I cross my heels and spin to approach the three men, ignoring the forming lump in my throat. The Commander asks my name, and I stutter so badly that Elias answers for me.
“This is Lachlan Ashford.” Is he being helpful or is he already suspicious of me?
His superior nods before inquiring about my power. I clear my throat, opening the back of it to deepen the sound. “I’m an Empath,” I answer, meeting his hard gaze.
Light shines from behind me, illuminating his eyes through the opening in his mask. They’re dark, almost black, and utterly devoid of warmth—the kind of eyes that have witnessed cruelty and participated in it without remorse.
He doesn’t act pleased with my answer, but at least it doesn’t trigger any additional hostility. Empaths aren’t the most valued power type among Enforcers, from what I’ve gathered. They prefer more offensive abilities, where the user doesn’t need to touch another person to use power on them.
“Influence one of us,” he commands, giving no further instruction as he holds out a hand.
I don’t need further instruction, nor do I reach to grab his hand. This is my moment to prove my worth, and I cannot afford to be timid. I’ve wanted this for too long. Still, I consider holding back—showing too much skill might draw unwanted attention.
Being sent home would be worse than a little scrutiny.
It’s decided, then. I reach into my core and focus my energy, doing something I’ve never attempted on aware strangers before—I influence all three leaders simultaneously, sending a tangy emotional current to each.
Most individuals require physical contact to use their power. Chargers need to touch what they’re electrifying. Thermics must make contact with what they heat or cool. Revealers can detect lies when they touch the speaker. But I’ve pushed my ability further, practicing relentlessly in the solitude of our home, never having the privilege of using my powers physically.
A small blessing, I realize.
The second and third chuckle beneath their uniform, Elias grabbing his stomach while Kellen shakes himself free. I could probably keep them laughing for a while, but I sent only a trickle of feeling to them. The Commander is more difficult, not wanting to budge, so I increase his current, pouring more emotion into him.
He laughs—a short, startled sound that dies instantly, as if he’s horrified at his own reaction. The noise is so unexpected that several recruits whirl to stare. I’ve never heard such a cold laugh before, and judging by the way his muscles immediately hardens, neither has he. At least not recently.
Before my connection to him cuts off, raging heat forces me to step back. At the same time, a high-pitched ringing blooms inside my skull, sharp and demanding, like my ears are bleeding on the inside. My balance wavers, vision speckling at the edges.I bite down on the sound clawing through me, refusing to give him the satisfaction of seeing me falter.
He’s pissed.
He leans forward, towering above me as I shove my power far away, not wanting to feel a moment more of his anger. How does he live with himself? It’s all-consuming, and I’d only had a taste.
I hold myself still as he bends so close our masks clink, the heat of his breath grazing my lashes. It’s terrifying. This man could crush me with a single thought, and there is nothing I could do about it.
“I should have sent you home after the first phase,” he growls. “You’re weak, slow, and physically useless.”
I freeze, uncertain how to respond. Has my demonstration backfired? Did I push too far?
After a tense moment, he straightens, his eyes not leaving mine. “But I’ve only met one other Empath who could influence without touch like that. You can stay.” His voice drops lower, whether to keep his words between us or sound scarier, I do not care. “For now. But the moment you cease to be useful, you’re gone.”
My throat tightens, and I walk away without saying anything, sweet relief trickling into my bones. Kellen dismisses one more recruit, leaving fifteen others plus me, along with the three leaders. He explains we’re here to train for a special assignment, but we do not need to know the specifics yet.
“Trust your superiors or leave,” he remarks in a flat tone when one recruit questions our forced ignorance. “Those are your options.”
I already know why our team was formed—to hunt the rumored group of escapees outside the perimeter. It was the very information that spurred me to make such a rash, out of character decision. Had I not heard Hardan mention thespecifics, it would have been quite the shock to learn later that I’d be expected to capture women who managed to free themselves. I wouldn’t be able to do it.
I’m not sure I can, even knowing the truth.
The leaders briefly summarize our schedules and responsibilities. Each one will focus on different skills; Arayik will handle tactical discipline, physical fitness, and combat readiness. Elias plans to teach mental and empathetic flexibility, situational awareness, and adaptability in high-stress environments, further solidifying my theory that he is also an Empath. Kellen will teach analytical and strategic skills, training recruits to think several steps ahead and adapt plans based on new intelligence.
Arayik raises a brow to add, “And remember this—if one of you screws up, you all pay. That’s how the team works.” Cryptic, though understandable.
As they speak, I bristle at the time I will be spending with the cold leader, given how poor my performance was in the physical tests compared to the mental ones. I’ll also need time with Elias, since I hesitated repeatedly today. I need to learn to remain calm and focused in every situation.
A skill I will gladly accept instruction on.
The level of thought put into their training surprises me. I wonder why they need such sophisticated skills when their job is primarily to enforce laws and raid houses to capture women who are far weaker than they are. Empathy training? For what purpose? I’ve never once heard of an Enforcer showing empathy to anyone. The thought makes me sick because that’s how things should be, but they aren’t…
The Syndicate doesn’t want compassionate soldiers; it wants efficient, loyal ones.
