Free Evanescent by Carlyle Labuschagne Page A

had no control over. Blame and suspicion were always my back up. I couldn’t think straight in those heated moments, just felt an overwhelming need to be defensive.
    “This is pathetic, you are all liars, all of…” That was how far I got.
    “Don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Troy stepped forward, taking hold of my arms.
    “It will be okay.” His words dampened my cinders of cynicism, my dark paranoia pulling back at his magic touch.
    I stared into hazel-green eyes. Calmness came over me, thick, solid and true.
    “The Council is watching them, Ava!” Greg retaliated irritably.
    “Apparently, not good enough,” Sam said, turning her head toward the door.
    “You guys really need to learn to keep your voices down,” someone announced from the entrance.
    “You found a blocking spell, or…” Troy squinted as he scrutinized his father.
    My eyes caught Sam, who was staring at Kronan, no – studying him. She was up to something.
    We all bowed in greeting as Kronan, Willard and Tatos came to stand before us. I felt my body, my reaction to every sound and smell react automatically, as if I was taught how to act in certain situations, very much like I needed a wall guarding me from certain people. Then, I remembered their telepathic abilities. And for some reason, I could not allow them to touch me. My mind filled with the certainty of the how they managed to read my mind; by touch. How I knew this, I couldn’t explain at the time.
    Kronan smirked. “Yes, I have learned how to be in two places at the same time.”
    “Awesome.” Greg nodded, and grinned wildly.
    “Where is Maya?” Tatos asked.
    “I gave her some peace elixir.” Troy sighed. “She’s not in a good way.” He indicated to the craft.
    “Arriana?”
    The dark, hollowness filled the room with a thick cloud of remorse as Troy shook his head.
    Kronan and Tatos bowed their heads in respect.
    “So.” Troy crossed his arms.
    I stared at his bulging biceps.
    Kronan put his palm up as if to stop Troy’s pattern of thought, and said, “So far, I can only generate enough energy for one person, and that’s why Anaya is still held up at the summit.” I stared at the dark purple on Kronan’s robe, golden patterns snaked around his wrists and collar. His turquoise beads clattered together with his graceful movements while gesturing with his hands.
    “What summit?” I interjected. I needed to know everything, every small detail, like my existence depended on it.
    Tatos’ eyes racked over me, immediately sensing my change. But young Willard gave me a goofy smile, his eyes lingering on my very short dress.
    “The dean has had a change of… heart,” Tatos shared, his stare remote as he spoke.
    I glared at his long multi-beaded, braided hair, and wondered when I had met him for the first time. Why were memories of certain people so vague? But the need to gain information was stronger than the one pertaining to the missing gaps of memory. I shook my head, as if to clear it from the clutter. “Explain please.” I stared up at him.
    I actually said please, although being polite was the furthest thing from my mind, especially after finding out that Troy had hidden things from me. I guess our etiquette teachings had an effect on me after all – wouldn’t my Keepers have been proud of me – that’s if they didn’t want me dead!
    Tatos looked down, his turquoise eyes staring at the floor.
    “They are reinforcing the rule between your kind and ours.”
    My eyes narrowed on him. I stared at the bow strapped across his back, the tip sported blue and purple feathers – just like Enoch’s. I pushed out a sigh. Would everything remind me of him?
    Tatos continued without meeting my eyes. “They are putting a lockdown on Vista. Minoan and human interaction will be banned once again, with more force this time.”
    I looked to Sam. “You see, Sam, this is how it starts.”
    Sam’s glare still held a perfect hollowness. Was she back on her meds? Had