“Why are you really here?”
“To win.”
“That’s it. Just to win some juvenile game.”
He exhales, his voice is closer when he replies, “Fine. I’m here to win and make sure my brother doesn’t.”
That’s probably the most honest and revealing answer I’ve heard from him. “Are you the Deceiver?”
“No,” he quickly responds.
“Would you tell me if you were?”
“Yes. We’re a team. I win. You win. No point in lying now.”
“Charming. So, why are you so against Micah winning?”
“Because he’d gain power and influence that he’ll use to control me. And the only thing worse than a tyrant is a tyrant with authority.”
“Winning Mercy will give him authority? What kind of game is this?”
“An ancient one that we’ve heard rumors about our entire life. But no one will divulge the specifics of the game. So, we all come in as equals and earn our spot.”
“Spot for what? This makes no sense to me still. Do you get a bunch of money?”
“Yes, money is included but it’s more about the reach, the power that comes with knowing the right people in the right places. We don’t know who the leaders of the secret society are. They’re all Belgrave alumni and have more influence than you’ll ever realize.”
“Belgrave Secret Society. Wow.”
“Their official name is the Keepers of Mercy.”
“Original. But I guess Hooters was already taken,” I state while still trying to digest all of it. “So, Micah can’t get the job because he’ll abuse his power. But he’s the nice one. Are you sure he’s the issue?”
“You’re so naive. Even when the truth is in front of your face, you still can’t see it.”
The remark hits a nerve. “I can’t see shit right now because I’m wrapped up in some self-indulgent pissing contest that I want no part of.”
He doesn’t speak and I pray he will tell me what I want to hear now more than ever. “Will they really hurt my brother?”
“Yes.”
Not what I wanted to hear.
“How do I keep him safe?” He’s the only person important to me. And they knew it.
“Play the game. Follow the rules. And keep your mouth shut.”
Sounds simple but it feels anything but. The thought of someone taking Zachary makes me want to burn the entire institute down. “If they hurt him, I will make good on my threat.”
“That’s your biggest mistake. You revealed your weakness.”
“No, my biggest mistake was walking into Belgrave Academy. I could’ve avoided all this shit had I just stayed at Willowbrook High.”
Silence.
“Hello?” I call out even though I still feel his legs resting against mine.
“What?”
