The City in the Mountains by Valerie Noble

Author:Valerie Noble [Noble, Valerie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Clean Reads
Published: 2015-06-01T00:00:00+00:00

"How could they be so stupid!" I ranted in Ajax's head. "Can't they see they are both miserable without each other?" It seemed ridiculous that they couldn't get over whatever had separated them and find their way back together. Instead of matching my indignation, I felt Ajax's laughter inside of me, rumbling up my insides like a cascade of bubbles.

"How could they be so stupid?" He repeated sending me images of the two of us back at the University, quickly reminding me how stupid the two of us had been. Flutter, flutter, flutter went the butterflies in my stomach as I got to see a bit of our history from Ajax's point-of-view. Instead of dwelling on it, as I wanted to, I managed to mask my pleasure, keeping my attention focused on the present. It took every effort not to look at Ajax, or touch him too much. Truthfully, those were the only things I wanted to do — look at Ajax, touch Ajax. But I was more than just a foolish girl in love. I was a Crusader; I was an Athlete, a sister, a friend, and a daughter. I couldn't dissolve into a fantasy life with Ajax while those around me needed to accomplish their goals and get home.

Ajax kept a proper distance from me as well. He took his training very seriously and easily slipped back into his role as my mentor. Every once in awhile, however, he'd nudge me with his mind, reminding me I was never far from his thoughts.

"Kaia," he'd say.

And I would answer, "Ajax."

"I'm going to meet with them," I admitted. No matter how many times I told myself that I was a Reformation Athlete and owed nothing to the Resistance, a part of me believed I did owe something to Abra. I would hear her and give her the benefit of my attention for as long as it took to state her cause. The declaration was met with silence as even the Crusaders not sitting with us stilled inside of the tent. "I'm going to cross the barrier and listen to what they have to say," I added.

I looked toward my brother. He didn't smile at me, but I saw the softening around his eyes and knew he supported my decision. His approval wouldn't exactly cement anyone else's, but it was important to me and I wanted it.

"Why?" Caden wanted to know. I could see the tight set of his mouth, but he was logical and would listen to my reasons.

"Because," I answered. "Because what are we doing anyway? What are these Crusades about? We're supposed to serve our planet, fight the Resistance, produce energy. But to what end? Even if we complete our tasks here and go home, then what? I want to know what I'm fighting for and why. More importantly, I want to know who I'm fighting for and why."

"Me too," Atticus added. I nodded at him.

"What does it mean to be Unviable, and why would the Descenders lie about it?" I continued.

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