Part 29 (1/2)

Mother climbs the stage, and when she turns around, her face is somber.

She holds her green wristlet to her mouth. ”Dear members, there's nothing to worry about. We've experienced a small breach in the outer perimeter of security. While no Sensitives have been found in the building, we're taking every precaution. We'll remain here until the all-clear signal.”

It takes me a moment to process why Mother used the word Sensitive. Then I remember there are numerous humans in the building.

Shouts come from outside the secure room. Someone bangs on the door in a rapid pattern; a code no doubt, since we've been taught Sensitives steal wristlets and impersonate States people. An Enforcer I've never seen before holds his wristlet to the door scanner. The door swings open, and a man who I think is the head of building security collapses into the Enforcer's arms. He's bruised and his clothes are torn.

”What is this?” Mother demands, loud enough for everyone to hear.

The man gasps and struggles to speak. ”Sensitives. A dozen or so, just outside, on the street.”

This throws the room into chaos. Some begin to cry while others stand stunned and wild-eyed.

Humans are so predictable.

My skin trills as their fear surrounds me. I shuffle through the crowd pulling the energy to me, soaking it up, and savoring the charge rus.h.i.+ng through my blood.

I catch Mother's eye and with one finger, she motions me toward her.

”Yes?”

”Don't get carried away. Erasing a roomful of memories is not on my agenda today.”

I smile sweetly. ”I'm under control.” It's a lie. I'm anything but under control. Magic licks at my heart, taunting me. I want more.

Razor sharp pain rolls over my skin and I jump. The sensation gives way to euphoria and I move closer to the source of the pain. A woman, a little older than Mother, sobs uncontrollably. There's a deep scratch across her nose and cheek.

”Not now, Love. I need you to help me calm the room. Can you do that? Do you feel strong enough?”

I don't feel strong. I feel unstoppable. Every time someone sobs or worries about Sensitives attacking, my power surges.

I could stay in this room all night, savoring the emotions coursing through me. ”I feel perfect.”

Mother lifts her hand so that it's near her face, palm out. ”Do not panic,” she says smoothly. ”Everything is...under control.”

I suppress a laugh and try my hardest to keep my face blank.

The crowd before me slowly settles down and the fear subsides. Along with the ebbing fear goes my growing power.

I scowl.

”It's for the best,” Mother whispers.

I give a reluctant nod and, as I take in the crowd, I realize I am completely surrounded by diplomats from the Eastern Society.

”Why is the room half-full with Eastern diplomats?” I ask.

”They're our permanent guests.”

”Guests?”

Mother chuckles. ”Guests sounds nicer than hostages, don't you think? Besides, most of the humans are unaware of their change in status. And the ones who were, were dealt with.”

My eyes grow wide. ”You're holding members of another society hostage? Why?”

Mother sighs. ”They decided the one-hundred and fifty year old treaty they signed with Charles Channing means more than our loyal friends.h.i.+p.”

I lift my eyebrows in confusion.

”They declared for the Light witches. Until the Eastern Society comes to its senses, any of its members caught within our borders will be a permanent guest of the State.”

”We're at war with another society?” I squeak. It's one thing to handle uprisings within your own domain, but Mother is talking about something much larger.

”Of course not.” She frowns. ”We're at war with all of them.”

27.

”We leave for the Midlands in thirty minutes,” Mother says as she pa.s.ses my office. ”Pack for several days. Ryker can join us, if he wishes, but you must not tell anyone else.”

I gape at my empty doorway. Nothing like advance notice.

As soon as Enforcers secured the State buildings, Mother spun into crisis mode. First, she called a news conference and explained that what happened today was nothing more than a test. Next, she gathered her top advisors in a room. Apparently, they decided to send her to the Midlands.

I ping Ryker. ”Heya.” I rub my sweaty hands on my skirt. We haven't talked since this morning when I made him promise to kill me. ”Did you see the feeds?”

”Which ones? The official ones or the Enforcer ones?” He sounds agitated, and I bite my lip. Maybe this isn't such a good idea. After all, inviting my would-be-a.s.sa.s.sin to go on a trip with me hardly seems logical.

But then again, I am crazy.

”So you know about the uprising?” I ask.

”Yes.”

”Mother is taking me to the Midlands. Would you like to come?”

”Sure. When do we leave?”

I tap my fingers against my desk and check my wristlet. ”Twenty-five minutes.”

A long pause.

”I'll meet you at home.” He pings off.

I hurry home and find our house empty. Well, not empty, Kyra waits for me in the entryway.

”Where were you today?” I demand.