“Maybe,” she says quietly to herself.
“Would it make you feel better if Amaya tagged along?”
Her head snaps up with a smile that reaches her eyes. “Umm, yes!”
“Alright then. I guess you better go tell her to pack.”
Reign wastes no time jumping up from the bed and rushing to put on her shoes. Hopefully this gesture earns me a few points with her. Mother knows I have a lot to make up for.
She’s about to run past me but pauses. “Thank you.”
I let out a half laugh. “For what?”
“For always knowing just what I need.” There’s so much sincerity in her words that it catches me off guard.
“I see you, Reign.”
Something I can’t quite read flashes behind her eyes, but I’m already being swallowed by smoke before she can say anything.
I hesitate before knocking, wondering if I should’ve prepared a speech before coming here. I’m not sure it would do much good though, considering my audience. Maybe it’s best I go in blind and just wing it. I usually do my best work that way anyway.
“Checking up on the cripple?” Elias accuses as he wheels himself out of the way so I can enter the bedroom.
Already off to a great start I see.
“Actually, I’m here to ask for your help.”
“And what exactly is it you thinkIcan do foryou? I’m useless now,” he groans, motioning to the place his leg used to be.
“For starters, you’re not useless just because you’re missing a leg.” He’s about to argue with me but I continue before he can get a word in. “Besides, we’re going to find a mender eventually, so this is all temporary.”
“Yeah well, it’s been months so forgive me if I don’t seem so comforted by that sentiment.”
“Alright, enough of this sad shit.”
“What are you doing?” he demands when I grab the handles of his wheelchair.
“We’re going for a little ride.” Elias thinks about fighting me on it, but the smoke is already consuming us.
When we get to our destination, I immediately let go of his chair. I’m sure it’s hard enough having others see him in this state. He doesn’t need my assistance adding to the shame I know he’s already feeling.
“Let’s go.” I can tell he’s reluctant, but he respects the chain of command and follows behind. “It won’t be long until my father makes a move and I need your help getting them ready.”
His eyes scan the ashy wasteland that is covered by a couple thousand training men and women. I can tell by the tight lines forming in his face that he’s clocking every wrong move they’re making.
“This is the best we’ve got?” He asks, looking up at me with too much wariness.
“No. There’s an army, but these are the refugees we took in that haven’t trained since they were at the Sector.”
He takes another look around, this time with this new information in mind. “Alright. I’ll help, but I’ll need some back up.”
“I thought you might say that,” I confess with a coy smile that makes his brow raise. “I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, we’re joined by Emeric and Akari who instantly go quiet in Elias’ presence. I knew things between them have been off, but I guess I didn’t realize just how bad things had gotten.
“The three of you know how to spot people’s strengths and weaknesses. I need you to use that skill to help get them ready. Find out what they lack and work on it with them. We don’t have the luxury of time, so make quick work.” I start walking away to assess everyone for myself. “You coming?”
“Oh, we’re starting now?” Emeric asks with a surprised look plastered on his face.
