The Fractured Empire by Robin D. Mahle

Author:Robin D. Mahle [Mahle, Robin D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-10-18T23:00:00+00:00

Something was wrong. I tried to figure out what had pulled me out of my comatose-like sleep. A noise? It was quiet now. I rolled onto my right side to see Gunther and Xavier still sleeping.

Not them. There was a sudden movement and a noise behind me. I flipped over to find Clark thrashing and grunting. Is he having a nightmare?

It didn't seem to fit the self-assured man I had spent the last day with. He stilled, and I waited. Then there was another violent movement, and he cried out.

I hesitantly placed my hand on his arm, gently shaking him. It was hard to make out in the dark, but I thought his eyes popped open. Lightning fast, there was a painful iron grip on my arm. I stayed perfectly still, not wanting to startle him further.

"Clark," I said evenly. "It's Addie."

He didn't respond or let go of my arm, and I wasn't sure what else to say, so I repeated myself softly. A moment passed in stillness, then he abruptly released me and heaved himself away, breathing heavily.

"Wha—" Clark began, then cut off. He wiped a hand over his face. "Addie." He paused. "Adelaide?"

"Addie is fine. Or Adelaide. Kensington,” I added, like that mattered right now.

He flinched a little, perhaps still caught in the throes of whatever demons he'd been facing. I wasn't a stranger to that, but it failed to give me insight on how to help now.

"Addie," he repeated. "Adelaide Kensington. Of course. Sorry. You should get some rest." He left his sleeping bag and headed for the basement. I hesitated, feeling like I should go after him but having no idea what I would do or say if I did.

"He'll be fine. It's been a rough few years, especially for Clark, but I'm sure he just needs to be alone right now." It was Gunther's quiet voice. Xavier was still breathing evenly, oblivious to the woken world. "He'll be fine," Gunther repeated.

I wondered if he was saying it more for himself or me. Either way, I laid back down. I managed to drift back to sleep as I listened to the faraway sounds of fists relentlessly attacking a bag, wishing I had any outlets that were half that healthy.

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