Page 51 of The Commons

“No, not instinct. I mean, I was willing to do anything to pass the test and please The Commons, to please you.”

“Do you know how my parents died?”

I shake my head, not daring to respond.

“In the war, a very long time ago. They begged me to kill them. They were in so much pain. So much… anguish. Suffering.” He smiles. Why is he smiling? “I ended both their misery. I enjoyed it, in fact.”

What on earth.

“I enjoy ending misery. Hence, The Commons. No need for wars, no need for silly disputes, you understand that, don’t you, Gaski?

I swallow my words, nodding instantly. Gaski? That’s what the dragon reptile called me.

“Good to know. Let’s keep it that way.”

He starts to walk away, but my mind drifts, remembering his words about the war.

The last war. 100 years ago. I faintly remember this. My grandparents said it was inconceivable—well, their parents told them, my great-grandparents. And after that, The Commons swooped in to save society from something so tragic ever happening again; to train world leaders who would be worthy to rule the world. They said after the war, some socially constructed categories were also done away with, as well as many other changes in society that I’d need a history book for—at least, that’s what my grandparents said. But… why is he telling me this?

Just as he is about to walk by me, he stops and turns gently. “And by the way, what are you saying?”

“I… um… Sir?”

“Your hair, what are you saying with it? And why are you so obnoxious with it?”

“Um, I’m sorry, it’s um… my hai⁠—”

“Well fix it. Take it out from its natural habitat in the wild and tame it. Put it in a zoo or something. Straighten it! Straighten everything about yourself. If you are ever to be selected by me for an upgrade, you not only have to be, but you have to look like Common Property. Am I clear?”

Dread mixed with infuriation twists in my gut, but I tighten my jaw to suppress the shiver running through my veins.

“Crystal clear.”

“Mmm, crystal, crystals. You also did great in your Chemistry Test with the diamond crystals, interesting. Interesting indeed.” He points at me as though pondering a tantalizing thought while touching his lips.

I stand, uncomfortable, while he continues to smile with a patronizing smirk, then he begins to leave, walking slowly, his feet making no sound.

I stand, shock-stricken, frozen in time, lost for words on what just happened.

Why the heck did Patron De Londe find me, stop me, talk to me, half compliment, and half insult me?

What in the world have I done?

CHAPTER 12

Becoming Prey

Strands of my wavy curls fall to the ground, crashing past my shoulders like a tidal wave to the shore. My eyes stare at my night-colored hair. Jet-black hair—so dark, it could blind the light. Propelling my hands behind my back, I drive the hair dryer toward the flowing cascade of my hair.

Sun-colored feet approach, stepping into my line of vision.

“Zia, why are you awake?”

“Shantavia, where did you get this?”

Oh no. Pesh’s golden-camel sweater is in her hands. Crap. I sprint, reaching for it, but she bolts around the room, averting my reach.

“Is this your sweater?”