Page 33 of Kingdom of Today
The inner wind quickened. “I don’t think we should arrest anyone,” I blurted out before he could begin. Wait. I didn’t?
Noises of refusal exploded from my peers.
“Just listen.” I clapped my hands, earning silence, and the wind stilled. My thoughts settled. “Usually CURED issues explicit instructions, no exceptions, no excuses. They don’t give us an out. Yet the duchess did. Come back with a victim or a reason. So let’s give her a reason. Without a proper test, we can’t identify an infected person.” Yes. That was it. That was the purpose of this activity.
More protests sounded from my teammates. Miller said, “Unless you got a hot tip from the high prince, I’m bagging me a feeder.”
“No hot tips. Just an inner knowing.”
Roman pursed his lips. “You’re outvoted, Ardie. If you want to risk it, that’s fine. But we’re going to stick close to the Rock. Anyone who even glances at it, we’ll question. We should have our suspects within the hour.”
Chapter Nine
A war is waged in the corridors of your mind, and only you can crown the victor.
—The Book of Soal2.11.4.8
Minutes seemed to last days as I stood with Roman and the others near a section of the Rock. The yearning inside me swelled, reaching new heights, nearly overpowering me with a desire to enter the library. It was so close, mere feet away. Almost within reach.Right there.
“Got one,” Roman muttered, and stopped a big, burly man with a limp.
Poor guy.
As the two barked words at each other, my teammates geared up to step in and aid Roman. I shoved a hand in my pocket and grippedmyRock. The essence of Tsuri. Rather than appeasing my yearning, however, the action galvanized it. I caught myself peering at a symbol and taking a step closer. Thankfully, no one noticed me—or the robe-clad, transparent Domino who stepped from the structure. Another robe-clad, transparent man accompanied him. Someone I’d never met, probably the same age, with rough features.
Air stalled in my lungs, every particle a needle’s kiss as both men fastened their gazes on me, cold and merciless. They closed the distance, side by side, warriors on a mission. What ... why ...
Domino wasted no time. “Tell your teammates you’re going to the bathroom. Sprint north, turn right. Enter the Lumen Bay Apartments. Speak to no one. In the lobby bathroom, tell the girl to trust she who comes after you.”
What the—
“I’ll handle your guards,” the other man said, his voice a growl.
He and Domino vanished.
I didn’t give myself a chance to debate all the reasons I should refuse. “I’m going to the bathroom. I’ll be back.” I darted off in the correct direction as if my feet were on fire, not giving anyone an opportunity to protest or ask questions.
I dashed through clusters of people and dodged every obstacle. Running was my thing. I pumped my arms in sync with my stride. “Apologies,” I called after knocking a guy with my shoulder.
Distinct footsteps echoed behind me, a war drum in my ears. My guards, no doubt. I didn’t risk a glance over my shoulder and possibly a crash caused by distraction. Instead, I let Domino’s friend “handle” them.
Turning the corner on Lumen Avenue, I spotted the correct apartment building. Wondering what I’d find, I flew inside. Nice place. Modern furnishings, mirrored walls, fancy fixtures.
A woman behind the reception counter shouted, “Hey!” Like the man who’d backed off earlier, she spotted my badge, clamped her mouth shut, and sat.
Bathroom, bathroom, where was the bathroom? I raced here, there. Yes! I shouldered past the door, entering a utilitarian space with two full-length mirrors, two sinks, and two stalls, one on each side. Someone stood at a sink, washing her face. We froze in unison.
Realization slapped me. “Mykal,” I burst out, throwing my arms around her. I owed Domino so big. He’d known how desperately I wished to help her, and he’d made it happen. He was a good man.
“Be quiet.” Frantic and panicked, she unsheathed a makeshift dagger. “How did CURED find me? I removed my ID chip.”
Oh, wow, she looked worse than before. Too thin, fragile, her eyes sunken and her cheekbones sharper than broken glass. Her hair stuck out in dirt-streaked spikes. Torn, stained clothing hung on her slender frame.
Staving off tears, I held up my hands, palms out, to let her know I intended her no harm. Mykal was my friend. Maybe my best friend. Considering she had turned against CURED, as evidenced by her words, she might be ready to hear the truth. Which meant, I now had a choice. Give her the truth, straight up, or don’t. If I did it, and she got caught after we parted, she might tattle on me, putting me more firmly in Mr. Vyle’s crosshairs.
Honestly, though, Domino had sent me here with a specific mission. He’d all but ordered me to take the risk.
Very well.At least I wouldn’t be recorded, my necklace scrambling our conversation. “We don’t have a lot of time,” I rushed out, fierce but quiet. “I’m a Soalian. Part of the Tome Society. A glower. CURED has lied to us our entire lives. You are infected—”
