Free Moirai by Ruth Silver Page B

down and walked towards the wall, grabbing a
cup of water. “You're not serious?” Aidan hadn't mentioned it to me. Probably
because he knew I'd be against it.
    Hazel laughed and her eyes widened as Adelaide seemed to
be quick on her feet and even quicker with her arms using the weapon in hand.
“You're good,” she commented to Adelaide. “She might actually be ready for it.
Can you believe that? She hasn't even been enhanced and she's brilliant.”
    My eyes widened as I stalked to the center of the room,
stopping their interaction. “Enhanced?” I shook my head. “You will not do that
to my daughter!”
    Hazel's voice dropped. “She's not technically your
daughter.” It was a slap in the face. Something I knew but I treated Adelaide
as if she were, because to me she was family. Nothing would change that. Not
even one person’s opinion would make me think less of Adelaide. Hazel sighed,
knowing she'd hit a nerve. “I'm sorry.” She put the Bo Staff down and Adelaide
used it to her advantage, managing to knock Hazel on her back. Adelaide put a
foot on Hazel's chest, keeping her pinned down.
    “Don't ever say that to Olivia again,” Adelaide demanded
with a fierce intensity. “She saved my life and took me in. More than I can say
about you.” She waited a moment before she moved her stick away along with her
foot.
    A part of me knew I should have reprimanded Adelaide for
her actions. I didn't though. Hazel rolled over, stood up, and walked out.

CHAPTER 10
    The next two days I let Maya teach Adelaide self-defense.
I thought it was best if I took a step back: I still had so much to learn.
Heading over to the gymnasium, I opened the heavy metal door, hearing a loud
creak. “Adelaide?” I called. The lights were off, the room empty. I walked
further inside, flipping on the electricity as I had a look around. “Adelaide?”
I tried again, hoping I'd find her. She was supposed to stay with Maya until I
came to pick her up. I couldn't believe she'd just up and disappear. Heading
out of the gymnasium, I searched the recruit training facility. The cafeteria
was empty, as were the sleeping quarters. “Adelaide?” My feet pattered quicker
against the hall as I checked every corner and crevice, including the bathroom.
She was nowhere in sight. I knew she had to be somewhere. Shadow wasn't that
big of a town and I could trust all the residents. Where could she have disappeared
to? I headed back the way I came, through the gymnasium, shutting off the
lights as I stepped outside and shivered. The wind whistled and I glanced up,
glad the skies were clear of any drones. “Adelaide?” I tried again, walking
along the crunched path where vehicles had traveled between the recruit center
and town. It took no time at all to spot Maya talking to Collins. “Hey!” I
jogged over towards her. “Have you seen Adelaide?” I caught my breath, feeling
my heart slam into my chest. “She wasn't in the gymnasium.”
    “Oh, I told her she was done for today.” Maya shrugged,
as if it were no big deal to let a six-year-old run free in town.
    “Where'd she go?” I glanced around, running a hand
through my hair.
    Maya turned around on her heels, having a look around. “I
can't remember. Did you check home?”
    “I just came from there.” I shook my head. “She's not at
the recruit center; I don't know where she'd be without me. It's not like
there's a playground around here.” I knew it was a cheap shot but it was the truth.
Adelaide had only what was made specifically for her, the town wasn't set up
for kids.
    Collins glanced at Maya. “How about I help you look for
her?” he offered. I knew he was trying to be helpful but I didn't think he'd
have any more ideas than I did where to look for her. “Did you try Cate's
house?”
    My stomach flopped. “No.” I knew I should be relieved. If
she was visiting Cate and considered her a friend, at least she'd be safe. I
felt a twinge of jealousy at the thought that Adelaide would