It’s working.
My gait falters as I approach the final block. In front of the building, a line of Enforcers stands at attention on the wide steps. Their masks catch the growing light, always cold and featureless. Two large vehicles wait at the curb, hoarding my attention as I study their angular body with narrow windows. They are reminiscent of the slits in our masks, effectively blocking much of their surroundings, but leaving just enough of an opening to peek through. The sides are sleek, black with no indents for handles or other features. Is that to keep others fromgetting in? Is there a special device that only allows certain Enforcers to open the doors?
It’s only logical to assume they hold the same internal setup, enclosing their occupants inside the steel walls until someone with enough authority deigns to free them.
Muscles in my throat tighten. My heart’s somewhere between my ribs and teeth, beating loud enough to out me on the spot. I should turn around. Run. Get under my blanket and pretend I never even thought about this level of idiocy.
As the thought forms, another figure approaches from a side street. A man walking with purpose, advancing directly toward the line of Enforcers. He’s also in full uniform, and his determined stride suggests he’s here for the same reason I am.
Great. Now if I bolt, it’s not brave. It’s suspicious.
I force a breath in, spine straightening like I’ve got steel in it instead of soup, mimicking the confident posture I’ve seen my brother adopt. Chin up.
Be Lachlan. Be confident.Be someone whose heart isn’t threatening to explode across Syndicate Avenue.
These boots feel wrong. The mask is suffocating. And I’m seconds away from collapsing into a puddle of fear.
But I walk forward anyway. Because if I don’t, this whole plan dies right here.
CHAPTER FOUR
CASSIA
As I reach the bottom steps, I catalog how tall they each are. How broad. I’m not small, but compared to these men, I feel diminutive. My gaze remains steady, though, focusing on who I assume is the lead Enforcer as he turns his attention to me and the second recruit. My theory was correct; the patch on his shoulder confirms his rank amongst the men—a single line, parallel to the ground. Captain.
Lachlan has the lowest rank, a simple circle, indicating his position isn’t even that of a recruit. One he cannot wear if he’s traveling between provinces. I’m sure others condemn that frequently.
The captain steps forward, his posture indicating authority and impatience.
“State your purpose,” he barks, his voice slightly muffled by the mask.
The man beside me speaks immediately. “Reporting for the new Enforcer unit, sir. From the eastern quarter.”
Shit, I should have prepared a response. Why didn’t I prepare what I should say? My mind races, straining to formulate an answer that won’t sound feminine or uncertain.
The Enforcer turns to me, waiting. His eyes burn my confidence as he glares. Assessing, evaluating.
“And you?” My breath catches at his harsh tone, but I manage to hold still. “I won’t ask again.” I’ve been silent too long, lost in my thoughts. Panic flutters through my stomach again, and I open my mouth out of desperation, but no sound comes out.
He’s going to figure it out. The other recruit didn’t hesitate to answer, and I’m here sputtering like an idiot who has something to hide.
I’ve killed my family before even leaving the city. I don’t know why I thought I could do this…
“Are you here for the new unit or not, recruit?” The Enforcer steps once in my direction, and it takes everything in me to not flinch back.
I manage a quick nod, more than grateful that hard, opaque material hides the fear I know must be written across my features. I pray to the stars he cannot find it in my eyes.
The man stares at me for an eternity, in which time I do not even dare swallow the mounds of saliva pooling in my mouth. I attempt to keep my gaze level; to emit confidence rather than the terror threatening to choke me. My heart pounds so frantically I’m convinced the stiff front of my uniform must be visibly moving with each beat. If not for the reinforced material and banding, the outline of my small breasts would surely be noticeable in the ascending light.
Finally, fucking finally, the Enforcer gives a curt nod.
“Fine. Both of you in the first transport.” He gestures to the nearest vehicle.
I exhale slowly, through the smallest hole in my lips, careful to not let my shoulders drop from immense relief. The first test is passed, but there will be hundreds more. Thousands, perhaps, before this isfinished.
If it ever is.
The other recruit swivels to the vehicle without a second thought. I follow his confident lead, matching his pace but keeping a respectful distance. He moves with an effortless stride, carries himself with the conviction of someone who belongs here. He’s several inches taller than me, but my limbs lock to mirror his without being obvious. He pushes a random spot on the back door, my eyes widening as a piece of steel gives to his fingers before the door pops open. There’s no key or device in his hand, so perhaps the handles are hidden merely for aesthetic purposes.
