the Rarity

Chapter 14

"I kind of just closed myself off and became cold after that. Then when I found out that I was a Rarity - which I kinda figured out a while ago - I closed myself off completely. So yeah..." I can feel the heart in my chest shattering into a million different pieces at his words.

"C-Caleb. I'm so sorry. That's awful. No one should have to witness something like that, ever. Especially so young." I say, my heart continuing to break. "And if it's any consolation, I think you would make a great king." I say, offering a soft sympathetic smile, my hand resting on top of his as it sits atop his left leg.

"Raven I-" he starts, then was cut off by static then a voice announcing across the entire compound.

"Attention. Could all the newest Syndicate members please report to the Lobby Commons? Immediately." Michelle's stern, booming voice calls out from the PA system present throughout the facility. Caleb and I look at each other with looks of worry and defeat as we must our discussion short and head to the Commons.

***

"Everyone's attention, please!" Tristan yells above the confused murmuring from us new trainees. "We have an important and serious announcement."

Michelle steps forward, face harsher, colder, and stricter than before - which I honestly didn't think was even possible. "The Legion has been informed of the Syndicate's existence and location. Which means we have to move out earlier than expected. Earlier as in tomorrow." the room becomes covered with deafening silence. We are all stuck frozen, jaws on the floor. How could they have found out? Who told them? Did they somehow know about the Syndicate before we left the compound and then just made connections when we left? My mind is spiraling with questions as the silence turns to a panicked buzz of whispers and I hear the small whispers beside me.

"Raven? Raven, are you ok? What does this mean?"Matthew says in a hushed tone beside me. "Hadley and I are beside you not matter what, okay?" he continues, reassuring me as if he can read my mind, my fear that the Legion somehow discovered who specifically the Rarities are. What about Caleb? Are they gonna try to kill him like the rest of us? Do they know that he is one? My thoughts are spinning, panic setting in with what this means for us. For my friends. For Owen. For me.

Tristan finishes for the three of them, addressing us again. "I strongly suggest you all go get some rest. Sleep tonight, because tomorrow we fight."

***

With Hadley and Matthew beside me, we head towards our rooms to get rest as instructed when I hear someone call my name. Looking to my right, I see Owen leaning against the wall of a hallway, Michelle standing stiffly a few feet behind him.

"I'll catch up with you guys later," I say to them as I begin walking toward my tall, blond brother. "What's going on?"

"How are you doing?" Owen asks, turning and starting to walk down the hall, me by his side as he gives me a worried look. "I heard you were looking for me earlier?" he said it as though more of a question than a statement, his voice lacing with more concern.

"Oh. Yeah, I was but I'm okay now. Sorta. Kinda shaken up about thee Legion now thought." I respond trying to laugh off my previous anxiety attack.

"Speaking of which, there's something we want to talk to you about." Michelle says, walking up to the right side of Owen, opposite me. "I have told Owen what I told you about earlier, and we also have spoken to Tristan about your previous training. That you have been struggling with your magic." She pauses looking at me sharply, almost a speckle of concern seeming to glint behind her eyes. "Struggling to let go and fully embrace the power you hold." she continues as we turn into a large, open room with mats on the floor, mirrors, and punching bags lining the walls. A training room, very similar to that of which was in the Elemental compound. I stop in my tracks, figuring out what this conversation is leading to as the two stand in from of me, the view of the room behind them.