I wandered up beside him and sat on the concrete step. “How’s Lana doing?”
Jace sat back down. “She’s okay. Wigging a little, but she’s more excited about going to the Academy than anything.”
“I should have gone to see her.” I bowed my head, guilt flooding my stomach.
“Dez, she gets you had a tough shift. So do I.” He turned and faced me. “I was just worried about you. Wanted to make sure you were really okay before I went out of commission.”
I smiled at him. “Right. You know you’re just dying to see my power.” I was relieved that I’d mastered Charge. I opened my hand, and a small dome of currents sparked.
Jace stared at my hand. “That’s cool, Dez. But honestly, I was concerned.” He folded my hand, dousing the Charge. “I know I’m a bit tough on the training, and it comes across like that’s all I’m about.” He continued holding my hand. “But that’s only because of what we’re about to face.”
I glanced at the tea lights flickering in the tree. I had to find a way to alleviate this fear in him. I’d spent my whole life caught between two races, afraid to be myself. Now that I finally had the chance to be a part of both, I wanted Jace to accept the Narcolym. I wanted the Shythe to move past the feud and the hostility. I wanted Jace to be happy.
“Jace,” I said hesitantly. “We were all worried about them coming here, but they don’t seem to want to hurt anyone. Do you think it’s wise to keep training at the Academy? I mean, if we get caught—”
Jace stood abruptly. “Of course they’re not going to hurt anyone.” He mock laughed. “They’re waiting till we’re primed, till we let them completely in and trust them.” He huffed and turned toward me. “Don’t let them do this, Dez. Don’t allow them to fill your mind with bull. They’re here because they want something. That Peace Act shit is just a cover.”
I dropped my eyes, staring down at my feet. He’d never accept the two races together. Or at least, not anytime soon. I sighed. “Okay. But really, would your dad be in on it? Think about it. Why would the Council let them into Haven if there was a threat?”
Jace stared up at the sky. “I don’t know,” he said desperately and looked into my eyes—his burned blue. “Maybe the Narcos have something on them. Or maybe they’re simply too blind to see.”
“You’re reaching, Jace. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I know that we can’t take any chances. I’ll keep training because I like sparring, but I’m not going to continue if I feel that me, Lana, or Nick are in any way going to get caught.”
He smiled ruefully. “I won’t let anything happen to you guys.” His face lit up with that same squinty-eyed smile that made my heart melt. “I’ll scope out the Academy. Now that the Narcos have taken over Cogs, I guess it’s not safe to keep training there.” His face fell.
“Yeah, I agree. But take it easy on us our first week. I know Lana’s dying to finally get out on her own. Let her enjoy it. Okay?”
“I will.” He then knelt down in front of me so suddenly my breath caught. “But when we all get settled, you do owe me a sparring match. I have to redeem myself.” His eyes traced my face, and heat prickled my cheeks.
“Count on it,” I said, my voice raspy. He stayed there a moment longer, staring at me. I was relieved I’d remembered to put my eye lenses back in. I wasn’t sure how long I could hold the blue, especially with my emotions running high.
Jace finally pulled away. “I need to get back. Big day tomorrow.”
“Right,” I said, shaking my head. “Your birthday.” I smiled up at him. “Happy birthday, Jace. And tell Lane and Nick I said so, too. Let her know I’ll make it up to her next week.”
“I will.” He turned to go, but shot back around quickly. “The bracelet looks good on you, Dez.” He smiled and walked to the other side of my walkway where he’d parked his levibike.
I twisted the bracelet around my wrist, its bright blue gem twinkling up at me. Jace would eventually get over his suspicions of the Narcos when nothing ever came of it. I had faith that he’d come around. Until then, I just had to play along. Even though the guilt ate at me, I had to keep Reese a secret until I felt Jace could handle the truth.
For the rest of the week, I practiced with Reese at the falls. After I’d shown my mom the Charge I could summon at will, she’d told me to practice as much as I wanted. Reese and I began early in the morning and carried into the night.
He packed lunches, and I brought blankets for when we took breaks. I’d mastered Charge—though never attempting my full power level—and was able to hold onto the blue in my eyes, even as he tested me. At times his testing was a bit much. He’d say slanderous things about the Shythe race, trying to provoke a negative reaction from me. It worked. But instead of my eyes resorting back to violet, or glowing that strange white fury, they maintained their blue hue.
Other times the testing was too much in other ways. Reese would send ripples of currents over my skin, pressing himself close to me, my body reacting to the pleasurable feeling. The stimulation was intensely seductive. But my eyes always remained blue. Then I’d tackle him when I couldn’t tolerate the teasing any longer.
By Saturday, I was able to control Flame. Reese was astounded by how much I’d accomplished in under a week’s time.
“You’re like some kind of mixed-race prodigy,” he said, shaking his head. “Seriously, you’ve mastered both Charge and Flame in just days.”
“That’s because I have an excellent teacher.” I beamed at him, but then squinted. “How can I be a prodigy when you only have yourself to compare me to? And that’s not really fair. You didn’t have anyone to help you. I never could’ve figured this out on my own.”
Reese rummaged through his bag, his features hidden, but I could still see the glow fading from his eyes. I’d come to realize that happened when he was worried or upset.
I squatted next to him. “What’s wrong? Did I say something?”
He met my eyes, and a small smile spread across his lips. “No. It’s just…” He dumped out the bag and continued to search for whatever he was trying to locate. “You’re right. If I’d had someone who cared, I might’ve learned quicker, too.” He pulled something from the bottom of his bag. “Now, no more practice. I think we’ve devoted enough to that this week.” His eyebrows shot up. “Time for fun.”
He tossed me a blue swimsuit. “Are you serious? That water’s probably freezing.” I scowled at the tiny two-piece. “And wh