Page 230 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Finn shrugs. ‘I can’t deny that, of the two of us, your belief system is considerably more optimistic.’

‘Says the guy who believes in magic.’

‘Precisely my point. And if Wildwanes are a kind of shapeshifter, then I believe we’re looking at one of the most dynamic stages of escalated evolution ever recorded. If living bodies are learning to break their own boundaries and rebuild themselves differently, then I would theorise that they’re a direct reflection of a world under strain searching for new forms.’ Finn leans forward, increasingly impassioned. ‘Their very existence potentially proves that the status quo has become biologically untenable. A balanced planet doesn’t create shapeshifters.’

Cole seems unimpressed. ‘In theory.’

‘All in theory, yes,’ Finn sighs. ‘But once we get a government document confirming or disproving it, then—’

‘That’s enough,’ Riley says, his tone mild, but the conversation between Finn and Cole ends with the immediacy of a cut string.

‘Yes, boss.’

‘Sorry, boss.’

Kade meets Riley’s gaze when he looks up, cool blue eyes typically unreadable.

Riley is only ever friendly with Kade.

He’s withdrawn from and even cold towards the rest of Iron Star. He carries such innate danger that it rarely requires demonstration. To Kade, Riley Harker has always been family, even before he knew they were brothers. Soft-spoken and kind behind closed doors. Sometimes he forgets how intimidating Riley is to everyone else.

Finn clears his throat. ‘Shall we compile research about Sways?’

‘Only if you have time.’

‘For you, always.’

‘Just be careful. No direct access to government databases.’

‘We know how to research securely,’ Finn says, mildly offended.

‘I also know how curious you get.’

‘Curiosity drives innovation.’

‘Curiosity opens trackers.’

‘Fair.’ Cole closes the classified document and gets to work.

Kade straightens, rotating his shoulder and finding it responsive, if sore.

Riley walks away from the console. ‘Kade, with me.’

Kade knows that’s where they’re headed anyway, so he follows him upstairs into the familiar room with no windows.

Once inside, Riley says, ‘Nobody else knows about the bubble and you can’t tell anyone. They’re not affected, but still.’

Kade understands quickly.

If people knew, they’d likely panic and rush to the city limit to see if they too were affected. Not to mention that five people being unable to leave Varrow City is highly sensitive information, given that three of those people lead armed organisations.

‘Heard.’

Riley sits back on his bed, pats the space in front of him.

Kade takes his usual place opposite, their crossed knees touching.

‘Tell me what happened at the boundary,’ Riley says.