually revealing the silhouette of a blade. The thrums continued, forging the weapon well past the point of completion.
I watched on as the hand moved closer to my face, as if urging me to inspect the craftsmanship. Backlit by the flame below, my eyes focused, finding the twisted and rigid blade of a dagger.
I wokeup to the familiar view of my ceiling, the remnants of a dream still hanging in my mind. It wasn't a nightmare this time, thankfully, just odd. I let out a slow breath. Perhaps my subconscious had decided to finally show me some mercy.
Thoughts of General Ashford and his attempts to recruit me echoed through my thoughts, sending a shiver across my skin. And suddenly, any relaxation that had seemed within reach fizzled out into the sea of anxiety I’d come to know so well.
I buried my head in my pillow and let out a groan.
The idea of becoming a weapon for the military, of joining the institution that viewed my very life as inconsequential at best—unfathomable at worst—was laughable. Not to mention, his invitation felt a lot more like a threat. Well, itwasa threat.
And the answer was no.
The arrogance radiating off him was insufferable enough. And that was just the tip of theabsolutely-fucking-noticeberg.
Ma would be fine. She wasn’t a Riftborne. She was simply my employer to the outside world. Osta, on the other hand… Ashford’s words crashed back into my thoughts. Would he punish her if I left?
Guilt churned through me. I had to believe it would be safer for her in Luminaria than if she were on the run with a fugitive. At least here, she could aid them in their investigation. She could answer their questions about me.
If I was ever caught, and she had come with me… I’d never forgive myself for the consequences.
The General seemed almost manic, unpredictable, but above all, prideful. I wondered if he would truly inform the Guard about my transgressions if I simply disappeared. It would be humiliating for such an esteemed General to let a lowly Riftborne slip through his fingers. Yes, pride and power were what drove him. Probablyto a point of blind arrogance. After all, he thought he could walk into my life after twenty-three years and tame thisthinginside me like he was some kind of savior? As far as I knew, people didn’t need training to control their focus. Perfect it? Maybe. But not to stop it from unleashing chaos the second their pulse quickened.
