SILVER EYES (GXG)

Chapter 47: A Farewell

And finally, the night fell. I had forgotten what darkness was. In the city, such a thing didn't exist. Neon lights invaded every corner as if with their bright and flickering colors they wanted you to forget the darkness that lay beyond the walls. However, the Narval House and the border were different places. Honest. Raw. Skinned. Only the necessary lights to work and see what really mattered. Everything else was swallowed by the dark.

Stella, Heather, and I gathered at the entrance of the tunnels and changed into regular clothes, like the ones an outsider would wear. I picked stirrup pants and a pale blue sweater with some fake stains. I wondered who those clothes belonged to, but immediately decided it was better not to think about it too much, let alone ask.

Heather took her time, pulling out several pieces from the pile and examining them carefully. None seemed to satisfy her, which felt funny because we weren't exactly choosing clothes for a party. After discarding about a dozen, she finally settled on an old military jacket with a garnet shirt underneath and tattered jeans. I couldn't help but smirk at her struggle to decide.

"What?" she said.

I shrugged, still grinning. "Just didn't think you'd be so picky about old and borrowed clothes."

Heather rolled her eyes, but couldn't hide a smile. "If we're going to be out there, I want to feel like myself. Or as close as I can get."

"So, a military jacket makes you feel like yourself? Interesting choice, although not surprising at all." I said.

"What's that supposed to mean?" She asked.

I laughed. "Come on, Heather. Tough, practical, a little bit rebellious... it suits you."

She smirked. "You're missing the important things. It's got plenty of pockets and is extremely comfy. What's not to like?"

I nodded in agreement. "Fair point. Functionality over everything."

"Exactly and the fact that it also looks great on me is just pure coincidence." She said with a grin.

Stella stared at us, arms crossed on her chest. "Are you done with the clothes, prom queens?"

We both nodded in silence, hiding our laughter. "Great, because we have a mission to focus on." She said.

"All set." Tom's voice crackled from the walkie-talkie Stella held.

"Copy that. All set here too." Stella replied, then switched to channel 2. "Beverly, what's the status?"

Beverly was already inside the tunnels, ready to drive the SUV when the moment came. Tom and Brooke were at the gates, with the drones that would pave our way out.

"SUV's ready for the grand entrance, let's get this show on the road." Beverly replied.

"Great, let's move," Stella said. "Oh, hold on, nearly forgot." She extended her hand, palm up to us.

Heather and I observed her confused.

"The Reg Bracelets. Take them off." She ordered.

"Why?" I asked.

"You wouldn't want to cross over with those on your wrist, would you?" Stella replied.

"But without them, we won't have contact with anyone from the Reg Society." I said.

"Exactly. Why do you think we're the elite team? If an outsider sees our bracelets we are all dead." Stella said.

Heather unfastened her Reg Bracelet and then suddenly stopped, her eyes reflective.

"All good?" I asked her.

"Yeah." She fully removed the bracelet. "Just realized I've never taken this off before."