I try my hardest to listen to Jonquil Hart’s thoughts. Again, nothing. Exhaustion pulls at me, trying to send me back to oblivion.
“Are you certain this will work? Shouldn’t we just keep the AUA locked up here?”
Wes’s mother tuts, annoyed. “Are you doubting my abilities, Jonquil?” The snap of nitrile gloves rings out like a slap. “Just take a look at our son—he’s been integrated perfectly. Docility is paramount. And you know I want her free of stress hormones. ”
I guess her wanting my body free of stress hormones is a good thing; takes torture is off the table.
“And we don’t need anyone causing a fuss because she’s disappeared,” Janine adds.
There are murmurs and a shuffling of feet ensues. I have no idea how many people are surrounding me. My mind and body are fading again.
“Shall we move onto the final two caches now, Janine?”
“You all go along, I’ll join you momentarily.”
A door opens, then closes again.
I’m drifting back to unconsciousness, but sour breath close to my face alerts me to stay awake. “Theodora Wilson, your unlit spark is going to change everything. Even though you look small and weak, I don’t think you are. I think you are going to withstand everything that’s coming to you. I think you are going to be the conduit that finally allows me to fully embrace innate magic.”
The touch withdraws. “And to think you were under my nose all along. It’s almost as though the Gods have gifted you to me. Rest well, Theodora. We have a lot of work ahead of us.”
There’s a click and then the room is silent once more. My consciousness is fading, but I struggle against the pull of sleep.
—Guys?—
Nothing.
I try to visualize the glittering lilac and gold of my internal light but Amirene’s essence is almost used up. The feeble sparks of Lumina desperately trying to burn through whatever sedative is keeping me paralysed. I have to get out of here.
But how do I escape when I’m so tired?
So fucking tired.
???
The next time I surface, I’m still strapped down, but this time, the fog feels thinner.
Someone is holding my hand.
“I-I think I’m…sorry,” Wes whispers.
My mouth rolls open. “Wesss,” I slur.
An intake of breath. “Theo? How are you awake?”
I keep fighting the drugs in my bloodstream. “Love…” The word come out mumbled but clear enough. “Pl-l-lease…” My eyelids crack apart. The light makes them water, but when I regain focus, I see him.
Wes.
He looks at me, his expression unreadable. “I don’t know what I’ve done,” he mutters. “The only time I feel clear is when I’m touching you.”
“Then don’t let go,” I croak. “Let’s get out of here, together.”
“I can’t.” He leans in, his eyes searching mine. “But you’ll be OK. They’re sending you back to the academy tonight. You won’t remember any of this, your memory will be altered.”
“No, Wes,” I hiss. “Help me, please, baby, untie me.”
“Don’t fight us,” he pleads. “I’ll take care of—”
