“Is it me,” one of the Agents asked, landing neatly on the back of his wyvern after executing a somersault move with a sword that beheaded three Anomalies at once, “or are the Anomalies getting more and more aggressive?”
“It’s my fault,” I said apologetically. “They really want to eat me.”
The tower was within sight—a tall pilar of stone with a black glass top that reflected the fiery
I hate pain. A lot of people do, really, and it’s not difficult to imagine why. It’s very unpleasant, for one thing; and it twists your face into these horrible expressions that are not flattering at all; but the main reason why I dislike it so much is because pain, among all other emotions, is the easiest to lose yourself in.For an empath like me, it’s also the easiest to manipulate.
“Put both palms on the indicated spaces, dear,” Grandpa Alamo instructed. The spell-circle changed form again for the third time, becoming wider and more complex. It also adjusted itself so that I could remain standing with my back straight and put my palms down in a more relaxed posture. I supposed Grandpa Alamo was trying to make me as comfortable as possible. I took a deep breath. “I’m ready.” I hope.“A
“Oh my god, what is he doing here?” I gasped in surprise, the pillow slipping out of my hands.“How rude,” Bea said, glancing up at the clock on the wall. “It’s nearly midnight. Why don’t I tell him to just visit in the morning—”“Don’t you dare!” I said, horrified at the thought.
I lay in bed, staring at the ceiling. Not that I could see anything, since the lights were off, and my windows are tinted. It was soundproofed, too, so even though it was two in the morning and in a city like Hong Kong no one ever sleeps (they used to only say that about New York, but all human cities are like that nowadays), I was spared the noises outside. In such a dark and quiet environment, I should be asleep.But how could I sleep after what happened with Jester?
“I thought you said she rejected the offer,” Agent Kaye said in a low voice, trying not to draw attention to himself and Agent Boris Bailer as they stood at the back of the room. “You said the Vice-Commander himself asked her and she declined—”“That’s what the Vice-Commander told me,” Agent Boris replied, equally uncomfortable. “I don’t think he’s the type to lie about these things.”“Yes, but then how do you explain this?”“I—I’m afraid I can’t,” Boris stammered, feeling completely helpless at the situation unfolding before their eyes. “But I know the Vice-Commander won’t be pleased.”They were in the reception room of the Fourth Special Unit Office, watching as the Unit Commander Josefa Zabala and a representative of the AG Legal Office sat with Alisa Vega and her legal representative. They were supposedly there as attenda
“What in the worlds are you talking about?” I asked, absolutely stupefied.Jester smirked, as if I were delivering the punchline of a joke that he’s heard before. “I don’t have the patience for these kind of games, Miss Vega. Just tell me the truth.”“I am telling you the truth,” I said, slowly enunciating the words. Maybe that would help. “I don’t understand you.”Disappointment and frustration showed on his face as Jester scowled. “I really didn’t want to do this.” He leaned closer, and I froze as I realized something. Just a slight movement from me and I could touch him. He was so close that I’m sure if he drops his head down just a little bit more—and I tilt my face up at just the right angle, our lips would—“When I said that you shouldn’t get involved with me, I meant it you know,” Jester said as he placed his hands on my shoulders
Jester had a feeling the Commander had just insulted him, but he let it go. Mostly because he was too guilty to feel offended at being called foolish, when overwhelming evidence that proved it true (in the form of an unconscious Alisa Vega) was right in front of him. Jester pulled out a chair and set it down beside the bed. He sat there contemplating the Commander’s words, and he realized the old lady was giving him hints.Really, Jester thought to himself. I’ve been an idiot lately.Resolving to end his streak of idiocy, Jester closed his eyes and called for an old friend he hadn’t summoned in a while.Holly, Jester thought coaxingly. I need your help.He felt the air stir beside him. He opened his eyes and his gaze fell on a creature stretching itself out on the carpet by his feet. It was roughly as big as his head, and had the appearance of a baby elephant—if baby elephants had lilac fur like
“I know I didn’t go about it the right way,” replied Jester. “But I have my reasons. A lot more than just conventional morality is at stake, Miss Vega.”Her glare remained in place. She was obviously not impressed. “That’s a scary statement, Jester. It’s like you’re saying that you’re willing to do anything, even break the law, just to accomplish whatever goal you have.”Jester sighed deeply, and leaned closer. “I am truly sorry that what I did hurt you. I didn’t intend to do that, and if I had known, I wouldn’t have done it. Seriously, I mean that.”“Like I said, I don’t want your lame apology.” Alisa repeated firmly. “If you want me to forgive you, then give me an explanation. The spell didn’t work on me, Jester. Which means I remember perfectly what you asked before you cast that spell on me.”Jester gave her a measured look. &l