Ivory Chronicles

Act IV - Apex Rebellion Part 2

Lies Within The Eyes

As we raced away from the chaos, my grip on Annabella's hand was firm. The cold from the icy mist I had conjured lingered in my hands, biting at our skin as we maneuvered through the ruins of the ghost town. The eerie silence was punctuated only by the occasional distant crash.

Suddenly, I felt a sharp tug backward. I spun around just in time to see Annabella stumble and fall to the ground. Dropping to my knees, I reached out to help her, but before I could ask if she was hurt, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms tightly around me in a desperate hug. Her body shook with sobs, each one echoing with fear and confusion.

"It's all just too much," she cried into my shoulder. "I saw Ryan, not too far from here, but something... something felt horribly wrong. It was like a sense of danger was radiating from him. I can't explain it, Ellion. It's like I could feel the threat emanating from him."

She pulled back slightly, her eyes searching mine, filled with distress. "I started running, not even sure where I was going. I felt danger everywhere, from everyone... except in your direction." Her voice was a whisper now, still lingering with fear. "That's how I found you. But then, when all those clones of me showed up, that same feeling of dread came from each of them too."

Feeling other people's emotions or intentions? Does that mean she possesses a unique power like the rest of us? I had so many questions but right now it wasn't the time to dwell on this. If she was able to find her way to me and away from danger, if she could distinguish the real one from the fake clones, we might have a chance of fighting back.

"We can use this, Annie," I said, helping her to her feet. "Your ability, whatever it is, can help us find our friends—the real ones. You could tell who's who, just like you did now."

Annabella's breath was rapid, and she pulled back slightly to look at me, her tear-filled eyes pleading, "I'm scared," she whispered.

"What's my job?" I asked her softly.

"To... protect me?" she replied, her voice a little stronger.

"Exactly, and that's what I'm going to do. No matter what. Now, let's go, we can't stay here for long." I grabbed Annabella's hand and slowly picked her up as a smile escaped her lips.

As we carefully navigated the debris-littered streets of the abandoned neighborhood, the air around us suddenly shimmered with an unexpected glow. Tiny, gleaming balls of light began floating around us. "Stay still." A voice called out from behind, authoritative and clear, "Stay still."

Turning around, we found Alexander standing there with a cautious expression, his shirt marked with burns, though the skin beneath was unscathed. Beside him was Charles, wide-eyed with fear etched on his face, his hands raised, controlling the swirl of light that had encircled us. These were no mere lights; they were volatile explosions created by Charles, ready to ignite at any moment.

I glanced at Annabella, seeking confirmation if they were a threat or not. She gave a small nod and whispered, "They're real." Relieved yet still on edge, I turned back to face them, opening my mouth to speak.

"Shut up, Ellion. I'll do the talking," Alexander cut in sharply, his gaze fixed on us with a seriousness I hadn't often seen in him.

"I know things... lots of things. A lot of the group's secrets, actually." His smirk was one part amusement to two parts menace. "I'm going to ask you something, and if you answer truthfully, I'll listen to what you have to say, and might even believe you."

He first looked at Annabella, a mischievous twinkle in his eye despite the tense situation. "Annabella, remember Max's birthday a few weeks ago? What was your initial plan for his present?"