Shadowed in Secrets

Chapter 8

--------Sasha's POV---------

I ran across the smooth marble of the kitchen floor, skidding to a stop near the bowls of ingredients I had removed from the cabinets earlier. I had memorized the recipe through hours of creating these treats with my mother. I remember when this kitchen was full of her bustling energy and warm presence, as she glided across the floor mixing ingredients on one side and cooking on another. I tied the old green apron she once wore around me, a rare sight in our house full of the newest and most glamorous furniture. It had all changed the day my father and I received the message that she was missing in action during a Neverseen raid.

"Sasha, which ingredients come first?", Cahya asked me, dipping spoons into each container and giving them a light sniff. I sighed, and it seemed to carry through the air like a wisp of the wind. She never was receptive to my mood. But then I remembered that I had brought her here for a reason. "Here, follow me."

We fell into a rhythm, my soft directions and her eager attempts to distract herself from her pain clear. It was almost enough to make me regret my next words.

"So... Cahya." She turned to look at me, and I continue, "I researched psionpathy and I discovered that it's the name of a disability."

"It was one of the red alert ones we learned about in school- it's supposed to be reported directly to the Neverseen leaders if any of the symptoms are displayed," the words spilled out of my mouth, my voice shaky with the truth of this dangerous lie.

Cahya's face paled as realization dawned upon her. "Lord Ruy is a leader and he has a disability... but he discussed it on his imparter like it was common knowledge for the rest of the leaders... so why hasn't he been restrained? And if all the leaders know about this..." She struggled, at a loss for words. Her words became infused with anger, her eyes sparking with rage, "Innocent families were torn apart. We were lead to believe that our disabilities made us dangerous." A storm raged behind each word, sharpening them into daggers of ice. "But now... I believe they give us power." I'm stunned into silence by her barely controlled fury, and the words pouring out from her seem more dangerous than the long swords she fought with.

"Power that the Neverseen leaders use for themselves, to ensure they remain in control!" Cahya says, "The Neverseen leaders have been controlling us for a long time- eliminating all those who pose a threat to their rule through their lies and secrets."

A lump formed in my throat and I felt my stomach churn. I had faith in the Neverseen, they would do anything to keep the community safe ... right? After all my mother was one of the most loyal members of the organization and I trusted her completely. Surely Cahya must have been wrong.

"Cahya, you're jumping to conclusions. I understand what they did to your family. I know you have reason to hate them. But, what if you're misreading this? Lord Ruy could be the only traitor.. " I choked out, "My dad works for the Neverseen and my mom used to. They've always wanted the best for our community, and have given me no reason to doubt their pure intentions."

"Sasha! You're just as blinded by their tricks and schemes as every other citizen of this community- including your parents. The leaders, the people your parents both worked for, definitely did know about this scheme! I don't even know if I can trust you anymore," Cahya replied fiercely, her loud yelling sure to attract unwanted attention. This time the harsh words cut deep.

"Cahya, I don't know what's going on. Recently, you don't tell me anything, I can see that you lie to me, and now you accuse the rulers of our community. Maybe you just need to calm down!"

"Don't patronize me! I don't need to calm down! We need to find ways to stop the Neverseen! And if you won't do it, I will!" She stormed away, leaving the dirty baking equipment abandoned in the kitchen.

"Another mess to clean up," I mumbled to myself with a sigh.