Page 21 of Remnants
Chapter seven
Aiden
Thespacious,three-storyroomwith massive wooden beams and rich hardwood floors—or, the Guild Hall as we call it—is bustling with wild energy. There are over a hundred and fifty members who live in the Tower, or the bunker for a few months, and another fifty or so who live or travel elsewhere most of the time.
Every single member, save for those at the hospital or who were taken, is here.
Off to one side of the room, nearest to the many tables and benches, is a stage that we usually keep hidden behind a faux wall. It’s open now, and the crowd gathers at its base.
Cibrina sits with me backstage, her Archive gift active as she works on my latest request. I flip the switch to turn on the lights and microphones hanging over the stage so everyone will be able to hear and see me, and then stride to centerstage.
Members quiet or shush others when they see me, some fighting a bit to get closer, while others hang back and separate themselves from the tight cluster. I scan the crowd, making eye contact withthose who want it and taking in the mood of everyone before I begin.
“Last night, we were attacked by Gifted Enterprise. The same group who fought us here some months ago and the reason why we’d moved to the bunker. They infiltrated one of our rescue missions among actual victims and then waited to attack until our event.” Murmurs rise in volume, but it quiets again when I bow my head. “I’m sorry for failing to keep my promise of your safety at the bunker.”
Shouts burst from the crowd, swelling as one to a deafening roar.
“—not your fault!”
“—bastards used them—!”
“—don’t stop—!”
The individual words are lost to the sea of noise, but the overall emotion is a tangible thing that fills my soul to the brim with gratitude and pride. I close my eyes, soaking it in and fortifying my resolve with their support.
I raise my head and hands, gesturing for quiet so I may continue. “Thank you, all. I stand by my apology, but I appreciate your words. While I am glad to see so many of your faces here, six of us were taken by GE. It is going to be my mission, and the mission of this Guild, to not only get them back but to take down Gifted Enterprise once and for all.”
I give them a minute to let my words settle. We’re not sneaking onto islands to save the prisoners and then slipping away again. We chipped away at their feet, nibbling at their resources like it would make a difference in this war.
And that’s what this is now.
A war.
“Gifted Enterprise has been around for a long time. It is an organization that kidnaps gifted—particularly children—and murders any who stand in their way. Their goal is the brainwashing and corruption of gifted persons who they can control and use to gain more power and influence across the world.”
The sense of fear spikes, but I also see faces of determination—those who are willing and prepared to join this fight.
“What if they attack us here again?” someone calls out.
“They will,” I reply curtly and without hesitation. “Since we are a group of people who fit exactly what they’re looking for, I have no doubt that we will be seeing them here again. And they are going to keep coming, keep searching for us if we were to hide, which is why we aren’t hiding anymore. I already have preparations being put into place here should there be an attack to give us an advantage. But that is all it will be. It will be up to the rest of us to stop them from there.”
“I can’t fight!” another person cries, and I nod.
“I won’t force anyone to join this war, but I will say this. You’re already in it. Whether you choose to chart your course or let GE decide is up to you.” I scan the group, giving them another moment to absorb my words. “If you wish to try hiding again, then there is a long-term hotel where you can stay until it’s over. There will be no protections or safeguards there, but you should have the advantage of the enemy not knowing about it. For now, at least. But if you stay, then it’s to fight.”
My phone vibrates against my chest. “Whether it’s fighting with your fists or your gift or finding another way to help us find andtake this organization down. And there will be mandatory training sessions for everyone. You should know how to defend yourself. How to create an opening that gives you a chance to escape.”
Another rush of murmuring follows. Cibrina motions at me from the side of the stage and then points to her phone. I take that moment to read the name of the missed call on my phone’s screen.
Fabian.
He’s one of the ones on guard at the hospital.
Goddammit.
“I’ll let you all think it over. Get some rest, and tomorrow, you can give Cibrina, Evie, or me your answer. Training sessions will be posted on the board by the end of the week. Do not miss them. Thank you,” I conclude, bowing my head one more time and exiting the stage. “What is it?” I ask Cibrina.
She clicks the stage sound and lights off, then shows me a text on her phone.
