Page 10 of Elysian

“Why are you taking more blood?”

“To study the properties that will be different when you Awaken.”

My mind raced. If I spoke about the Lore of Old, he would know I took it, and after I denied it to Vaner, I did not want to know what he would do to me. But I was not the only suspect, Lucinda and the prophet also were.

“The prophet told me Awakening only happens when I stop receiving the viral injections,” I said.

His bushy eyebrows twitched.

“Why yes.” He sounded impassive. “Which is why your vaccination record from Kinsley Village arrived at dawnlight.”

I leaned over to peer at the scrawl on the parchment: a court missive made to the Kingdom’s Alchemist.

“Per the official Registry records in Kinsley Village, you have a sennight left since you received the Anti-Viral injection. Soon, you will begin to withdraw.”

I sucked in a breath. “And become an Omega?”

He stilled, the needle poised right over the inner side of my elbow. “You know the truth about the designations?” His eyes narrowed.

I kept my features fixed with innocence. “The prophet spoke of it.”

He studied me for a few breaths.

“You won’t become an Omega because you already are one. You simply have not Awakened.” A pride-riddled smile spread across his face. “My great, great grandfather conceptualized and created the suppressor injection. Of course we have yet to iron out the aftereffects.” He waved the hand holding the syringe in the air. “But there are much more pressing issues than the deadly effects of the injection.”

I stilled. Such casual cruelty . . .

“That is what makes it so redbloods do not live long,” I whispered, coming to the realization. My lips had turned numb.

Al slid the tip into the crook of my elbow. The pinch from the needle was child’s play.

“Well, my dear, the injection suppresses your most fundamental essence. Of course there are dire complications.”

He spoke so callously of an entire group of people. We were naught but methods for him to learn, nothing but fodder for experiments. I forcibly relaxed my clenched teeth.

“Of course.” I nodded. “Some actions are necessary in the name of advancement.”

His bushy brows raised high. “Exactly.”

I gritted my teeth, but forced a smile. “I have not met many Alchemists.” Correction: any other than Al.

“Of course you have not. Alchemists are the only ones that have an inheritance gift.”

“So all the bluebloods in your past had been Alchemists?”

“All the male bluebloods,” he corrected, drawing the needle from my arm.

“You answer too many questions.”

I stiffened at Vaner’s invading voice. As much as I wanted to whirl around, I held myself as still as possible.

“Well, it is not as if she will be leaving here alive.” Al said it as easily as if commenting on the color of a gown.

“You are not incorrect,” Vaner said, much closer than before. He came into view. I clenched my hands in my lap, wanting nothing more than to rake my nails across his face.

“After my experiments, you will be rid of them anyway.” Al carefully placed the small vials he’d filled back into the little holder. He had only filled the first three in the lineup.

“Would you like me to place that on your shelf?” I asked, straightening.