Isaura (Aberrant) Read online

  Gavin spoke up, “The walk here was shorter than home. I was hoping I'd get a ride back to Torv in the near future,” he confessed. “Though, right now, I am enjoying my time here.”

  Henry smiled warmly. “You are all welcome to stay for as long as you'd like. I can provide you with transportation back to Torv when you're ready to leave. Just say the word.”

  “Thank you,” Gavin answered. “And thank you for your wonderful hospitality.”

  Throughout dinner, Joshua stared at Henry every so often and I could still see a hint of jealousy burning inside of him. I tried to ignore it as much as I could as I ate. I was starving and was thrilled for such an elaborate meal. It started with fresh salad and now we were on our second course of vegetable soup. I had no idea what we'd be eating next, so I ate is if there were no tomorrow. Finishing every drop in my bowl.

  I glanced up every so often at the others from Shadow. They were all occupied with their meals. I wondered how they felt about their home having been destroyed. They were the few lucky ones, the survivors.

  Joshua finally spoke up, “Tell me how you've managed to keep off the radar from the government for so long.” Joshua had an edge to his voice, accusing Henry of something sinister.

  “We've managed a good front in defending ourselves. Our men have weapons we've built and stand on guard at every hour,” Henry answered.

  Joshua's eyes narrowed. “That doesn't explain the drones. Haven and Thena were destroyed by them. How is it that Spade is untouched?” They must have cut a deal with the government as Torv had done.

  “We've taken down two drones in the past six months.” Henry grinned. “Our men are that good.” He let the words hang in the air for a moment. “Would you like to see?”

  I smiled politely, glancing from Henry to Joshua, seeing the flustered look cross his face.

  “After dinner,” Joshua agreed and I wondered how the boys would do alone together.”

  “I'll come with you both. I'd like to see it, as well.” I smiled boldly hoping I wasn't interfering and at the same time I was curious about Spade. I wanted to explore the compound but I thought it might be better to be shown a tour first, get a lay of the land. Maybe I wouldn't be forced to sneak out as I had in Shadow many months ago.

  “That would be nice.” Henry answered and I felt the heat radiating off Joshua. “In fact, you all are welcome,” he invited the others. I glanced at him, wondering why he was upset that I'd be coming along. Of all things I thought he'd appreciate my company. I ignored the boys. The third course of our meal arrived as fresh plates were placed in front of us and a giant roasted turkey was set in the center of the table.

  Finishing dinner, Adelaide grew restless. I could tell she was tired. It'd been a long day and she was rocking her chair backwards away from the table. I had scolded her twice, afraid she'd crack open her skull. Rane stood up. “I can take Adelaide to bed,” she offered.

  “I don't want to go to bed,” Adelaide fussed. “I want to go with Olivia and Joshua to see the drones. Please,” she whined with big blue eyes.

  “Maybe tomorrow.” I gestured for her to come over to me. She groaned as she climbed down from the chair and stalked over, giving me a hug and kiss. She then gave Joshua a hug goodnight.

  “I'm not tired,” she pleaded her case one last time.

  “Of course you're not.” I hugged her once more. “Thank you,” I mouthed to Rane as she walked by.

  Adelaide disappeared through the door with Rane in tow. I was surprised to see four strangers enter the dining hall. They came toward the table and cleared our dishes without a sound. “I could have done that.” I felt odd having someone clean up after me. “I'm fully capable you know.” I glanced at Henry not comfortable with having someone clean up after me. I wasn't a child.

  “Thank you, Tria,” Henry smiled at the young girl I had just harassed. It hadn't been my intention, but I felt out of place. Henry waited until the four disappeared out of the dining hall with all the dishes in hand. “They're my servants.” He folded his hands together with a smile. “Don't look at me like that.”

  “With disgust?” Joshua paused. “You have servants?”

  “They are adequately compensated,” Henry quickly answered. “And it's not as bad as it sounds. You make it out like I'm a monster. They chose this profession. Looking after the castle and their Duke. It's an honor.”

