Page 154 of Cerulean Truth
James snorted. "That sounds a bit dramatic, don't you think?"
I frowned. Dramatic or not, it sounded mainly rehearsed.
"I don't believe so. There's nothing worse than magi fighting other magi. Have you forgotten about the Battle of '59?" Martin countered.
"No, I haven't forgotten, but considering no one really knows what transpired during that battle, I fail to see how it supports your point," James retorted.
"Well, I fought that battle, and I can assure you, there's nothing worse than fighting your own people," Martin began to lose his patience.
Curious, I interjected, "So what happened?" My question was met with another low growl from James. I was sure I heard it now. He, literally,growled. Like an animal.
"I'm not at liberty to disclose the details. Most survivors had their memories wiped to erase the horrors of that battle, and out of respect for their choice, those few who kept their memories are bound by strict confidentiality. However, what you may be aware of is magi fought against each other for the first and only time in history. There were no winners. Even individuals like Stephen Stone, who singlehandedly rectified more than one could fathom during the war, chose to forget their own stories. Stephen is a war hero who doesn't even recall why.”
Martin paused.
“But this is precisely why this consensus is paramount. We cannot afford another war among magi. The only certainty that would ensure is mutual destruction," Martin concluded.
I looked expectantly at James, surely that made enough sense for him to simmer down a notch.
“Well, who are we to stand in your way toward political greatness?” James queried sarcastically. "So, may I guide you toward our headquarters? The Council would be thrilled to hear all your suggestions on how to prevent another magi war."
Ignoring James entirely, Martin turned to me, saying, "I will find you later, my dear Emma. I can't fathom how grown up youare now! I'm eager to hear all about your life!" He winked at me, then nodded to James who drew a portal without another word, and in a microsecond, I found myself alone in the gardens of Oasis.
FORTY-TWO
JAMES
How had I idolized this figure for so long? Why even? Because he was old? Because he was an Offensive? It was completely ridiculous! I cursed himandmyself to the deepest pits of whatever hellish reality.
“I gather you and Emma are close?” he tried to initiate contact while we were portaling to the Basilica where the Council had organized a walking brunch to welcome this moron.
My jaw tightened at hearing her name on his lips. I stared back at him without answering, narrowing my eyes, wordlessly threatening him.
He offered an apologetic smile. "I'm not trying to come between you two, James. I'm not romantically interested in her," he tried to reassure me, though his attempt fell flat.
I kept my silence until we reached the Council. He had no business asking about me and her. Who the fuck did he think he was?
"Now, here's a wonderful sight!" Maurice clapped as I entered the room with The Elder by my side. "Our oldest Leader and our newest one."
I tried to force a smile, but it was drowned in a wave of anger.
"Julian," I said through gritted teeth, "may I present to you our current Leader, Maria and her husband, Maurice."
Julian bowed to the Maumars, a gesture I thought to be utterly ridiculous.
"We are delighted to have you as our honored guest," Maria smiled, "and although we would love to discuss everything with you, there are pressing matters that demand our attention first. This Council has been made aware of some very serious dangers and threats, some even directed against one of our own..." She glanced at me. "...which, surely, you can understand we would appreciate your insights on, especially considering your experience with the Battle of '59."
Julian nodded, "Of course, let's talk."
While he was guided to a seat, I discreetly grabbed Maurice's arm, signaling him to speak with me in private.
He frowned but followed me out the door.
"I don’t think it's wise to disclose the results of our interrogations to The Elder," I mumbled under my breath, closing the door behind us.
Maurice looked at me, puzzled. "Why? Don't you trust him?"
I shook my head. "I'm not saying that. It's just, we don't have anything concrete yet. All we've learned about Emma's abduction is that a man was behind it, intending to use her untraceable blood to prevent our exposure and we have a mole inside the Council. We don’t know the how, why, or who. It’s too vague to disclose, so why take the risk?”
