Page 59 of Forged in Deception

“I know Axel wants to really be operating at one hundred percent for his first DX8 journey tonight,” she added. “Especially since we will have to give him a higher dose than last time.”

“True,” Bajwa conceded. “We’ve never had a patient totally fail to react to a normal dose before.”

“Hey, at least it’s interesting research data, right?” she said, offering a smile that Bajwa did not return. The man didn’t look suspicious, but for whatever reason, he did seem a little anxious. He kept glancing around the room and shifting in his seat while she spoke.

“Fine, you both will stay here today,” he said at last. “In that case, I’d really appreciate it if you can help Ned with the food inventory before you get some rest.”

“Will do,” she said, trying to hold back her grin. Finally, something was actually going right with this investigation.

Bajwa stood up at last, and she half-listened as he told the others about the hike that they would be taking for most of the day.

As soon as the group started to head for the door, she beelined straight for Axel.

“Thanks, Ms. McKenna,” he said loudly, presumably for the benefit of anyone listening. “I haven’t felt great. I just want to crash until tonight.”

“Go to your cabin and stay put,” she said under her breath. “I’ll come get you soon.”

“Will do, ma’am.” He made a salute motion with his hand and headed outside with the others.

So far, so good.

“Ready to start on inventory, or do you need a minute?” Ned asked from somewhere behind her shoulder, almost making her jump.

She turned quickly. “Oh, no, I can start whenever you’re good to go,” she said, plastering on a smile. Ned didn’t exactly look thrilled to have her help, but oh well. She was glad for the distraction. This afternoon would present the best chance she and Axel would have to search the main Senera Pharmaceuticals compound, as most of the staff went home early on Fridays. With any luck, Ned would do the same.

And if they were careful, neither Bajwa nor anyone else would suspect a thing.

CHAPTER

TWENTY-SIX

THE WOMAN

BEFORE

The woman was cold, and no amount of warm blankets seemed to help.

She curled up against the edge of the hut, shivering. It had been nearly an hour since she’d swallowed the last of the drug.

She could no longer hold back her tears.

Mother was going to be so disappointed.

The woman knew that it was not her fault, and she did not think Mother would blame her, but that was little consolation.

After everything that Mother had done for their chosen one, she had betrayed them.

Like a selfish, foolish, thoughtless child, she had thrown away the greatest of gifts.

The gift of blood.

Amira had taken her own life.

And with it, she had swallowed up the hope of a whole community.

The woman continued to weep, rocking back and forth, alone. No other human could comfort her now, though she knew she would have to go to those who followed her, to dry their tears, to help them believe.

But for the woman, the empire of light had never felt quite so far away.

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