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Chapter forty-six

Fallan

T he new day brings even colder weather. I saw countless crumpled bodies on my walk to the tram this morning, all huddled on sidewalks beneath old blankets, doing their best to warm their hands with what little material they had—those of us who have housing had wood to use for fires to keep us warm, but we used it sparingly.

Mark has been quiet these last few days, saddened that his grandchildren have started walking to school instead of taking the tram. I know they struggle to look at him, regretting how he’s been treated and mourning the time they never got with him. Andrew’s abandonment of the old man is reprehensible.

“Have you ever noticed how awkwardly her brother walks?” Valerie questions from next to me, her eyes on the Blackburn siblings as they move through the crowd of students lingering outside the Academy. Both linger outside the front entrance as if they’re not ready to start the day.

Forest trails in front of her brother, her beautiful brown hair thrown into a pristine braid. She keeps her eyes in straight ahead, entirely unaware of how many people look at her with desire. Countless men's thoughts of her swarm my mind each time I stand out here. Every sick fantasy is enough to make me want to wring their necks. I can hear it all, but there’s nothing I can do. More recently, she’s been keeping her mental barriers up and our connection closed, angry at me for shutting her out. Kai walks carelessly beside her. His long legs take wide strides as he talks his sister’s ear off.

“He walks like anyone else without a care in the world.” She rolls her eyes, watching me stare at my Little Dove.

“Hunter invited them to the bonfire tonight?” Valerie asks, scowling at Forest.

Forest smiles at Kai, her grin lighting up the space around her. I watch her become more animated as they talk; both siblings are easily mistaken for twins if you didn’t know any better. She throws her arms in the air. Her fiery personality is enough to breathe life into any space.

“Yea. I was there when he did it,” I say, leaning into the wall of glass windows surrounding the building. Valerie fiddles with her bag, no longer trying to hold my attention.

“You don't think someone might report her if they see her in our sector?” Valerie questions, my suspicions about her growing.

“Not unless someone who knows she’s an Untouchable feels the need to report her,” I start, narrowing my eyes at her. “You wouldn't know anyone vindictive enough to do that, would you?” I question, backing her further into the glass. She smiles at my reaction, ready to push me further.

“If you’re referring to me,” she starts, shoving me back and away from her. Her rough nature reveals itself the most in these moments. “I’d be more than happy to have her in our sector. Can't wait to see what I can make her do after one too many drinks!”

“Go fuck yourself,” I hiss, feeling a wave of disappointment as I lose sight of Forest. She must have made it inside while I had to deal with Valerie.

“I'm kidding,” Valerie says, sounding as unconvincing as ever. “If you want to waste your life gunning after a woman you can never have, be my guest,” she says the first real hint of anything genuine lingering in her tone. “Maybe it's good for them to see the other side of our sector. The side that explains why we don’t just up and leave,” she whispers, my mind racing to the talk of the Lottery.

So many men, women, and children go missing every year in the blink of an eye, only to be pitted against one another like wild animals in the Pit.

I look to the ward above us, watching how it gleams, blocking out the thick air surrounding New Haven.

“What do you think there is out there?” Valerie questions, following my gaze. “I don't mean just the parts we can see; I mean beyond it. Do you think anyone else is alive? Other than the Shifters?”

Forest’s words about Xavier’s origin circle my mind. Our brief interaction at Adam’s house the night of the Solstice dinner was enough to make me question him entirely. He’s moved past me with such stealth that I thought I imagined what he’d said to me.

“If I see you touch her tonight, I’ll hold her down against the table and show them what she’s been hiding along her hip.”

My inability to do anything about his threat toward her that night almost drove me mad.

“I think there are others out there, but there's a reason they haven't come this way in a long time.”

“And the intercom systems blaring that crazy voice?” she adds. “You think that was really just a prank?”

That voice. That damned voice was clear as day in Forest’s mind. How had he gotten in?

“Does it matter?” I question. “The ward was created to keep us in and keep everything else out.” My hands fidget with my bag. She shakes her head at me.

“Why would they keep us away from other people out there?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” I say, glancing at the time on my watch.

“We’d better get going-”

“Do you trust her?” Valerie asks, cutting me off before I can finish. “Do you trust Forest?” she pushes, my hand dropping to my side.

I expect more from her. Maybe another snide remark. Instead, she stands still, waiting for me to respond.

“Do I trust Forest?”

She nods, leaving me with no way to avoid answering her this time.

I pause, thinking of every interaction we’ve ever shared. Every time she’s come to me, she’s gained nothing from it. All she’s ever wanted is to explore a connection between us that even I barely understand.

“I do,” I admit. Valerie's body pushes away from the wall.

“I’m glad someone does,” she mutters, pulling her bag close. “Don't forget what happened the last time you trusted a Blackburn… some of us can’t forget,” she whispers, moving away from us and towards the front entrance of the school.

I don’t fault Valerie for how much she hates the Blackburn name. Andrew’s face haunts my mind at night. The things he did changed my life forever and left behind emotional scars that I don’t think will ever heal. His daughter, though, has somehow helped me find some meaning again.

It's ironic how such a great evil could create such a bright light.