  “For you maybe,” I muttered. I had spent a short time as a servant for Governor Craynor. There'd been no joy in it. I tried to remember a history lesson or two, perhaps a book I'd read that described what Spade was all about. I couldn't recall it though and it puzzled me to no end. “A Duke,” I repeated.

  “Your government is a monarchy,” Joshua scoffed at the idea. “You think this is better than the government's system?”

  Henry studied Joshua for a moment. “The closest terminology you have is Monarchy,” Henry explained. “But if we were, I'd be King, and you a lonely peasant.” He smiled as if he were joking and I wasn't sure what to say or think. “You think I'm the bad guy? I let people come and go as they please. I keep order and establish law. Is that terrible? My people are fed, they have clothes on their backs and are never forced to give away their children,” he emphasized.

  “Wait!” I held up a hand interrupting Henry. “Your people can have children?” This was news to me. As far as I'd known, I was the only woman who could conceive a child through natural means. Torv had tried to reproduce the same process as the government but it hadn't been as successful.

  Henry sighed. “Not in the old way. There are children around the palace, most come from 'The Day of the Chosen',” he acknowledged.

  “Most?” Joshua asked. “What about those who don't?”

  “Two pregnant women have fled Torv in the past few years. We've taken them in, cared for them. We've tried to send a handful of women spies to get impregnated and return to us, but so far none of them have returned.”

  I glanced at Joshua. Chloe, the reproductive specialist from Torv, had failed to mention any of the pregnant women leaving, being exiled or kidnapped. It felt odd to me that they'd have just up and left. I smiled at Henry. “Can you tell me more about these two women?”

  “The first was seven years ago. She came in on a carriage. One of the tradesmen brought her to us,” Henry explained. “She was smuggled out of Torv. It was the first we'd learned of the city having the ability to reproduce.”

  “Did she willingly leave her home?” Had she been bought?

  “Sadly, yes,” Henry responded. “Her husband was abusive and violent. She feared a miscarriage and paid a great deal to get onboard the carriage. We offered her a new home and a life when she arrived. Her husband had no idea what happened to her or the child.” Perhaps that was the reason for the armed guards in Torv at the hospital. They feared women being abducted and children bought on the black market. There were always two sides to every story.

  Joshua sighed. “What about the other pregnant woman?”

  Henry reached for his drink, having a sip as he recalled the memory, “She didn't make it through delivery,” he answered somberly. “However, the child is still alive and thriving in our city.”

  “How old is the child?” I couldn't help but ask. He made it sound as though she was still young.

  Henry paused for a moment. “She'll be seven next spring. A maid took her in and is raising her as her own,” he explained. “You can meet her if you'd like. In fact I'm sure Adelaide will probably meet both young girls at school.”

  I was happy there was an institution in Spade. In Shadow there hadn't been any regular schooling for Adelaide. She'd had a tutor, but being around other kids her age again would be good for her. It might help her readjust and fit in to her new surroundings.

  Henry finally pushed his chair back and stood up. “If you'd like, I can show you both drones we've captured.”

  I saw the faintest smile cross Joshua's lips. “I'd like that very much.”

  We spent m
uch of the evening examining two drones that had been fired upon and shot down. A guard had managed to hit the fuel line and brought down both drones, making them inoperable. Joshua and Aidan examined the drones as it grew dark. Elsa and Cate headed back to their rooms long before I did. Eventually growing bored, I retreated to my suite as well.

  My gaze moved over the stone tower where our rooms were situated. I could make out the tiny light from a window in a nearby suite and knew that electricity was not hidden away as it had been in Shadow. Each town seemed as if in its own world. It was hard to imagine how they each functioned without any outside help. Torv had managed to survive on its own, at the cost of its soldiers. Clearly Spade had found a way to protect itself.

  I glanced across the city square. The ground was made of stone just like the walls and tower. It was flat and dull gray with the moonlight reflecting a strange blue tint. I wandered towards the tower and my suite taking my time to catch sight of everyone going about their business. Although dark and growing late, no curfew was in order.

