Page 76 of Stealing Embers
“It doesn’t matter. They get the position whether they want it or not, whether they’ve earned it or not.”
Well, that seems like a disaster waiting to happen.
“What’s so special about this group? I’m assuming they aren’t just figureheads.”
“The Elders can control your life if they feel like it.” Steel finally speaks up. “It’s in every Neph’s best interest to fly under the radar as long as possible. At least if they value their freedom. Too bad for you, I guess.”
“Insensitive much? Gosh, do you even know how to fake compassion?”
Steel leans toward me, bringing his face parallel to my own. Sucking in a whiff of Steel-laced air, my mind goes a little fuzzy.
Mmmm, yummy. I give my head a minute but sharp shake.No, gross, Emberly. Man sweat and Irish Spring are not delicious.
“Compassion won’t do you any favors in this world, Em.” He’s close enough that his warm breath kisses the side of my face. So distracting. “What I offer is far more useful.”
Settling back, he notches his chin at Sable, indicating she can continue.
My brain snaps to attention.
What he offers. What’s that exactly? Sarcasm and a healthy dose of humiliation?
I can’t believe some part of me claimed him as “mine.” Even if it was a buried part of my subconscious that did it, it was still wrong. If Steel had his way, I’d be rocking myself in a corner somewhere, afraid of my own shadow.
“That’s a bit dramatic, Steel, don’t you think?” Sable laughs lightly, probably trying to cut the tension in the room.
It doesn’t work.
Steel just lifts a shoulder as if to say, “believe what you want, but I know I’m right.” Sable’s laughter peters out and she clears her throat.
“The Elders make sure our rules are being enforced, and on very rare occasions they add a rule or amend one. The current governing system was set up millennia ago, back when the first angel-born revolted against the Fallen. The only way our race was able to escape slavery was by banding together. Each line has an equal say and an equal vote. But yes, they also assign some of our kind to certain tasks.”
I suck my bottom lip into my mouth and release it with a pop. “Why was everyone so against you contacting them?”
“Because the Council’s word is final.”
“They’ll own you,” Steel adds.
“But none of your young friends have ever had direct contact with them,” Sable continues, ignoring Steel completely. “I think it’s very likely the Council would agree that keeping you in our academy and continuing to let you learn and train would be for the best.” She inhales a deep breath and holds it for a beat, then releases it in a heavy rush. “Yes, I’m sure that’s the conclusion they’ll reach.”
“Right. And I’m the Easter Bunny,” Steel mocks.
“Steel, that’s enough.” She sets hard eyes on him and miracles do exist, because Steel closes his mouth. “It’s late. Nothing has to be decided today. I’m going to call Deacon and discuss this matter with him. You’re both excused.”
“But I want to decide what happens to me. Not you. Not some group of super old dudes I’ve never met. This is my life.”
Reaching forward, Sable places her hand over mine. I yank it back. I won’t let my emotions manipulate my good sense.
“Nothing will be done tonight, I promise. You’ve had an extremely trying day, and you need rest. None of us are invincible.”
I eye her skeptically. “You won’t call the Council?”
She shakes her head. “No. I’m just going to fill Deacon in on the new development. I’ll circle back with you tomorrow.”
Nodding, I rise from the chair. I’m beat.
“Okay, then. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I head for the exit, ignoring Steel at my back.