Inside My Head (Silent Moment Series: Book 6)

Chapter 18

The solemnity of the moment was marked by the guard, Jade, as she bowed deeply. "Blessed is Joseph. Blessed are the Primes," she intoned with reverence.

Simone's voice cut through the charged air. "Jade will accompany you for protection. Tell them it's a precaution against the Children of Gabriel."

Her gaze then shifted sternly to the guard. "This is your final opportunity, Jade. Redeem yourself for losing Rose. Guard your Prime as if our very existence depends on it – because it does."

Russell's command was direct and unyielding. "Start with Abby, his mother. She's a doctor. She'll have insights on how many of their people possess the blood."

Joseph's eyes narrowed as he picked up my book, regarding it with a mix of disdain and curiosity.

Russell continued, his tone grave, "They must remain ignorant of our true nature, Joey. For now, that knowledge is our advantage."

Joseph's frustration was palpable. "Why? What we are is extraordinary. Why hide it?"

Russell sighed, a mixture of weariness and resolve in his voice. "They won't understand. They'll flee, and we can't have that. They might be our salvation."

Jade, ever the dutiful guard, led us from the Palace to the tavern where my people were known to gather. As we entered, the familiar faces of my friends and family greeted us.

Joseph whispered to Jade, identifying them: "Bellamy Blake, John Murphy, Jordan Green."

He paused, scanning the room. "Mother isn't here, perhaps we should—"

Joseph's impatience was evident as he sneered, "Oh relax. I've played Vladimir in 'Godot' twice. Portraying Kegan should be a breeze."

He began to approach them, but was abruptly intercepted by Madi, who threw her arms around him. "Kegan!" she exclaimed, her relief and affection evident.

Oh, my girl. How I long to embrace you. Please, see through this facade.

Joseph feigned surprise, "Oh! Madi. Good morning."

Her eyes sparkled with hope. "Can I please go to school today?"

He smiled at her, feigning warmth. "I don't see why not."

Internally, I was screaming, my mind a tumultuous prison of frustration and helplessness.

"Kegan!" Gaia hissed, her tone a mix of warning and reprimand.

But her attention, like mine, was soon diverted by Jade's intense gaze, fixating on us with an unsettling intensity.

Joseph's reaction was an exaggerated display of surprise, his eyes widening for effect. "Oh," he gasped, injecting a note of concern into his voice. "Seems people with my blood type are in danger. The Primes insisted on extra security."

Gaia, with her characteristic foresight, spoke up in Trigedasleng, emphasizing the necessity of Madi's continued training for safety reasons. Joseph's blank expression betrayed his inability to comprehend the language. Internally, I reveled in his confusion. Checkmate. He might have access to my memories, but he's lost in translation with our language.

Bellamy's arrival added a new layer of complexity. I silently urged him to see through the charade.

"Everything's alright?" Bellamy inquired, a hint of concern lacing his voice.

Joseph responded with a rehearsed ease. "Yeah, all good. Where's everyone?"

Bellamy, always the coordinator, filled him in. "Raven and Emori are with a Prime, working on a radiation shield. Raven's been looking for you, wants to catch up when she's back."