  I headed inside, climbing the tower and stopping momentarily as I peered through a window. Unlike in Genesis, I could see for miles from the wall. Just beyond the barrier and gates were animals grazing and a garden I hadn't seen before. I walked upstairs pausing when I saw Tria.

  “I'm sorry,” I quickly said. “I hadn't meant to offend you at dinner.” The way these people lived would take some getting used to.

  Tria smiled politely, though I couldn't quite read her as she answered me, “None taken.” She brushed by as she headed down and I turned towards her.

  “Where do you sleep?” I asked. Maybe it was the rudest question, but I couldn't imagine the tower housed everyone in Spade. Or perhaps it did and there were fewer people here than I thought?

  “In the maid's quarters.”

  “Wait? You're the maid who received the child from Torv?” I tried to make sense of it.

  She gave me a funny look. “No, that's Arianna. We're neighbors though,” Tria answered. “Is there something I can get for you?” she asked.

  “Are you happy here?” I asked. I'd witnessed a servant’s life in Genesis. Anita had been murdered and Lisa, well, I didn't want to think what might have happened to her in the Governor's mansion.

  “Of course.” Tria smiled. “It's an adjustment leaving your home and coming to Spade,” she confessed. “But I've been given a new life. I wouldn't trade it for anything.”

  “Thank you. Have a good night.”

  She smiled and headed down the way I came. I waited for a moment before turning and finding my way to my room. Flipping on the light, I was thrilled that I didn't have to use blackout shutters or a candle. I walked towards the window, staring out into the courtyard. I could just make out Tria's small frame as she headed home for the night.

  CHAPTER 10

  I spent most of the night lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling. I couldn't sleep. Joshua came back to the room, showered and fell asleep. I was tired, probably overtired. I couldn't sleep. My mind kept ticking away, racing with thoughts of Isaura. Would she find us in Spade? I hoped we were safe, but I didn't want to put any more people at risk.

  I needed to run, to exercise, do something. Back in Shadow, I worked out and trained daily. It had helped me sleep and clear my head. I hated that I could never return home.

  I sat up and climbed out of bed. Joshua hadn't stirred. I grabbed a robe, slipping it on before I snuck out of my room. Stepping out into the hall, I ran straight into Henry.

  “What are you doing up at this hour?” he asked, looking me over.

  “Couldn't sleep,” I answered, glancing down the hallway. Torches lit the way and the light burned my eyes until they adjusted. I didn't get the opportunity to ask him why he was still up.

  “Come with me,” he offered taking my arm as he led me down the tower.

  I followed, tying the robe tight as I made my way down with Henry. “Where are we going?” I asked as his hand left my arm.

  “I thought you might want a snack,” he suggested as he led me towards the kitchen. I followed him trying to remember the way.

  “I'm not sure I'm hungry.” At least that wasn't what kept me awake. We maneuvered through two hallways and a corridor before we entered the kitchen, alone.”

  “You'll have to try my pastries,” he told me and headed towards the counter. I laughed when I saw they'd already been prepared. He hadn't come down to make anything, merely to steal the food for tomorrow's meal.

  “I'm not hungry.”

  “It's okay. It's for us,” Henry assured me. “For breakfast in the morning. There's always more than enough. Please try one,” he offered again, and I sighed finally taking it from his hand, giving in to temptation. The croissant did look good. It was buttery and soft. The crust was flaky, it tasted delicious!

  “I knew you'd like it.” Henry looked smug.

  “You can't take credit for it though.” I shoved the rest into my mouth, unwilling to share it.

  “Suppose not.”

  I pushed myself back against the counter, glancing around the room. We were alone. “I guess now's a good time to tell you.”

  “Tell me what?” Henry asked.

  “Do you remember the injection you were given in Shadow?” Joshua had given him Mindonsiphan in the same way I'd given it to Adelaide, to save his life.

  “I do recall a slight prick.” He rubbed his neck. “What was that, anyway?”

  I chewed my lip for a moment, wondering how to explain something that even I didn't understand. “It saved your life.” It was the truth, as simple as that. “The people in Shadow developed a drug that mixes with the brain during adolescence. Its initial use was to help fight Cabal's government,” I explained. “But it offers some powers we've learned are best kept secret.”

