Page 114 of Border Control
She gently collects me and draws me down the connection between us. I don't know how I’m doing this without Nevare to guide me. This is the work of an Apex, but Law-rah has no psychic power of her own.
In her mind is a wooden door, similar to the one we have built for El-len’s barn. The thick wood stands firm, a strongshield indeed. I run mental hands over it. It even feels smooth, but cold.
The handle turns and it opens. Inside the ceiling lies low and cramped, the walls bare. I have to duck my head; Law-rah's secret room is too small for me.‘Law-rah?’
‘Here.’
I turn, and confront perfection.
My beautiful human stands, wrapped in golden gauze Obaya layers. It makes her look like spun gold, gleaming over her hips and breasts, hiding her treasures while hinting at them.
She’s lovely.
‘You like?’She smiles, and my hearts in my physical body double-thump hard. Her hand searches the pockets in her gauze before she pulls out her lipstick triumphantly. “Right. You’ll be fine, Dom. I promise.”
The repeated assurance rings against the bare walls, hollow. Tight lines form around Law-rah’s eyes, wide with fear.
What does she have to be scared of here, inside her sanctuary? Is it me, the fact I’m here?
Behind me, a low but insistent knocking starts on the door. Law-rah startles, takes my hands, leads me further into her secret room. Quickly I’m pressed against the far wall away from the door, but the room closes in, creaking.
‘Law-rah?—’
‘It’s fine. I’ll sort it, I promise.’Her fingers tremble in mine as she stares at the door.‘What’s happening?’
‘I do not know. We are in your mind.’The door rattles again. I slide my arms around her.‘I’ll protect you, Law-rah, but whatever it is, you have to let it in.’
‘No. I need to focus. This can’t be happening right now.’
I take her chin, turn her head to face me, so I can see into her beautiful blue eyes. Sharp, yes. Sharp enough to cut herself again and again.
‘Whatever happens, Law-rah, know that you are incredible. Strong. Intelligent. A marvel.’
Her face crumples. The walls warp, twisting, shivering. As if there's something trying to get in.
Or out.
The walls give an ominous creak. This place won't last. She's experiencing emotional distress.
Because of me?
I say,‘I respect all your boundaries. I’ll leave, simply open the door and send me back.’
The knock sounds again. Insistent, but gentle.
Law-rah stares past my shoulder, clinging onto me.‘I… I have to tell you something.’
Walls crack, but she doesn't seem to see. Emotion seeps in, cloying and thick, the tide flooding inside. Grabbing her, I try to lift her up, but the ceiling presses against my shoulders, forcing me down into it with her.
Her voice drowns me.‘Dom, I’ve been faking it this whole time. There’s nothing I can do. It’s a system I don’t understand, it took me years to learn our laws and how to work with the courts. The trial is in hours, and it won’t be enough. I’ll lose you.’
‘Yes.’She and I both know this to be the truth.
‘They’ll kill you.’
‘Yes.’I pull her tighter to my chest. When was the last time I held her in my arms? They ache now, the pain too much for me to bear. She’s my final comfort.
She closes her eyes.‘Like my dad.’
