Violet Path (40 page)

Raphaelle and Charles entered, silencing David and I.

“Excuse me, but I was informed that Alexia did not complete the test. Please explain,” Raphaelle said in a condescending tone.

“I asked them to stop because the memories were unimportant,” David answered.

“I’ll decide what’s unimportant,” Raphaelle’s response rang in my ears, striking me hard. It was as if Matthew had invaded a woman’s body.

“They were personal!” David snapped.

“That’s the whole point. All memories are. She doesn’t want us to see what we are looking for.”

There was a short silence signaling that I had to intervene. “I’ll finish the test,” I announced hesitantly, but sure of myself.

“Later. I’d first like to hear what you have to say. Let’s eat.” Raphaelle’s harmless words did not match her aggressive tone.

Four waiters dressed in white approached the table and placed a full plate in front of us. We were served a variety of Asian dishes, from kimchi to dumplings and sticky rice. While the adults passed around a bottle of wine, I was served apple juice, which only made me feel more out of place. I ate quickly, stressed for the questioning that was imminent.

“What’s your full name?” Raphaelle asked without establishing eye contact.

“Alexia,” I answered.

“And your last?”

“I don’t know. I don’t have one.” I had given up on guessing my last name a long time ago.

Raphaelle looked around, hesitating whether or not to accept my response. “Why did you leave Tamizeh?” she asked casually.

“I didn’t fit in, and David and Andrew offered me a place at The Shadows,” I said truthfully.

“What about Matthew?”

“He only wants power, and violence is his game.” I did my best to sound eloquent and sophisticated.

“I mean, what changed your mind that you turned against him?”

“I never supported him. I don’t like his goal or methods.” I didn’t like where the conversation was headed, but I had no control over it.

“Be more specific.” Raphaelle was pushing my buttons.

“His joker is death, and he kills so he doesn’t have to deal with complaints. He lacks morality.”

“I’m looking for a straight answer! One with logic, that supports you, clears you. What did Matthew do?” Raphaelle was getting frustrated.

“He beat her, shot at her, and threatened her,” David cut in.

I blushed and wanted to run and hide. I felt my face turn red with humiliation and shame. I stared at my plate, feeling like a weak victim.

“What is your priority?” Raphaelle asked gently.

“We don’t see eye to eye on this matter,” David chimed in.

“My priority is freeing Andrew. I know how Matthew is treating him, his plans, and how H.S.H.S. works; therefore, I have a plan that cannot fail.” I was proud of what I had come up with and would share it with anyone who would listen.

“Then why don’t you see your plan through?”

“I only came up with a military strategy, while others make the decisions.” I tried to stay impartial, but it was obvious that Raphaelle was trying to pin David and I against each other. I understood her reasoning . . . trying to see if there were holes in our story.

Raphaelle turned to David, redirecting the question.

“I do not find it reasonable to put many lives in jeopardy for one, especially right after having lost so many less than a week ago. Andrew would agree,” David replied with confidence.

I felt the blood rush to my face. If David thought that my plan put many lives in jeopardy, then he did not trust me.

“Alexia, you obviously disagree with David’s answer?” Raphaelle commented.

I didn’t want to reply, because I would either displease her by lying or displease David by disagreeing. She was setting up a trap, and I didn’t want to fall into it.

“Alexia?” Raphaelle was persistent.

“I’m sorry,” I replied, “but how is it obvious that I do not agree with David? Yes, we do not see eye-to-eye, but how does that matter? I still stand by his decision.”

David glared at me, but I simply couldn’t stand her. I had hoped for some form of understanding because we were both women taking part in the war, but I had received her disappointment instead. The room was silent. I had crossed the line, and there was no turning back.

“As for it being obvious that you disagree, it’s not. The metal fork and knife you’ve been holding have been recording your heart rate. Referring to the data collected, you obviously hate Matthew and cannot stand me,” Raphaelle said smugly.

I looked at the fork and did my best not to drop it. Reality hit me, and I realized that I had to clean my ties with Raphaelle.

“I–I’m sorry, I–I . . .” I didn’t know what to say.

“Thank you for not throwing the silverware,” she joked with a cold laugh.

