Infirmitate

SIX | Daniel

Daniel's POV

Everything was quiet, but tense, as we waited for the first sign of the Powered People Protection Force.

It wasn't but a week before the first body was discovered in the large fountain in the middle of the village. The water was turned red with blood as the body was draped around the tall centerpiece.

It was one of the newer clan members, Andrew Mitchell. He had, reportedly, been out past curfew.  The clan got the message loud and clear. Curfew is now even earlier in the evening and more guards have been posted around the property.

People are told that they should only go outside of their homes when it is necessary and for children to no longer play outdoors without at least three well-known adults supervising. 

Three days have passed since the first death. Time seems to stand still and the clan has gone silent. Alexa busies herself in her work as a leader and consults with Jacob and Noa endlessly.

"There you are." Jacob walks up to me after spotting me between two rows of bookcases. I watch silently as he sits down on one of the many pillows surrounding me and mimics me by leaning his back against the cool wall.

"I like this." He glances around at the old books and reaches out to feel the fabrics of the pillows. "What are you doing here?" He picks up a book from in front of me and examines it closely.

I shrug my shoulders. "I needed to get away." Jacob sets the book down to turn his full attention to me. "Why?" The concern in his eyes don't go unnoticed as I frown.

"This house may be big and all, but it can really suffocate a person." Jacob chuckles and shakes his head. "It can't be that bad." He grins and bumps his shoulder against mine.

I shake my head. "It is. I'm not used to being around so many people." I sigh impatiently. "And when I do want to hang out with people, they're usually busy or don't even pretend to like me."

Jacob frowns and looks over at me. "Who are you talking about?" I press my lips together tightly with a pause before speaking. "Stephen and Thomas. Thomas is aright most of the time, but Stephen..." I trail off at the memory of earlier this morning.

"For the last time, stay away from her." Stephen tightens his fist around the collar of my shirt as he presses me against the wall of the sitting room.

"I didn't do anything, budala!" I grab Stephen's wrist and twist his arm away from me. He growls in pain and jerks free.

"I'm sick and tired of you flirting away with her. Find your own girl to toy with, but not mine."

I clench my fists tightly to restrain myself. "Alexa belongs to no one. I was not flirting with her. You two are the only ones closest to my age. I was merely making conversation."

"If I catch you with her again, I won't hesitate to put you in your place." He gives me one final glare before walking away, leaving me confused and taken aback.

"Daniel?" I flinch as Jacob rests his hand on my shoulder. "Are you feeling alright?" He leans out so he can better see my face. I take a deep breath to compose myself and nod my head.

"It can get quite boring here, being on lockdown and all." I look over to Jacob. "Why are you here?" He smiles softly. "It came to my attention that we haven't really been able to talk much lately."

"Alexa read my feelings, didn't she?" Jacob laughs briefly. "If the feeling is strong enough, she doesn't have to. She said it's like a cry for help, she can feel it." I grunt as my cheeks begin to blush.