The Thought Keepers: Ability

Chapter 17: An Unexpected Turn of Events

As soon as she stopped speaking, the glass of the window shattered from a sudden wind. I braced my arms to avoid the shards, trying not to flinch at the impact. 

With all my focus on finding Uncle Ethan, I managed to once again forget that someone was trying to kill me. Clearly the person responsible for taking him had found us, and they brought along Shades that could get the job done this time. 

I didn't have time to train with Jade, or learn how to control my abilities. The fight was here, and I was woefully unprepared. Meanwhile, Carson and Jade were ready, wielding vibrant swords with steady hands. I recognized Carson's sword, but Jade's pale green blade was unfamiliar. It was curved on one side and straight on the other, with a sturdy hilt at the end. She held it with one hand, staring at the open window as cold wind whipped into the living room. 

"I agreed to help you find your uncle, but it ends here. I'm not going to join this battle," Ms. Price said bluntly, eyeing her broken window with disdain. "I may be a member of the Guard, but I'm not sticking my neck out for someone who openly skips my class." 

It was harsh, but somehow understandable. If I were in her position, I wouldn't join an unnecessary fight either. Still, the words stung, because it basically meant that whether we died was none of her concern. 

I breathed in, feeling the lapis lazuli's smooth surface. "Got it. We'll just get out of your hair, then." 

Dante took off his beaded bracelet, the one that resembled a string of prayer beads. He willed it to turn into a large black scythe that glistened like volcanic rock. He let the scythe rest over his shoulder, casually poised for a fight. "We're surrounded by Shades; I can feel it." 

"Same here," Carson agreed while inching toward the window. "Two different types, I think. And a lot of them." 

"We're gonna have to split them up," Jade sighed. "There's no way we can take on that many at once." 

Ms. Price piped up ever-helpfully, although she refused to participate: "You could always use a diversion to escape. Something flashy that would get Zekara away, since she's the target." 

"I'm not taking advice from someone who's leaving us for dead," Jade snapped. "If you're not helping, then stay out of it." 

"Touché," she admitted, backing down. 

"Her idea isn't bad though," I said, peering at the foliage outside. The rustling leaves caused eerie shadows to dance on the ground, any of which could be a Shade in disguise. The fact that it was suddenly windy when the skies were clear earlier meant that shadow powers were at work. 

"What would be a good enough diversion to take their attention away?" Carson asked. "They already have us cornered. We won't make it far without something big." 

"I'll handle the distraction," Jade announced, stepping away from the window. She examined the front door, formulating a plan in under a second. She turned to Ms. Price, her expression all-business. "What happens if a Shade comes through that door?"

Ms. Price smiled, catching on to Jade's train of thought. "The same thing that happened to your friends, but much worse. They will not recover as easily." 

Jade nodded, having already expected that answer. "I'm gonna confront them first from outside. Dante, I need you to stay here and make sure that nothing comes through that window."

"What about us?" I asked as Carson suddenly took my hand in his. The unexpected contact rendered me silent. He held my hand firmly, without the same hesitation he had a few days ago. 

Carson nodded at Jade, who raced towards the door and practically busted it down to get it open. I could hear Ms. Price yelling at her, but my eyes were stuck on Carson's confident smile. It was hardly the time to be grinning. He looked oddly excited for someone in unforeseen danger.