Total pages in book: 123
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 114925 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 575(@200wpm)___ 460(@250wpm)___ 383(@300wpm)
He gave a clipped shake of his head. “There’s no need. I’ve already done what you’ve asked, and I know what you’re referencing.” His hold on me tightened. “Please don’t worry, kitten. I’ll never war with you. We’re rock solid.”
A play on words that roused a toothy grin in me while his confidence soothed the worst of my fears. I was obviously misinterpreting the passage. “I believe you.” But. Um. “Why didn’t you respond to my message before today?” I tried not to pout, I really, really did.
“I only returned to the base this morning.”
Okay, so, that wasn’t an explanation because contact could be made between worlds, but I let it slide. “Did you remember anything?”
“No.” His tension cranked up again. “I lost more days.”
Now that was an explanation. One that disturbed me greatly. “There’s a classroom beyond time. Let’s go together. We can stay until you decode those days in your book.”
“There’s a downside to those timeless rooms, and I’d rather avoid it.” A muscle jumped beneath his eye. “About Domino. I don’t want you to see him anymore. Command him to stay away, and he will.”
What? I hadn’t known Domino long, but he’d been nothing but helpful. Not to mention he was a major asset to our team. “I get that he’s not your favorite, but he’s a great resource.”
“I don’t care.”
But I did. “This is a big ask. You gotta give me more than an entreaty. Tell me why.”
“I just need you to trust me.” Cyrus dipped his head to press his brow against mine. “At least promise me you’ll think about it.”
Though the very idea pricked like a thorn, I nodded. Nothing wrong with musing something over. “I will, I promise.” I’d probably think of little else.
His gaze jumped behind me, to the bus, and narrowed. “You better go. Be safe, Pink.”
“You, too, sugar bear. By the way, I miss you already,” I added because I couldn’t not.
“Good. Because I love you, and I’ll never let you go.” He pressed one of those too-swift kisses into my lips before striding away.
My mouth floundered open and closed. What? He hadn’t just . . . he couldn’t have . . . What?!
I trudged to the bus and boarded, still floundering. Forget what he’d requested regarding Domino. I’d figure that out later. Cyrus Dolion did not just confess to being in love with me. I’d misheard. Or . . . or . . .
He might actually love me?
My guards entered the vehicle behind me. I didn’t let myself consider Cyrus’s declaration a second more—I’d only melt. That must come after this field trip.
Winslet pointed to the bucket seat in front of her. “I saved you a spot.”
A whirlwind of emotions churned as I gathered the scattered pieces of armor and an assortment of weapons piled on the seat. Steeling myself, I slid into place. One guard stood watch up front, rigid and alert, while the other silently took position in the back, ready for whatever lay ahead.
Duchess Mimidae stood at the front as well. “You’ve learned to work together in pairs. Now, you’ll practice in a small group of five. Suit up.”
I obeyed, donning the armor. Pieces I’d worn before, each made of a lightweight substance with malleable seams. The arsenal consisted of a netter gun, a retractable spear, two regular daggers, one CO2 special, a gun known as the harbinger, and a pair of metal cuffs interlaced with stun pins. Hmm. I’d never worked with cuffs.
“Your individual goal is simple,” the duchess stated. “Without issuing a field test, identify and detain someone you suspect of being at the breaking point of Madness. Your group goal is to protect innocent civilians while securing each candidate.”
“How will we know who’s infected if we can’t run tests?” Cash asked. “Feeders without worms can pass as clean.”
Features pinched with disapproval, the duchess snapped, “At this point, if you need worms to identify those who exhibit symptoms of the Madness, you shouldn’t be a member of the gentry. Quit the program and go home.”
Silence swept over the bus. Any hint of excitement withered, replaced by unease that magnified as the vehicle ate up the miles. By the time we reached our destination in the heart of the city, many soldiers-in-training looked ready to shatter. Even Roman. I think we all understood the ramifications if we got this wrong. Innocent people would suffer.
“Stick together with your team, aid each other,” the duchess said. “Feel free to traverse the entire city. You may detain and interrogate anyone of your choosing. Your chips will open most doors, and there’s a badge on your vest the citizens of Bala City will recognize and respect. Return with someone in your custody or a very good reason why you’re empty handed.”
I glanced down at said vest and sure enough, an emblem decorated a spot above the left breast. A jagged circle with broken lines inside it, like Soal’s yet quite different.