“Raphaelle, may I have a word with you?” David rose with authority and stepped out with the beautiful, young lady following him closely. Charles waited for the door to shut, then spoke.

“She’s usually not like this. She’s actually very gregarious. Don’t take anything personally. You’re doing very well. Just sit tall and answer the questions truthfully, and you won’t break. I’ve been impressed so far.”

I managed a weak smile.

“Staring at me won’t do you any good,” he added with a smile.

“I’m sorry, I just didn’t expect that. Why are you encouraging me?” I didn’t mean to sound rude, but I didn’t trust him.

Charles bowed his head slightly, diverting his gaze in shame. “I saw your test. You may be young, and I do not approve of you being at war, but you’re not a traitor to The Shadows. You’ve convinced me,” he mumbled with hesitation.

I thanked him and smiled.

“Now wipe that grin off your face before I regret what I’ve said,” Charles chuckled lightly as the two leaders walked in.

I was asked more questions pertaining to my training until dinner ended. Raphaelle ended the meeting, reminding me that I was much younger and shouldn’t be getting involved with the War, but then added that The Shadows had her full support without me having to finish the test. We shook hands and were escorted out.

I rode back with David, uncuffed and undrugged. With his arms around me in the cold night surrounded by a delicate layer of fresh snow, I fell asleep dreaming of Maxime.

Chapter 36

I slowly opened my heavy eyelids in David’s tent. Cold, bright light emanated from under the door. It was extremely late. I was still wearing the dress, but not the heels, and the cover had been drawn over me with care. I found my uniform by the bed neatly folded. I changed as fast as I could, made the bed again, folded the dress, and laid everything out neatly for David. I ran out and put my hand up to block the strong sun from blinding me. Silhouettes approached me and I waited, squinting my eyes, trying to make out who they were.

“Good morning, Alex,” Anton said with a radiant smile. “David told me to take over your class and let you sleep in; you earned it.”

I hesitated but thanked him. I felt guilty for having been able to sleep while others had to work.

David ran up to us, panting for air. His hands were red from the cold. “Good morning, well actually afternoon. Did you sleep well?” He was in a good mood for once.

“Yes, thank you. I left the dress and heels by the bed.”

“Thanks. Lunch starts in fifteen minutes, so we might as well head over there. Anton, you can dismiss your class early.”

“Yes, sir,” Anton said. David told me he would catch up with us and not to wait, so we walked to the long tables.

“You were sound asleep last night,” Anton commented.

I suddenly became self-conscious. I couldn’t remember how I had ended up in David’s tent.

“We heard the horse coming from miles away. I helped David get you down, and he carried you to his tent. You were out cold. How was last night anyway? David hasn’t said much about it.”

“It was okay; it went well. Where did he sleep?” I quickly brushed away the question as I remembered the memory test.

“He had watch duty.”

Will walked up to us. “I have what you asked for ready for tonight. I’ll bring it to you after dinner.” I thanked him, and he left.

“What was that about?” Anton asked in a patronizing tone.

“Nothing. It’s not that important,” I tried to appease his curiosity, but it was useless.

“Alex, does David know about this?”

“No,” I replied. I knew I couldn’t lie to him, but I couldn’t pull myself out of the hole I was digging.

“Does it have to do with Andrew? Honestly?” he asked with pleading eyes.

“Yes,” I muttered, aware that I would regret it.

“You’re insane! You can’t do it on your own.”

“Watch me!” I exploded. If he wasn’t going to help me, I wanted him to stay out of my way.

“I’m on guard duty tonight; I won’t let you go.”

“Why not? You were on my side two days ago. Anton, you know I have to. We need him, and time is limited. I know what to do and how to get it done. Trust me.”

“I do trust you now, but—”

“What?” I screamed. It felt like he was playing me, fluctuating from side to side, attacking me one moment and defending me the next. I wanted to see his loyalty for a change, but it was dust in the wind.

“What if you fail? What if Matthew wins?”

“So much for trust! I won’t fail. You could say ‘what if ’ for everything. What if we miss this opportunity?”

“Suicide is not an opportunity. If anything goes wrong, I’ll be held responsible. You’re not going anywhere.”

There was no way that I wasn’t going. Maxime needed me.

