“The Underground Bureau of Investigations, and the Mythical Justice Department have brought in Dr. Marvin T. Holmes for questioning!”
Everyone fell silent as the uniformed man stood behind the podium to speak. Another thing of smoke blew out past the right side of my face just as I felt a presence on my left side. I turned to see my brother Seth and now alpha leader of the pack despite only being a half breed. His dark curly hair was pulled back into a bun and his bright golden eyes flickered with a hint of malice. There was always a scent of violence and darkness when it came to him. It's the reason why he, and Bellamy get along so well. I couldn’t stand them both. Not together nor separately.
“What up baby brother?” Seth sighed as he looked around. “Another shit show in the Underground?”
“How could you tell?” Bellamy asked sarcastically as he stepped up to stand beside me, keeping me in the middle.
“Dr. Holmes, you are believed to be responsible for crimes against humanity both above and below. You are believed to be responsible for exposing our world to those above, endangering what we have built in order to protect ourselves.”
“What he has built,” Bellamy replied with a scathing tone.
“Your sister Wilhelmina Holmes and her…failed experiments and attempts at creating mythic beings through science,” holding up the red box. “These are the last of her remains that will stay in the safety of this box so that we don’t find ourselves fighting against the true death. Wilhelmina Holmes created a virus that has not only failed with only a few being infected, we have officers on Ground to collect and watch over those who show signs of magic by injection. Also in this box are the remains of a young woman named Celeste who was the first successful vampire by transmission–––”
I could see Seth’s face twitch with irritation at the mention of the ones who participated in Wilhelmina’s shit.
“It was not properly tested nor was it regulated above ground the way that it is here in the Underground…”
I listened to the names of those at the church that day before they began listing the names of the wolves that died including my father. A part of me still felt for him, even after everything. I still missed my brother but one look at Seth and I could see no regrets in his eyes. He’d do it again, and again if given the chance. When he looked at me, it was the first time I saw the challenge in his eyes, daring me to say anything that would go against his own feelings, so I looked forward instead.
“The incident and details of that afternoon will remain private as this is an ongoing case. Dr. Holmes has agreed to cooperate without representation–––”
“What?” Bellamy let out, confused. “This must be on purpose.” I looked at him with his Blade shades on, covering his red eyes but he couldn’t hide the black nails, and eerie demeanor. He caught a few people staring at him, wondering who he could be and why he was obnoxiously smoking in a crowded space.
“My name is Dr. Marvin T. Holmes…”
Everything became quiet as I looked up to see they had him at the podium to speak. The flashing of cameras and number of phones going live to record were insane. I know this is being televised everywhere.
“I am one of the founders of The Underground, a place where people like me, like you, could live in peace without fear of our skin color being targeted. Without fear of being hunted down for labs and experiments, and without fear of being alone. This community has grown into something far beyond what I’ve imagined, and I am proud of what it has become. I am the founder of Drew Collins University, my home, my true heart where education is the key to our people, our growth, and progression as a society.”
He stared out at everyone with his mouth open as if he was getting ready to say something but hesitated. Just for that one moment before his upper lip twitched against his nose as his fangs were revealed.
“I am the only one responsible for the death of my sister. I am responsible for exposing the Underground. I am–––”
The crowd began to shift as people started shoving and pushing, trying to shout out accusations and questions until I heard the one name I didn’t want to hear.
“What about Maggie Grey?! Your granddaughter!”
“It’s rumored she’s the most powerful one of them all in the family and she’s right here at the school! She’s openly going to Drew Collins!”
“Is it true Maggie Grey broke the barrier that protects the Underground?!”
“Is that why the church is closed off permanently?!”
“Why are there witches gathering at the church at ni––”
“Please!” The uniformed man shouted with his hand in the air. “Everyone please settle! That is all the time we have for questions!”
“Is it true that Gaia doesn’t really exist!?” Someone shouted as the entire block grew quiet waiting for the answer. Dr. Holmes grimaced at the question, but I could see the smirk slowly form from the corner of his mouth.
“Is it true Gaia–––”
“No more questions!” An officer shouted as they attempted to take Dr. Holmes inside. “No more!”
“Is it true Gaia never really existed!? The files that were leaked suggest you all don’t come from some God! There’s no such thing as a moon God! Is it true!?”
“IS MAGGIE GREY THE REINCARNATION OF GAIA?!” Another shouted. Dr. Holmes grinned with his fangs peeking between his cracked lips.
“She…is not Gaia because Gaia is not real.”