  “Powers?” Henry laughed. “Am I going to grow a third eye?”

  “Don't joke like that.” With all that I'd seen, who knew what we were capable of? “The thing is, you're older than a teen, aren't you?” He looked older or maybe I was just terrible at judging ages.

  “I'm nineteen,” Henry admitted.

  It explained why the Mindonsiphan had worked on him. It still hadn't explained Adelaide. She was young, too young I'd have thought, but it had been my last hope in saving her. “So I guess that's why it worked.” I let out a heavy sigh. “Watch my lips.” I stared at him and focused my mind. You must be careful who you trust with this new ability.

  Henry's eyes widened and he took a step back. “I'm dreaming! I must be dreaming!”

  I stepped forward, reaching out for his arm. “You're not.” I rested my hand on his forearm, reassuring him that this was real. “It takes some getting used to, and it's not easy for others to accept,” I reminded him. “But you have it now, a gift.”

  Thank you for telling me. He had learned quick.

  “You're welcome.”

  Henry studied me for a moment, brushing a stray hair from my eyes. “How does it work?”

  “The Mindonsiphan?” I asked, swallowing nervously.

  “Is that what you call it?” he whispered and I pulled back, unwilling to let him touch me. I was married. He couldn't do this! Not wanting him to see how flustered he'd made me I hopped up onto the counter to sit down.

  “It turns the mind on. Activating certain abilities we all have but are rather unaware of,” I said.

  Henry paused staring at me for a long moment. “Mindonsiphan. As in Mind on.” He laughed. “So we can read minds?”

  I laughed. “You can't read my mind.” I shook my head, thankful for the privacy. “But you can communicate if both parties have been enhanced.”

  Henry stared at me curiously. “Who else is special like us?”

  I debated inwardly if I should tell him about the others. “Adelaide doesn't know yet,” I whispered. “I saved her with the injection. Joshua, Aidan, Elsa, Cate, and myself are the last alive who have the abilities, I believe. And now you.” I stared at Henry and hopped
down off the counter. “I should go to bed.”

  “Wait,” he breathed staring at me and I glanced up at him, wondering what I waited for.

  I raised an eyebrow and felt the distance close between us. I shook my head. I couldn't kiss him. I was married and in love with Joshua. He paused and I could feel his breath, but he didn't lean in and he didn't kiss me. “Do you have any more Mindonsiphan left?”

  “What?” I swallowed. It was not what I had expected him to say. Relief flooded through me. “It's gone. The last of it was destroyed.” At least I thought it had been.

  “That's too bad,” he whispered, taking a step back. My heart pounded in my chest and I took in a heavy breath, nearly gasping for air.

  “It's late, I should go to bed,” I reminded him before brushing past as I retreated back to my room. Luckily, I made the way without getting lost. I snuck into bed and felt the warm blankets surround me.

  “Where were you?” Joshua mumbled wrapping an arm around my waist. “You're so cold.” He pulled me tighter.

  “Shhh, go back to sleep,” I encouraged, dropping a kiss to his lips. “Goodnight, Josh.”

  “Night,” he answered and a moment later he was snoring.

  I wished I could fall asleep so easily. It took hours and just as the sun rose, I drifted off.

  “Milady.” I recognized the voice but wasn't quite sure who it was. I groaned in protest but refused to move from the bed.

  I buried my head beneath the pillows doing my best to block the light from the windows and the sound of soft footsteps. “Go away,” I muttered feeling the bed dip.

  “Olivia!” Adelaide, giggled climbing atop the mattress.

  “I'm sorry, Lady Olivia, but I didn't quite know what to do with her,” Tria admitted.

  “It's just Olivia,” I corrected her. I wrapped my arms around Adelaide, tickling her. “Do you like waking me up in the morning?”

  Adelaide giggled and laughed nodding vigorously. “I wanted to wake Joshua, too, but he was already outside.” Tria walked out of the room, leaving Adelaide with me. I shifted onto my back, letting my eyes adjust as Adelaide bounced on the mattress excitedly.