“You won’t be held responsible and nothing will go wrong. I know H.S.H.S. like the back of my hand, and Matthew’s ways of thinking are engraved in my mind.”

“Then talk to David. You can’t do it alone. If you have a plan and you’re ready, he can’t oppose the idea.”

“Fine,” I lied. I knew it was useless to ask David, and arguing with Anton wasn’t getting me anywhere. I would get past Anton, no doubt about it.

That night Will brought me everything I had asked for. I sneakily put all of the equipment by a tree away from the campsite so no one would find it. I rubbed some bark off trees as I walked back so I could find the weapons easily. I then ran off to shower before anyone could get suspicious.

When I was showering, I heard someone whistle at me. I ignored it, humiliated as everyone laughed, and someone said, “She’s way too young for you anyway.”

I turned the water off and went to grab my belongings from the chair, but my clothing and wound dressing were gone. My stomach dropped. I took my towel, dried off, wrapped it around me, and stepped out. I had everyone’s attention. Every eye followed my every move. I looked around for my belongings, but they had vanished. As the silent tension grew, I decided that I needed to stand up for myself. David was right; they didn’t respect me. I needed to show them who was boss.

“Where are my belongings?” I yelled.

Everyone laughed. I felt the blood rise to my head, boiling, bubbling, blazing.

Nick stepped forward. “Funny guys . . . joke’s over. Give her clothing back.” Everyone started to laugh. “This is going too far,” Nick raised his voice, but it was useless.

Sam suddenly ran in. “Who do these belong to?” The soldiers erupted into laughter as Sam realized that he was holding my clothes and wound dressing. He quickly apologized and handed them over. I walked off completely mortified. I wanted to blend into the walls and evaporate into thin air. I wasn’t accepted in any way, and I never would be.

As the camp quieted down and soldiers retired to their cabins, I waited for everyone to go to sleep. Hesitations and second thoughts flooded my mind, but I was determined to see Maxime. When everything seemed still, I crept away. I had a vague idea of where I could find Anton. I saw him pacing between two trees swallowed by the night.

I waited for the perfect moment for him to walk by, then I wrapped my arm around his neck from behind and kicked his knees. I tightened the choke as I apologized over and over again, although I knew it was useless. He tried to break my grip and call for help, but all he did was scratch me. Finally, he gave in, unconscious. I immediately checked his pulse. His warm heart beat frantically. I sat him up against a tree and ran off to get my equipment before he would wake. There was no turning back.

I realized that I was endangering the camp in more ways than one. Anton was on watch, and now the camp was left unguarded, but my love for Maxime surpassed anything and everything.

I stole Sam’s hover-board from the clinic and David’s laser gun. I then floated in the still, dry air to get the other gear I had left by the tree. I felt anxious. The risk was high and consequences grave, but no logic could persuade me to change my mind. Maxime was my priority, my love, my world.

I pulled out the night glasses and turned them on. Everything became lucid. I then put the anti-gravity ring enhancer, the electromagnetic wave dispenser, and the small laser in my boots, ready to be used. I left for H.S.H.S. Everything was silent under the moon. The snow shimmered in the silver light as I made my way to Maxime.

There were more red lasers than I remembered. The naked trees didn’t offer much cover, so I quickly pushed the hover-board between two lasers and slid between them. I felt like a cat twisting my spine. I then jumped onto the board again and rushed to the building that held the captives. I knew exactly where to go. I turned on the anti-gravity enhancer and rode the board vertically up the building’s wall. When I arrived at the shielded windows of the cells, I frantically peered in each one, searching for Maxime. Finally. There he was. I turned on the electromagnetic wave dispenser, turning the shield off. I had less than ten minutes to get Maxime out before I set off the silent alarm. Down below, people ran into the building’s large doors. I had to hurry.

I jumped in, leaving the board floating outside the window, parallel to the earth, ready to depart. A cloud unveiled the moon, revealing Maxime chained to a stone wall. He was kneeling with his ankles and hands cuffed behind him. Bruises scattered across his face and abdomen. Dry blood outlined his cuts, and his arrow wound was covered with gauze, seeping blood onto his shirt. I couldn’t bear to look.