The memory of Ryder’s young, grieving face shamefully confessing his guilt for something that was not his responsibility seared my heart. This was the root. Ryder, the child, was counting on me to protect him, and as I thought of his smooth-cheeked visage bowing his head in shame, my own anger bloomed over the injustice.
Though I tried to find a calm place in my mind, the punk in me was glaring daggers at Ryder’s father, wanting to bitch-slap him for turning his grief on a defenseless child. As it turned out, I didn’t have time.
The office door opened suddenly. A young man in black uniform entered swiftly, carrying a hand-size black felt bag, like a coin bag on a rope, something that could be worn around the neck.
“What is it?” Talon demanded, his voice cracking with the effort to regain control.
“Sorry to interrupt, Senior Representative, but there was a problem with the Brausiian prisoner.”
Frowning, Talon asked, “What occurred?”
“We missed this object when we caged the prisoner. We tried to retrieve it this morning while he was investigating it, and he flew into a rage. Several officers were injured and have been transferred to the medic ward.”
“Will they recover?” Talon asked.
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, what is it? Slide the contents out on my desk.” They walked to Talon’s desk, and I trailed Ryder to bring up the rear.
Here was that frightening sense of inevitability again. I almost didn’t want to know what was about to happen. I was afraid, but I walked toward the desk with everyone else anyway. There was a tug of energy from the pictures framed across part of the desk. In one picture, the profile of an older woman holding an infant caught my attention. Somehow I recognized her and was drawn to her, which was impossible because this was Ryder’s family, and I obviously didn’t know anyone but Asily.
And yet it was like she was reaching out to me, soothing me, telling me it was going to be okay.
Why did I need soothing? The feeling of dread doubled, and I suddenly wished I could be anywhere but right here. Hadn’t I been through enough? Couldn’t I just go home and pretend none of this had happened? I’d already accessed the damn Gods’ plane! I wanted to be done.
The officer tipped the bag sideways. As though in slow motion, out tumbled an achingly familiar heart charm that made me draw in breath. No, no, no more! I couldn’t handle all this volatile emotion. No. I didn’t want to know anymore. I’d had enough! Please!
My chest tightened. My breathing grew heavy. My vision grew tunneled. Blood rushed loudly as I tried to deny what I could see with my own eyes. It couldn’t be.
“Is that all?” Talon asked skeptically, dismissively.
“What is that?” Miara asked, picking up the charm. “It’s familiar to me. It must have significance. I’m sure it does.”
“He’s an animal. What significance can anything have?” Talon said with disdain.
“Taylor, are you okay?” Ryder was grasping my arms. “You’re like ice.”
Tell them, Taylor.
“Dreya?” I whispered shakily, hearing her voice in my head and suddenly knowing just who it was. Like a baseball bat to the head, dream memories slammed into my mind. For a few precious moments, it was like I couldn’t breathe, trying to gulp at the air like a fish out of water. The picture called to me, and my eyes were soothed as I saw Dreya’s profile on the edge of the desk. “Dreya, is that you?”