Chapter 110
So. It wasnt a dream. After reading the text, I still wasnt sure what to make of her. From my brief initial impression, Nychta wasnt the worst passive spectator to have. But the nature of her attention was problematic. I had no doubt she would have happily sold me out if Id disappointed her, and that wasnt likely to change just because shed given me a boon. To her, I was a novelty. And novelty is only useful while it lasts.
I added it to my burgeoning list of problems to solve at a later date.
A wave of fog had begun to roll in with the humid evening air. I clung tightly to the motorcycle. My apartment loomed in the background, like some morose reminder of what Id lose if none of this was enough.
Incoming lux! The voice came from an improvised lookout that was little more than a board on stilts. There was a roar of murmuring voicestoo many, the sound more fitting to a stadium than my generally quiet block.
Through the fog, I saw the number of people crowding around the receptacle had grown exponentially. There were at least a thousand of them crowded around, their faces grim, too cautious to hope. Still, they parted quickly. A few hands pushed me forward. Grayscale had resumed his post, and fell in step next to me, escorting me towards the glass cylinder glowing gold.
You look dead on your feet, Astrid emerged from the crowd
Im fine, I said quietly.
When she grabbed my arm, I tried to yank it away, my mind all reaction and fear, and found I didnt have the strength.
Just, let me, Astrid said.
I relented. Astrid slid my arm over her shoulder and let me use her for support. When the receptacle came into view, an irrational anger came over me. It hasnt gone up at all?
Grayscale shook his head. We got a few more. But it barely moved. And after each drop, we had a wave of monsters. Its like they dont want us to finish.
Maybe they dont.
In theory, I was safe in the middle of the crowd. If anyone laid a hand on the bag of lux, we were in dire enough straits that the observers wouldnt hesitate. Anyone trying to interfere now would be swarmed in seconds.
So, why didnt I feel safe?
I spotted my mother in the crowd, holding Iris in a half hug. Ellison was standing a few feet away from them, looking aloof.
Anyone particularly short make a drop? I asked.
Like temperamentally? Grayscale asked.
Height.
Havent seen anyone particularly short. Been here ever since the strike team got back.
Its slim pickings out there. Astrid added darkly. Rodericks helped with fending off the attacks, but otherwise, the lodge has been useless.
Little harsh, seeing as most of them are either injured or recovering from being drugged out of their mind. Grayscale shot a look at her.
Their words barely registered as anger washed through me. Id never imagined hurting my brother before, but now, it took everything I had not to drop the bag of lux and slap the smug expression off his face. The thought was irrational. All the evidence pointed to the User at the church being someone else, and that my brother had just been an overwhelmed kid, coping with the end of the world. Id overlooked a lot of bullshit from Ellison. He was a kid in a bad situation, and acting out was par for the course. But if he had been that User, and chose to do something else with the haul of lux he pulled out of the church, putting our family in danger?
I wasnt sure that was something I could forgive.
Astria okay? I asked quietly.
Astrid looked at me in surprise. Uh, yeah. Shes doing a lot better.
Good.
A message came in, directed to Matt rather than Myrddin. I noticed Id missed several, all repeating the same content.
Delegate my foot in your ass.
Lets just take it down a notch. Or several, for that matter. Miles said. He put his back to the crowd and lowered his voice, so only I could hear. Weve all been under a shitton of pressure. Considering the day youve had, its understandable if you lost it. I can advocate for you. Just talk to me.
No. I put a hand on Miles chest and gently pushed him away. When he tried to step forward, Grayscale got in his face, mirroring the moment wed met.
Back off, the big man warned.
Or youll, what, machismo me to death?
Kinsley made her way around the clusterfuck and stood in front of me. Myrddin. Youve been nothing but a help to me. I dont like this. I dont wanna do this. Her lip actually trembled, and tears welled up in her eyes. So just help me clear it up. The Adventurers Guild said whoever killed their members stole twelve lux. If it was you, there should only be ten left in that bag. If theres more or less, you're cleared.
Miles had zero reaction to the lie, immediately understanding the trap she was setting. Alternately, Roderick shot Kinsley a confused glance so over the top it was almost comical.
Sorry to disappoint you, Kinsley, I seethed, But theres eight.
Oh no. Kinsley stepped away from me and sobbed. Her eyes remained dry. That was a test you idiot, there were ten.
Roderick raised his focus, his hand beginning to glow. Pruning members can be difficult, if youre unaccustomed to the experience. Allow me.
There was a blur of movement. Miles had his hand on Rodericks wrist, diverting his aim. There was something dark in his expression, utterly different from his aloof facade.
You dare
Miles tone was menacing. He saved more people than he killed today. By a significant margin.
Tell that to the Users whose cores he throws around like trophies. Roderick attempted to break Miles grip, and when he couldnt, lowered his arm.
Why? Kinsley asked me. They were late, but the tears shed been struggling to summon now flowed easily down her cheeks. We were helping people. That was the point.
Whatever he did, it doesnt matter now. Miles said, You want him gone, fine. But let him go.
Kinsley wiped her eyes and appeared to gather herself. Leave the bag. Ill get another member and return whats left to the adventurers guild.
Thats it then? After everything thats happened, were done? I asked.
Were done, Kinsley confirmed.
Without another word, I turned and ran.
/////
Minutes later, I cut through the building wed selected previously, pausing for a scant few minutes to change into my hoodie and jeans. I wound my way through Kinsleys sanctuary, and entered the garage. It was expansive, with enough space for a dozen of the largest vehicles you could imagine. The sliding door whirred, and Kinsleys Bugatti pulled in. It looked even more ridiculous now that I had proper lightingeven with the booster seat, her head barely poked out above the dashboard.
I opened the door and let myself in.
I really, really hope that was worth it. Kinsley said. Her eyes were still red, and she swiped at them.
It was the best I could come up with, I said.
You sure about this? Even if it was probationary members, they literally tried to kill you. Kinsley shook her head. Id be livid, personally.
I leaned forward in my seat. The earlier interrupted rest had reduced my fatigue, but it lingered around the fringes. Better to avoid getting too comfortable. Im certain.
Kinsley tossed me a fresh blue gym bag, probably from her store. Returning what you took in a bag soaked with their members' blood is kind of a bad idea. Switch it over while I drive.
Got it. I held on to the handle grimly as Kinsley peeled out of the garage. There was a real possibility our efforts here were in vain. That the unfortified receptacles could now only be filled with human cores.
Still, we had to try.
