Page 148 of Stormbreaker

I nod as I allow him to steer me toward a set of sliding glass doors, admitting us to a sprawling marble lobby decorated with golden-framed mirrors, creamy white statues, and a massive fresco painted on the ceiling. The entrance closes behind us, muffling the din of the city. The only sounds are the low murmurs of my classmates and the occasional squeak of footsteps in the distance.

A sharp rap of someone approaching draws us toward Dr. Eze, who’s carrying her trusty tablet under her arm. She’s also accompanied by another woman with auburn hair pulled into a tight bun. Her white skin is tinged pink, and her green eyes scan us without emotion.

“I’d like to introduce you to Dr. Cummings,” Dr. Eze says cheerfully. “She’s the lead scientist in charge of electromagnetism here at the Tempestade. Her job is to create the most realistic version of Spark bursts for training, and she’s been instrumental in the project to capture actual galvanic energy to be used in our simulations.”

Dr. Cummings gives us a curt nod. “I thought you’d like to witness a real simulation today,” she says. “And get a look at our training facilities. They’re quite good at the academy, but there’s no comparison with the real thing.”

We’re told a few more tidbits about what to expect, and then we’re escorted through the Tempestade. First, we pass a lab where several Breakers are in the middle of electrodesensitization training. “Even after years in the Storm Guard, our members must continually maintain their resistance to the electricity they’re subjected to almost daily. One problem we’ve been trying to solve for a long time is the regression that occurs when the body is no longer exposed to therapy. Though it slowly adapts to the foreign intrusion, it quickly returns to its natural state.”

We continue walking, passing through the gym, where dozens of extremely fit people are lifting what seem like impossible weights. Finally, we pass a set of wide steel doors with about half a dozen keypads along each side.

“What’s that?” someone asks, and Dr. Cummings pauses.

“That is where the Extinguishers bring potential Spark Keepers for testing and sequestering,” she says. “Beyond those doors are some of the most dangerous people in New Manhattan.”

“Are we going in?” a guy asks, his voice filled with hope, while several people side-eye him with incredulous looks.

Dr. Cummings’s expression is withering. “Absolutely not. That area is highly classified and secured. Permanently above your pay grade.”

My palms begin to sweat as I stare at the door, and my gaze meets Rook’s. We’ve still never found out what happened to Lacey Turner. Rumors persist about her disappearance, but for all intents, she was simply erased from existence. Winter seems to have moved on, or maybe she’s just putting on a brave face. We aren’t supposed to mourn the loss of the infected, and her grief would only have been tolerated for so long.

Rook runs a hand through his hair, probably having similar thoughts, and exhales a long breath before we’re once again on the move.

Over the next hour, we’re shown the sleeping quarters, the cafeteria, and the other common areas where Storm Guards can relax when off duty, stirring up the excitement of everything I’ve been wishing for. The Storm Guard. This is why I chose Aria.

We finally enter another giant lobby decorated much like the first, with soaring pillars stretching overhead, a massive trickling fountain, and a set of heavy iron gates at the far end.

Dr. Cummings turns to address us. “This is the entrance to The Shield’s information and security wing,” she says. “Intelligence about the city, communications, and the movement of outside threats are all sent here to be analyzed and discussed with our leaders. They spend much of their time here, meeting with House scions and working with their teams to neutralize possible attacks.”

“Do they know what happened with the people who died last night?” someone asks, raising a hand.

Dr. Cummings shakes her head. “The matter is still under investigation. More than likely, it was either an internal threat or someone breached our perimeter and Solitudes entered the city.”

“I heard it was someone infected,” another person says. “The bodies were all torn up.”

My stomach drops as everyone shifts uncomfortably where they stand.

It’s been a long time since there was a public incident involving a feral Keeper. This is bad. It’ll put everyone on alert.

Dr. Cummings arches a brow, her mouth pinching into a frown. “It’s possible. Keeper murders are very specific, and the bodies will be closely examined for evidence.”

Her answer tightens the knot in my chest.

Another set of sliding glass doors opens, admitting to the lobby an older man with dark-brown skin and gray hair. I recognize him as another scion: House Asale. He’s been to some of my parents’ parties.

He tosses us a quick nod, then approaches a security scanner, swipes a red key card across the panel, and the gates swing open. He enters and disappears around a corner.

Dr. Cummings orders us to keep walking, and we finish the tour to find ourselves inside a glass booth overlooking a simulation room. It’s at least three times the size of the one we have at Amery, accurately mimicking a smaller version of New Manhattan. Standing in a circle at one end are about a dozen Storm Guards wearing their black tactical gear and goggles. Instead of their usual shiny purple harnesses, they’re wearing fitted purple vests that mold to their chiseled forms.

“We’re about to witness a demonstration,” Dr. Cummings says. “We’ve been experimenting with a new material that helps neutralize storm charges. Lab tests have been promising, but we’ve yet to try it out in the field. Our Guards are wearing the prototypes, and we’ve gathered some of the energy from last night’s storm to use.”

Dr. Cummings turns a few knobs and pushes some buttons on the console stretching before us. A timer starts counting toward the simulation, and the Guards spring into action.

“Their goal is to rescue the group in the middle,” Dr. Cummings says, gesturing to a screen off to our right. The camera reveals three Hollows, all huddled together in the center of the arena.

Immediately, that same nauseous feeling twists in my gut.

The Storm Breakers are on the move, darting in between buildings and obstacles.