The Changed

Chapter 15- Caleb

It was the first time I had ever told someone about who my family were but for some reason I thought I could trust Tess. She seemed so kind and gentle that I couldn't help but like her. We rode back to the base and trotted down the ramp. I helped her down from the horse. "Would you like to go to dinner?" I asked her but then winced at my words. That sounded like I was asking her out for a date. Luckily Tess didn't see I that way. "Yes, I would love to. I'm starving."

I lead out of the stables and back up to my mother's office. When we arrived, she and Nick were sitting at the table having dinner. "Ah, Caleb, Tess. How was your ride?" Mother asked.

"Yes it was lovely. The valley was beautiful today but it was nothing compared to what Tess showed me," I said. "Her powers are incredible."

"That is wonderful to hear. Nick tells me that you aren't that confident with your powers, Tess. It is good to hear that you showed Caleb," mother said. Tess smiled timidly and nodded. "Please join us for dinner." We sat down and grabbed a plate from the centre. "

"The kitchens have cooked up a real feast today," I exclaimed looking across the table which was full of vibrant foods and drinks. I glanced over at Tess, her eyes were wide with astonishment. "What have they been feeding you in the government's base then? I doubt it was very tasty," I whispered to her. "Go on, tuck in."

We ate with light chatter around the table. I don't think Tess wanted to speak much and I didn't blame her. One the food was pretty delicious but more importantly, the pain of losing her brother was fresh again.

"So," Nick said when we all had finished. "I think the Commander has something to say." He said it angrily and looked like he was about to explode. Mother glared at him as she stood. Uh oh, I silently thought.

"I have come to a decision after much discussion with Nick here. Considering how much difficulty you had escaping the government, and from what Nick tells me it is heavily guarded, I think that we cannot risk anymore lives to save Edward, Tess. I am sorry," she said. Tess stared at her in disbelief and Nick was fuming.

"Umm...Mother. Are you sure? If it wasn't for Edward we wouldn't even have Tess here. I've seen Tess's powers for myself and if Edward's is anything like hers then I think we have to rescue him," I said slowly.

"No Caleb, we cannot risk lives for only one, no matter how powerful they are," mother said.

"But he's Tess's brother. We don't know what they could be doing to him. You and I know better than anyone what he is the cruelest person on earth. He will be torturing him and you know it," I persisted.

"Caleb I have said no," mother said sternly.

"But-"

"STOP IT!" Screamed Tess. She was on her feet, hands blazing with fire.

"Tess, you need to calm down," I said soothingly but she didn't listen to me. She kicked up her chair and was shooting fire everywhere. "Tess, stop!" Nick shouted. He tried to restrain her but she shook him of easily. She destroyed almost everything before she ran off out of the door. "Tess!" I shouted as I headed after her.

"Caleb, no!" My mother warned me. She and Nick were using the fire extinguishers to quench Tess's flames.

"This is your fault! She has been through enough already and now you are refusing to save the only family she has left. If you really cared you would help her," I cried to her.

"We cannot risk the lives of everyone here just to save one person. If Tess helps us then we can over throw the government and then save her brother," mother said. I have never seen her look so angry.