Free Courage (Mark of Nexus) by Carrie Butler Page A

had my photo taken, I was sent to the president's office—where my life began to unravel.
    The dimly lit room, however many feet below the building's ground floor, ensured a captive audience. I had no choice but to sit there, across from the disfigured woman who'd introduced herself as Faye Tobler, while she delivered the most farfetched speech I'd ever heard. The Dynari, Augari, and Nullari are supernatural races that live among us , she'd told me. Their powers were split to maintain balance in the world.
    Right…
    She then went on to explain her abilities and those of her relatives. Everything from power sensing to super-strength. But that wasn't the kicker. No, apparently, I belong to the last group—the Nullari—giving me some kind of wet blanket ability that cancels out everyone else's powers.
    Uh huh. Just breathe. You’ve obviously gotten abducted by some kind of cult that lives beneath RSTL’s clinic. Whether or not they’re actually affiliated with the company…well, that remains to be seen. They could’ve intercepted the ema—
    “It will take a while to sink in,” Faye went on, bathed in the unnatural light of her computer monitor. It tinted her gray hair blue, even though most of it was pulled back. “But I'm sure, in time, you'll come to accept your true nature. That's part of the reason we chose you, after all. To foster that ability, to help you cultivate it.”
    No windows. One door. Shit. I could smash that vase over her head, but I’d never find my way out. Maybe if I keep her talking, someone will find me. The cops or an ambassador or something…
    Faye folded her hands. “Of course, we’re trusting you with this information—not that the authorities would believe you, if you were to divulge our secrets. Can you imagine trying to explain the situation? Good heavens. Let’s just say we, as a company, would wholeheartedly support any suggestion to institutionalize you.”
    “Right. Not to be disrespectful…” I leaned in, humoring the ridiculous notion for the sake of my own safety. “But why? What would you get out of helping me master the ability to cancel out other people's powers?”
    Her reply came in the form of a twisted smile as she traced circles on the polished wood. “I was just getting to that, actually. We'd like to put your abilities to their best use, working on a private project.”
    “What sort of project?”
    Faye's finger hesitated mid-stroke. “I'd like you to imagine something for me, Corynn.”
    I lifted my brows. “Okay?”
    “Picture a world where a chosen people possess heightened senses and enhanced physical abilities,” she said. “They share a common, engineered temperament and work in the vocations they're best suited for—earning equal wages. With no fodder for petty conflicts, they enjoy an era of peace and prosperity.”
    “But what about the others?” The question spilled from my lips before I could stop it. Am I actually buying into this shit? I shook my head. “Where would everyone else fit into this world? Especially those with…challenges.”
    Understanding creased her eye, and she nodded. “You're referring to your brother, right? I’m prepared to deal with those cases, as they come.”
    I flinched. “You…know about Teddy?”
    Okay, not a cult. Not a random kidnapping…
    “Of course I do. This organization prides itself on research. It shouldn't come as a surprise.” She tented her fingers and leaned back. “In fact, I was just thinking the other day what a shame it would be if you weren't able to fulfill your duties here. It would all be the same to me, of course. One Nullari is as good as another. But I wonder how young Theodore would adapt to such a change…”
    I balled my fist, and then caught myself. No. She clearly wanted to gauge my reaction. Why else would she threaten my little brother? My fourteen year old, autistic brother. My nostrils flared. You heartless bitc—
    “Of course, I don't anticipate any problems between