Page 17 of Siriarna
Will they leave for the mission without me?
The rising panic begins to engulf me. My hands reach for the vial around my neck, and I drink, “let me see what will be,” I chant. I have every intention of speaking Roman’s name, but Braxton’s is the one that passes my lips.
His profile appears right away, “Siriarna, where are you? Are you alright?” he asks with an edge to voice.
“Actually, Braxton, I’m a bit lost.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll find you. Stay exactly where you are and keep talking—”
Within seconds, Braxton is at my side. A lucky break because the communication mirror in my hand faded mid-sentence.
“How did you find me so fast?”
“Easy, I turned back Time, and followed you from the Marketplace.”
“Why can’t I remember any of it?”
“Time is tricky. Only the manipulator and Realm Master have the ability to retain the memory. It allows us to pass through timespans succinctly.”
How fascinating. I am starting to understand why only the elite students are accepted into this Propensity.
“Come on,” he nudges me in the ribs. “Let’s get back before anyone notices our absence.”
“Thank you, Braxton…for finding me.”
He dramatizes a bow and replies, “It is a pleasure, my lady.”
I like the way that sounds.‘My lady,’I wordlessly repeat, smiling.
******
Braxton
The look on Siriarna’s face is the same one that appears on my guide mother’s face after my guide father has been drinking stolen nectar from the gods. I know she’s putting on brave face, but her eyes tell a different story.
I won’t push her into sharing her dilemma. Instead, I will make sure I am the safe space she needs, ready to listen when her time is right.
For now, I’m thrilled she used her communication vial to summon me. I will always make myself available for her.
******
Siriarna
Darkness has now enveloped the realm. By some complete miracle, Braxton and I make it back to the apartments in time for the mission. With no time to second guess myself, I throw on my black mission uniform before joining the other semi gods in the foyer. Catching Braxton’s eye amongst the group already gathered, I smile my relief and he nods in response.We made it.
Now assembled, we head out to the whirlpool at the base of Niagara Falls. Predictably, Alexandraya is out in front, leading the group. To be fair, even though I don’t want to be, she has conjured a ball of light to illuminate our journey. For that matter, so has Roman, who is walking at her side.
The light makes for an easier passage, especially when we reach the power station. Mykos zaps the chained gates with electricity breaking the lock, and we are now able to enter the facility. Leister throws a cloud of darkness over the security cameras, and Mykos zaps the alarm system before I have thechance to use my Propensity power.
Once inside, Alexandraya takes control, “Follow me—at the end of this hallway is a maintenance shaft that will lead us directly to the tunnel below.”
Arriving at the shaft, Roman throws his ball of light into the depths of the cavernous space and Sage suspends it in time, creating our own magical lantern.
The gleam highlights steep, rusty ladders bolted precariously to the facility’s limestone wall. The sight causes me involuntary paralysis. Not so for Mykos, he hurtles down the first ladder which remains steady, despite its first appearance. The others follow behind leaving only Braxton and I to descend.
“Ladies first.”
“I can’t do it, Braxton.” I say frozen in place.