Depthless: Under The Library

Chapter Thirty-Four// Alex

Alex's POV

All day, I wandered around like an undead zombie. Being pelted with visions from the past was unnerving enough for one night, but waking up to more chaotic events... Well, I seemed to have aged ten more years, which could, or couldn't have been possible.

"A rescue team is going to be sent out in two hours' time." Jocelyn reported via holographic projection over my table. Restless, I prop one hand under my chin to prevent myself from dozing off once more. What has gotten into my head? My thoughts are mushy and unrealistic--- I could be saying anything at the moment, and no one would know that it's the sane Alex behind it all.

Groaning, I cast my watch a nervous glance. "How exactly have the preparations been made?"

In the shimmering image, Jocelyn runs a tiny hand through her long blonde curls, a worry line on her forehead. If I knew any better, I'd say Jocelyn had the power of age-control as well--- how else had she managed to stay calm for that many years?

In a controlled voice, she informs me that an extremely elite squad had been prepared, which troubled me, because I can't recall having organized any squad. Unless...

"Yes, your father had predicted the need for such a team, and had prepped up some of the loyal and strongest of our population---"

"Wait, hold it." I shook my head in disbelief. "All of this, and he didn't bother to let me know earlier?" My voice rose to a higher level of agitation, as it did whenever someone brought up my father.

Jocelyn shrugged her slim shoulders. "You didn't know, because it happened just before he... you know." Her voice trailed off, and she shifted her head nervously to right.

My hands gripped the edge of the table a little harder. "You could've at least have the courtesy to tell me about that.Or you didn't think it was as important as your gala?" My voice came out as sarcastic, but I couldn't stop myself from frowning. I still can't get over how she had the nerve to call on the Gala while I was asleep. I hope she knows the consequences.

Jocelyn stubbornly stuck out her chin. "Come on, you know we all need it!" She defends herself. I remain silent. "Alex, I've been through with you about this, there is nothing better that can lift everyone's spirits than a gala! I just need to come up with a suitable theme..."

"Depthless?" I threw out, rolling my eyes as she took it as a genuine suggestion. "Hmm... I suppose, what with this turn of events..."

"Excuse me, Jocelyn, but we have more important matters to discuss right now. Especially the little excursion down the chasm? You really think it's a good idea to send more of them down there?"

Jocelyn chews on her lower lip, signalling her hesitation. "Well... unless that's where the Exiled was sent to dwell... then it won't be a problem for us!"

I fold my arms across my chest. "What if it was?" I asked imploringly. "What if they really were sent to live down... down there?" My mind began to wonder, frantically pulling threads and lose strings trying to grasp the right pieces to knit together the solution.

I was never able to forget what I'd relived in my dreams each night. I was never given the chance to live and let go. Every waking minute of my life is spent plotting plans to alter the future. On the other hand, I'd never been able to let go of the past. Each night, I dreamt a life with my parents, alive, together, safe without threat from the Curse. Each time, I awoke to the horrible truth. To the cold, emptiness in my step, to the doubt and hesitation in my decisions... even to question my existence.

"Alex, Alex, please stay focused." Jocelyn yells through the hologram, while checking over her shoulder and making hand gestures to people I couldn't see.