Twell and the Uprising by Kate O'Leary

Author:Kate O'Leary [O’Leary, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-68046-450-4
Publisher: Melange Books, LLC

Chapter Nine

“Twell. Open your eyes,” a gruff voice whispered right in my ear.

I squeezed them more tightly shut in response, holding my breath the way I always did when I was afraid. But more than that, I knew it might hurt more to look in his eyes, and face all the disappointment and judgement I expected to see there.

“Twell Anar, wake up right now,” Brazin boomed. A huge hand clamped over my shoulder and shook me until my eyes popped open.

“Okay, geez! OW!” My muscles coiled defensively for a moment before I realized he was releasing me from the cuffs. I bolted up like a stinging serpent had crawled in my pants, only to fall straight back down, swearing under my breath as I clutched my tender skull.

“Easy, Twell, take a moment when you sit up again. You’re still recovering.”

“My powers… do you think I’ll get them back?” As I raised myself up again more carefully, my eyes dared to meet his. My heart beat quickly, not sure what I was more worried about. The loss of my powers, or his respect.

“We don’t know yet, and I wouldn’t recommend trying to find out until you are more fully healed…how well can you see me?” Brazin sounded more than a little irritable, the weight of my actions heavy in each word. I was getting really sick of being asked that question.

“Well enough to notice you need a good shave,” I replied snarkily. It was true. Brazin was looking worse for the wear, his chin covered with thick black stubble while his bleary eyes scrutinised me closely.

“How do you feel?” Ignoring my comment, he tried not to sound as relieved as he looked.

“I have a splitting headache. Get it? Splitting?”

Brazin’s mouth curved up momentarily, a ghost of a smile that faded too quickly away.

“Can you move?”

“I’d prefer not to. I’m feeling kinda beat.”

“Twell, stop mucking around,” Brazin barked, much more like his old self. “I’m here to take you to see your Guardian if you feel up to it.”

I responded by sliding gingerly off the table, waiting until the room stopped spinning before I looked up at him.

“I don’t need to tell you not to try anything, do I?” Brazin gave me a stern look as I began to roll my still blurry eyes.

“Curb the attitude.” Taking my arm, he led me from the cell into the long white hallway. “I’m going against orders to let you see her.”

“Why would you do that?” I asked his back as he pulled me along the passage. The harsh lights still felt too bright for my hazy vision, and I squinted as I tried to keep up with Brazin’s long strides. He stopped for a moment, hesitating as I caught up to him.

“Tell me why?” I demanded again as my heart inexplicably beat faster.

“Because I’m not sure she’s going to make it.” Brazin looked at me, a flash of sympathy emphasizing the direness of the situation.

“Oh.” I felt my throat closing up as my eyes began to burn.

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