Rosalyn and the Secret of the Bluebloods

Chapter Five

  We arrive at Clean Water Industries a few days later, tired, thirsty, and dreading the inevitable — Haleigh. She smiles as we approach, having just put the horses in their stables.
  "Success?" she asks expectantly, pinning up her pretty blonde hair.
  I have the sudden urge to lie to her, keep the reagent out of her claws. But, I also know that I shouldn't take everything Cass has told me for granted — if there's even a remote chance Haleigh's capable of purifying water with this small piece of bark, I have to take it.
"Success," I echo, handing her the Ravenwood reluctantly.
"Perfect," she croons, tucking it into a pocket of her light green blazer. "Cassian, go clean up and head to breakfast. I'd like to speak with Rosalyn for a moment."
Cass glances at me, a reminder to keep his secrets, and I give a small nod. Satisfied, he takes off towards the dorms. Haleigh clears her throat.
"So? What you have learned?" she questions, propping her hands on her hips.
"I need more time," I lie swiftly.
She sighs, seeming to buy my deceit for the moment. "Yes, I figured that might be the case. After all, that mission was merely a test of your investigative skills." The scientist smiles sweetly. "Your next one will be much more difficult and time-consuming," she says with a wave of her hand. "You'll be compensated greatly, of course." Hope flutters inside me at those words. Of course I miss Da, but I can't save him by staying at his side, just as Haleigh can't save the water by keeping Cassian and I here.
"Oh, I almost forgot," she remarks thoughtfully. "A recruit called Damien Keys will be your partner for these tasks. With what's been going on lately, I need to keep Cassian close."
I can't help the disappointment and worry that wash over me. Is she onto him? If I leave, will he vanish just like my sister?
"Don't worry, Rosalyn," she reassures me, reading my face like a book. "Damien will be a trustworthy companion on your journey. I have a feeling you two will be very . . .compatible."
It's nearly impossible not to roll my eyes.
Haleigh seems oblivious to my annoyance, however, stating, "A letter will be delivered to your dorm tonight detailing the logistics of the mission." She smiles prettily, as if that's enough to convince me. "I hope to see you on your horse in the morning."
And with that, she stalks away purposefully, leaving me to race to the boys' dorms. Leaving me flying across the grass, the wind whipping my pearl necklace behind me, until I finally reach the door labeled Cassian Volt in gold letters. Urgently, I knock, trying to catch my breath as I shoot a wary glance down the abandoned hall. Thankfully, the door swings open immediately, revealing my shirtless — and somewhat surprised — friend. Seeing my expression, his face creases with worry, and he ushers me inside.
Just like my dorm, his room consists of nothing but a scarlet bed, a wooden dresser, and a plush armchair. If this was any other day, I would've been slightly uncomfortable alone with Cass in his room, but the only things I can think of right now are Haleigh's words.
"I'm leaving tomorrow," I blurt, watching him carefully for a reaction. "Damien and I are going on a mission together . . .and I don't know when we'll be back."
Seconds tick by, and when he doesn't say anything, I suddenly feel stupid for running all the way here just to embarrass myself. After all, we're not exactly close. He doesn't need to know when and why I'm leaving, and especially not with who. Finally, he shrugs, seeming to get used to the idea.
"Okay," he says evenly. "Is that it?"
I try to focus on his irises and not his sun-kissed skin or silky blond hair.
"Haleigh wants to keep you close," I add quickly, turning away.
"So, you want me to be careful?" Cass drawls teasingly, taking a step forward so I can feel his breath against my ear.
"I just don't want you to disappear," I whisper, turning to face him.
He stares at me for a moment, tucking a rogue strand of hair behind my ear. With my breath caught in my throat, I let his hand hover hesitantly over my skin.
"And what about what I want, darling?" he asks quietly, pinning me with his gaze. "Do you think I want you to disappear . . .with him?"
I shake my head slowly, heart beating rapidly — and, reluctantly, Cass' hand falls from my face.
"Remember what I said," he reminds me. "Don't. Trust. Anyone."
  I nod, knowing that anyone is undoubtedly code for a certain someone. Despite everything, a smile tugs at my lips, and Cass mirrors me.
  "You should go before anyone gets suspicious," he admits, poking his head out the door.
  Nodding an all-clear, he ushers me out past the door that reads Damien Keys, and I smile reassuringly at Cass before rushing to my dorm.
~
Letter in hand, I quietly wait for my mission partner the following morning. As I scan the hills for him, my upper half is painted intricately in warm golden rays. Closing my eyes for a moment, I allow myself to bathe in the sunlight, and wonder if Da is watching the sunrise too. Da, Cate, and I would find solace in it sometimes, thinking about Mom somewhere up there, too.
Before I can reminisce more, a strong pair of hands blocks out the light, covering my eyes from behind. I yelp, spinning around, and violently slap the agressor away.
"Whoa, it's just me," Damien says, shielding his eyes with his hand.
I glare daggers at him, and he ducks sheepishly back into the shadows. "And may I just say, you look radiant today."
He smiles, rolling his shoulders playfully as I shake my head.
"I bet you say that to all the girls," I return, stepping closer.
"And all the boys, too."
Seeing my expression, he roars with laughter, and I can't help but join in.
"So? What are we doing today?" he asks, stroking my horse gently. "Candlelit dinner? Movie night? Ooo, how about the old Ferris Wheel downtown?"
"None of the above," I say wistfully, pulling out the letter I received last night.
"Dear Rosalyn and Damien," I begin to read. "Enclosed is a map that will lead you to your first task -- obtaining obsidian from a woman called Esperanza. She will not give it to you freely, so your job is to persuade her by any means possible."
I stare at the letter for another moment before raising my eyes to Damien. "That's all it says. For the first task, anyway."
A series of emotions flicker across his face, but they're gone just as quickly as they appeared. He rubs his chin thoughtfully.
  "We'll have to figure it out when we get there," he remarks.
"Yeah, your horse looks ready to go," I say sarcastically, waving a hand at the empty air behind him.
"About that," he starts awkwardly. "I'm not exactly . . .good with horses."
"How so?"
"I got kicked by a horse as a child, and I've never liked them since," he admits sheepishly.
I cock an eyebrow, pulling myself onto my mount easily. "My father was an avid rider. He used to say, 'if a horse doesn't trust a man, you shouldn't either.' "
"And do you?" Damien asks, holding out his hand in a silent plea. "Trust me?"
I glance at his outstretched hand, pretending to mull it over. Finally, I hoist him up behind me. He sighs in mock relief, gently wrapping his arms around my waist. I inhale sharply in surprise as his fingers settle over my belly button.
"I'll read the map," he whispers into my ear, causing my back to arch with pleasure. "You drive."
Uncurling my toes, I can only nod as he rests his head on my shoulder, bouncing it gently as we trot towards the forest. As we near the threshold, something within me makes me glance back -- and Cassian and I lock eyes across the field. The tall grasses swaying in the wind, we exchange a silent goodbye before I turn and head into the wood.