Shadows Ablaze

Chapter 28- Shyah

Blood, hair, and skin samples are placed into containers on one of the long, metal tables. Rynn has been analyzing the most recent dead body, which isn't the girl Rowan saw die a couple days ago. This is a boy, only about fourteen in age. Based on the paperwork we got, he's a Meage. A member of the lowest tier of Elites. The connection isn't comforting, but he lived in the Meage community, nowhere close to me. And he was young, meaning he probably hadn't gotten admitted into Quince Academy yet, if he even qualified for acceptance.

Rynn and I both wear gloves, goggles, and masks, which makes me feel stupid, but I guess it's good to be cautious. Rynn tests all the items, printing out the results and taking notes as we go. She doesn't provide much narrative, but I assume that's because she's still trying to figure everything out for herself. So I just watch over her shoulder as she works, noting how she tests the samples and the way she processes the information.

Finally, what feels like an eternity later, she gives me permission to be done for the day. I throw off my protective gear and leave the lab as quickly as I can. Darkness greets me, cool gusts of wind kissing my cheeks. My ears are pried, listening for anything that's out of place. Everything seems fine, at least at first glance, but I don't let my guard down. I'm on edge, between the assembly and running tests on the newly dead disease victim, I feel vulnerable.

A familiar house raises on my left, but it isn't mine. It's Verie's. It's where my friends are all hanging out tonight. It's not late, so I know they will all still be here. I cross the street, twisting the knob and entering the house. Everything on the main floor is cast in black, except for the stairs leading to the basement, where a single light wiggles its way through the opening.

Laughter rises from the staircase as I grow closer and descend. Music thrums from a speaker set in the far corner of the basement, loud enough to hear, but low enough to encourage conversation. It's been a long day, making me thankful for this moment of friendship. I scan the room, noting the bodies... or rather, lack thereof. Verie's plump torso goes rigid when her attention settles on me. Fleshy cheeks pucker as a smile slips across her lips. But the emotion doesn't reach her eyes. There's something different there, but I can't place it. "Hey Shyah," she greets with a hoarse voice.

The statement causes Danise and Kole to shift on the couch until they are facing me. Their reactions are similar in execution. It's as if they're too tired or bored to offer a whole-hearted greeting. No one gets up to welcome me as I step foot in the basement. I sit beside Verie on the empty sofa cushion, looking over the group.

"Where are Rowan and Bennet?" I ask. Kole sits on the couch in front of me, meaning Ben was here, at least at some point tonight. His little brother wouldn't come by himself. "Did they head home already?"

Every time I look at one of my friends, their eyes trail elsewhere, as if they don't notice me looking. "I think," Danise finally says. "I heard something about Ben going home to grab something. Maybe his phone?" Her mahogany lips pull to the side, her finger grazing them in thought.

I nod. He hasn't responded to the text I sent him earlier today, and he does always leave his phone behind. Sometimes it will take him hours to reply. Especially lately. But I know it's just because he's busy. He's being trained on how to run our government. A tingle runs through my nerves like a maze of dominoes, knocking over one another as they pass through me. My boyfriend is going to be a figurehead of our government. The thought both excites and terrifies me.

"And Rowan?" It's weird that she's not here, especially since she seemed so pressed on getting me to come tonight.

"Bathroom, I think," Verie adds.

My eyes flit to the dark entrance of the bathroom. Empty.

"No," Danise intercepts. "She went upstairs to Verie's. Said her hair was messed up and asked to borrow the curling iron." Deep blue irises are sent skyward as she releases a long sigh. "But that's what we love her for, right?"