Page 50 of The Cerulean Sister
I pull myself so quickly from the memory that I fling back into the present with such force, my steps falter and I stumble backward in a gasp to the marble floor.
Chapter
Thirteen
“Breathe with me, Ferren." 99 presses his flat palm to my chest while taking an exaggerated inhale. "Please."
I comply on his next breath, staring into his visor where his eyes watch me.
"That's it, keep breathing. Your heart is still racing."
My mind wants to go to that foggy, calm place it took me when I first arrived here, stowed away until it's safe again. I grip the cushioned bench, trying to focus on staying present, on 99’s shoulders going up and down.
"I'm alright." I finally press my hand over his.
He tilts his head softly, not fooled by the crack in my voice, and then his hand steals to the nape of my neck as I'm pulled into an embrace.
"We will stay here until they summon us again, but I can go alone," he whispers into my hair.
"No, I will be ok."
The Viathan emperors’ respect of the new and old world issorespectful that we were dismissed for their slow deliberation to be done in private. It’s torturous to wait when I just want toscream for them to help, part of me scraping at the surface of my skin with jagged, feral fingernails.
What could they possibly be debating? The scene Calliape showed us is more horrifying than anything I could have imagined. How they can say anything other than yes, I don't understand.
We all sit scattered in my and 99's capital bedchamber, and for once, I am happy it is too large. Calliape has not spoken since we left the council meeting. She sits in the windowsill, and August has checked on her a few times, but she refuses anything he offers.
It is clear she is afraid to look at me. Likely thinking she is somehow to blame, but she only delivered the message. I try to send her those feelings through our tether, but she has put up a ward. I recognize it from before on Frith when she would use it with Selene. It stings each time I nudge it, and I don't know if she is doing it for her or my benefit.
Anytime I sniffle, 99 turns his head to me to see if I am still crying. This is no longer a rumor to me or a request to look into temple activity. It's different now.
I've cried from fear, for Leema, in frustration, and for the loss of what my life was going to be here, which then made me cry in guilt for being so selfish.
It was childish to think I could have a peaceful life without the ripples of the temple spreading out and growing stronger each time I ignored them.
Now, the worst thing I could fathom is happening.
I have not seen Leema for years, but I have missed her every day. I was ashamed for not ascending in the priestess order, as I know it would have made her happy, maybe would have even brought her back to me. But when I left, my chances of ever making that possible died with it.
She knows she cannot rely on me, so she is taking matters into her own hands. She is trying to balance out the world I tilted, and in doing so, she has unknowingly fed herself to wolves.
A knock on the door makes me jump to my feet. I wipe my face, thinking we are getting ready to be called back, but when 99 presses the metal panels and the door whooshes open, the lord general steps inside, holding his helmet at his hip.
He says a greeting I am too impatient to hear.
"We have been summoned?" 99 asks.
"No. I wanted to update you in person," he answers, looking between 99 and me. His expression is sullen, like he has lost an argument, and defeat is written on his brow. "The council is having a hard time with the testimony."
"How? After what we showed you?" My voice is louder than I want it to be.
His hand rises in a pacifying gesture, but his tone is understanding. "Some of the council members are arguing the validity. The testimony was unconventional."
"The testimony did nothing but prove how serious this is." I clench my fists, thinking of the Viathan government taking their time, weighing the options as if my sister isn't in harm's way.
"The memories were valid." Calliape speaks up.
"Even if a firsthand account from a witness was given, I don't know if that would sway them," the lord general admits.
