First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“You want us to go and grab any more kids whose powers emerge explosively before the government can?” Lydia asked the next morning. She stared thoughtfully at her toast while waiting for her father to reply.

“Yes,” he said. “All of the adults will be in talks about how to respond but we can’t wait for them to agree on a plan. We have to minimise the damage and keep the young ones away from the government.”

“I see.” Lydia studied her toast some more. “You know we aren’t going to be able to hide this, right?” Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“We’ll be in meetings with the other families for most of the day for the next several days, at least,” Matthias said. “So it’ll have to be at night.”

“And when will you sleep?” Ystelyan asked mildly.

“I can do without sleep for a few days,” Matthias said. “Especially since night here is invigorating.” Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“How do you want to handle this?” Lucas asked as they made their way back towards the school.

“Hmm…” Matthias said. “It’s a quandary, isn’t it? We need to find out what’s going on – but once we do, how long will we be able to stop our enemies from finding out we know?” Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

Double check the wards, Matt, Lyrrekka said. We really don’t want to get into a fight here. She scowled back towards where Xantaria was still speaking to Kayleigh. They were just far enough away that while they could hear her voice, they couldn’t make out what she was saying. I wish we could hear what they’re saying without alerting them.

You don’t think we could take them? he asked. There’s more of us than them and we’re strong. Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“She’s just outside the school walls,” Darya said. “She’s not alone. I think she’s meeting with someone. They’re hiding themselves and her very well. Even scrying with the pendant it’s hard to pin her down, but she’s close enough that if we head in that general direction we’ll find them.” He paused and frowned. “There’s something odd about them, though.”

“I guess we’d better go and find out,” Matthias said. “Daniel and I will hide us; let’s not do anything precipitous until we know the situation.”

“Good plan,” Darya said. “They feel dangerous. We should take back up as well.” Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“I don’t understand,” Adrian said. “How could she be doing that? Is it actually possible to create a bond with a fake personality?” He gave a puzzled frown. “But I can’t feel her right now. The bond still seems to be there but when I try to follow it, there’s nothing – like it ends nowhere.” He shook his head. “I don’t understand.”

“Well you did say it was a bit weak,” Sonia said. “Perhaps that’s why?” She cast a questioning glance at Lucas.

“Hmm… possibly,” he said. “I’ve never heard of a fake bond but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. I’d need to examine it to be sure. Would you let me look?”

“Of course,” Adrian said. “I want to get to the bottom of this mystery.” Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“I always keep an eye on what Xantaria is doing,” Darlyryan said. “Because she’s a danger to everyone and regardless of what people will tell you, I do care about that.” He cocked his head and gave a sad smile. “Well, I care when I’m not in descent and that’s only happened a handful of times.”

“If you always keep an eye on her, do you know what she’s up to with Mitakrian?” Sonia asked. Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“She’ll be all right, Claire,” Matthias said when they returned. “We’ll get Sal to have a look at her when we get back to the school but I’m sure she’ll be fine.” He turned to Valeria who was holding Salia, who had also passed out. “Salia too, Val.”

Claire hugged her unconscious daughter closer but nodded and gave him a wan smile. “I know. I scanned her and she’s just sleeping. But how did you know we were– Oh!” She turned and stared at Valeria and Salia. “Amy’s a warrior?”

“She is,” he said. Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

A little girl was lying on the ground as Karen and Alban approached. Her mother was kneeling beside her while the rest of her family attempted to attack the Lost Ones. One of the shadowy creatures was hovering above them, a thin tendril attached to the child. Other Lost Ones were circling but every time they came close, the first one lashed out at them. Protecting its prize, no doubt.

Karen hissed to herself, then relaxed all her restraints and allowed herself to glow brilliantly as she rushed towards them. The Lost Ones closest to her screamed and vanished while the ones slightly farther away scrambled away into the nearby shadows. She looked back towards Claire and her daughter and saw that the one attached to the child had neither fled nor vanished and was glaring at her. Read the rest of this entry »

First| Previous | Chapter Index |Next

“Are you hiding us?” Sonia asked as they appeared on the shore of a small reservoir. “There’s that curfew to consider.”

“Of course,” Matthias said. “Though this area seems rather quiet.” He stared at the small sailing dingies moored nearby before looking at Laxmi. “This is where you nearly drowned?” Read the rest of this entry »