The Rising - Ennead 2

Scene 10.7: What the Heart Wants

I freeze and look at him. His eyes are lined up directly with mine and they're cold, calm and very uncomfortable.

"Aren't you too young to be out on your own, drinking coffee?"

His voice is deep, gravelly and has a hint of a non-american accent. Before I can speak, he continues.

"Yes, you're trying to look a bit older; mascara, extensions, black nail polish. Your height helps doesn't it?"

"I was just going." I murmur, hunching into a less threatening posture as I finish shutting the lid.

"No you're not young lady. Where are your parents?"

"None of your business." I hiss. I don't mean to. This is the worst possible time. I should be flying under the radar, not catching the attention of middle aged men.

There's no time to make a graceful exit, so I slide off my seat, shrug my knapsack onto one shoulder and shove my laptop under my arm.

"FBI. Don't move any further Miss de la Cruz."

He says it's so calmly I almost don't catch it. My knees shake a little bit. I turn back to face him. There's a lot questions crashing through my mind. He answers one before I even voice it.

"I know some rather... powerful people. You're younger than I thought. I didn't think..."

He pauses and scratches his beard, thoughtful.

"Come on," he coaxes, "let's talk it out."

Another voice cuts in. A child's voice.

"Thank you Agent Fontaine, but she's already shown me enough."

The coffee shop has become eerily quiet. I've never felt anything like the subtle sensation that muffles my mind right now. Or have I? It feels vaguely familiar.

I don't have to look behind me to identify the speaker, she strides briskly to one of the seats at the table I just vacated. Everyone else is frozen in place.

She must have been at least two years younger in the picture I saw, some of the baby fat is gone but the flint in her eyes is the same. Even if she was an imposter, that queenly poise is unmistakable.

The hardness in her eyes draws me towards her. I thought the Archon was a titan, but his ability, even in another Path, is clearly dwarfed by this girl. It doesn't even make sense.

"Hello Manuela. I feel like an introduction is unnecessary, because your heart tells me you already have a very good idea. My name is Yaa Asantewaa Boateng, Fae of the First Society. You, my dear, are in big trouble."