Spark

Chapter 2

On the train back home Sara's monologue about make-up, hairstyles, peelings and manicures is a welcome distraction. Every once in a while she returns to the topic Christopher Collins but as long as she keeps me out of it, it is amusing to listen to her fantasizing about going to the Snowflake Ball with him. Which is about as likely as being struck by lightning – less than one in a million, don't even ask why I know that unnecessary fact. I just hope she knows that too. I don't want her to cry over yet another High Society boy who will never pay her any attention and sure as fuck isn't worth shedding tears over. Sara wants to be part of the Elite so badly and I don't want her heartbroken and hurt.

To be honest, I don't really get it. She is pretty, a heart shaped face with a cute button nose, framed by a mass of unruly blond curls. If anyone deserves a higher status in society, it would be her. If I could I would happily give her my positive test results.

"... get highlights. Do you think Chris would notice?", she asks and pulls me off my thoughts. I pretend I've been listening and smile.

"Uh-huh, it's worth a try." I should tell her, never to feel pressured to change for a guy. But I don't want to burst her bubble. Ordinary people like Sara and me are definitely not Christopher's type. He doesn't have to make an effort to get someone to fuck, all he has to do is to pick from an endless pool of willing candidates. And he would never choose a girl from outside the High Society.

While I listen to Sara still swooning over him I decide to ban every thought of Chris from my head. He isn't for me and the unwelcome fluttery feeling needs to go. Anything else is far too dangerous for my heart.

I realize Sara has stopped talking and I look up, just to see three people get on the train. They are wearing black hoodies that hide their faces. At first glance they don't seem suspicious, if it wasn't for the chill that runs through me. Something's off. Sara must feel it too and wraps her hand around my wrist, tight enough that her nails dig into my skin. I risk a glance and see five more hooded figures at the other end of the coach.

The train starts moving again and people return to their conversations but the air remains filled with tension. Sara relaxes slightly. Two more stops and we will reach Haven 15 where we have to get off.

"Let's go out tonight. It will take your mind off everything that's going on", she suggests. She is still watching the people in black from the corner of her eyes.

"No talking of the High Society, I promise."

I don't really feel like going out. The day has been exhausting.

"I'm sorry. I think I'll rather stay home tonight and get some early sleep."

"Oh" She looks disappointed but not for long, her attention drifting to something behind me.

I expect her to complain and try to sweet-talk me into changing my mind, but she keeps quiet and stares right past me, her eyes glued to one of the hooded figures, that comes walking down the aisle between the seats. I turn my head to see what she is looking at. It's a woman and she is moving with a natural elegance, it seems like she is gliding. She catches me staring and meets my eyes. The lower part of her face is hidden beneath a black cloth.

Fully trained Elite soldiers can be intense. They are so full of raw power that it leaves a mark. Glowing eyes, increased body heat, vibrations in the air around them. This woman's eyes have a glowing sheen of silvery light. Wind soldier. And then it dawns on me that she is deliberately letting me see. Giving me an inkling of just how powerful she is. Deep down I have known she was an Elite since I saw her stride toward us. Graceful, confident.

Although I know all hell is going to break loose I can do nothing but watch as she takes her hands out of her pockets and raises a storm. People scream as the windows are blasted out of their frames. I wrap my arms around Sara to shield her from the raining glass. I grit my teeth as she tightens a bruising grip around my middle and her fingers dig painfully into my sides.