Page 139 of Storm Caller

Then we’re all fighting, limbs flying.

“Rook! You have to get out of here!” I scream. He’s thrown against the wall, and the Guard advances. I launch myself up, leaping onto the Guard’s back and wrapping my arms around his throat, trying to crush his windpipe.

“Poet!” he shouts.

“Get out of here! Run!”

“I won’t leave you!” he shouts.

The Guard under me is flailing, trying to get me off his back, flinging his arms. He spins in a circle, one hand gripping my wrists so hard, it feels like my bones are turning to dust.

“Rook! Please!” I’m crying. “Run!”

My cheeks are slick with tears and sweat, and I taste salt on my lips.

He has to leave. He has to run.

Agony crosses his expression. His features sag, and his eyes are shining.

Our gazes meet for one long moment. I don’t know what comes next. I don’t know if this will be the last time I see him, but I need him to save himself.

“Now!” I order him. “Go!”

A second of indecision and then one more prolonged look before he turns around and takes off.

His arms and legs pump as he runs for his life.

I watch him leave, still clinging to the man under me.

A moment later, I hear more footsteps and shouting. Someone grabs me and yanks me off the Guard’s back. Others start running after Rook, and all I can do is hope.

Suddenly, I’m turned around to face the front of the room, where General Sol stands.

“What did you do!” I scream. “What have you done?”

General Sol meets me with a cold look, her lips firm and her eyes dull. I don’t understand whose side she’s on, but I’m becoming increasingly sure it was never ours. She waves a dismissive hand. “Someone deal with her. She’s hysterical.”

I feel someone grab my wrists and yank me toward the front of the cafeteria.

I’ve gone entirely numb.

My heart turns to liquid, melting through my ribs.

My stomach cramps, and a sharp pain behind my eye throbs in time with my pulse.

My spirit empties, draining out through my feet.

My wrists are circled by the cold steel of handcuffs.

I feel nothing. I am nothing.

And then I’m dragged away.

51

I spend that night in a holding cell for the crime of interfering with the Extinguishers’ investigation.

After some threats and reminders never to do anything like that again, I’m allowed to go free. All in all, I got off easy. I’m not sure why they didn’t slap me with a Keeper accusation as well, but I’m guessing it has something to do with my trial. If they walk that back now, it might raise too many questions. Plus, they’d have to admit they were wrong.