Ember
Lightning strikes in the distance. Students on campus quicken their pace, rushing to their classes. The charcoal-streaked clouds reflect in the surrounding glass buildings, making it feel like there’s nowhere to turn to avoid the storm. Stella pulls her yellow raincoat tighter around her, and Lime takes cover inside her hood.
“I’m glad I told Aiden to meet us at the library,” I say, pulling my black hood over my head as drops fall. I shield my canvas bag under my arm so my notebooks don’t get wet. “He really hates the rain.”
“I’m excited to finally have our first study session.” Stella’s dark brown eyes flicker toward me, slightly sad. “I’m sorry how all this worked out, though. I know how much you wanted him to be your mentor.”
I shrug. “It’s not your fault, Stella. All I can hope for is that Jomo won’t try to cause any more trouble. Aiden and I don’t need the stress in our lives, that’s for sure.”
My thoughts swirl around Erik. Even though finding out he survived was unimaginably wonderful; a new worry has dawned on me. It’s not like Eliza can hide that he’s survived forever. There’s no way he’ll want to stay hidden after he wakes from his coma. He’ll want to reveal he’s alive, but what kind of target will that put on his back?
“How did things go with Eliza?” Stella asks, snapping my attention to the present. “You haven’t told me anything about it. I didn’t want to pry, but I can tell something has been weighing on you since you got back.”
A knot forms in my throat. Normally, I’d tell Stella everything, but the truth about Erik is something that must stay hidden, and I don’t even want to relive the conversation I overheard between Eliza and Aiden. The guilt could consume me.
“Eliza told me about some health issues she’s been having,” I try to answer as smoothly as possible. “She’s doing better, though.”
“I’m sorry to hear that she’s been sick.” Stella frowns, and Lime peeks at me with sad, shadow-filled eyes. “But I’m glad to hear she’s doing better now. What—”
Thunder booms, sounding dangerously close. Lime darts back into Stella’s hood, making a high-pitched scream. Lightning cracks over the lake, and tree branches bend in the strong gust of wind.
“We better get going,” I shout, and we run as the drops of water turn into gallons of rain.
* * *
Aiden stands off to the side while Stella and I hang up our raincoats on the coat rack by the library’s entrance. His white hair is wavy, lying over his shoulders, and his blue eyes crackle with electricity. I try not to let his presence distract me, but he’s painfully handsome, dressed in a black short-sleeved button-up and dark jeans that accentuate his strong physique.
I wouldn’t mind seeing those clothes end up on the floor sometime soon.
His gaze travels over my body, seeming to appreciate what he sees too, though I’m dressed a lot more casually in an orange polka-dotted shirt and jeans—jeans that are soaked almost to my knees. I grimace at the feeling of the cold, damp fabric against my legs, and wield thermal energy around my ankles and up my calves. Steam rises from my pants as they dry. I pick my canvas bag off the floor, and the handle is soaked. My hands glow faintly as it dries in my palm.
Lime wiggles like a cute little puppy on Stella’s shoulder.
Stella eyes her jeans. They’re darker around the edges as well. “Could you dry my pants too?”
“Sure.” I reach down and hold the fabric. My hands glow just enough to dry her jeans without scorching them. “There you go.”
“Thanks. That’s a lot better,” Stella says and retrieves a hair tie from her pocket to put her curls into a ponytail. A couple of her red-highlighted curls escape, framing her face.
Aiden flexes his fingers in front of him, looking uncomfortable.
“Are you okay?” I ask. “You avoided the rain, right?”
“It’s the electrical charge in the air.” Sparks bounce between his fingers. “Normally, it doesn’t bother me, but today, I’m a little more on edge because of the storm.”
I reach for his hand. The hair on my arms stands straight up. “Wow. Yeah. You’re like a live wire.”
He moves some hair behind my ear; a little spark nips me, and I shiver. “I’ll be fine. I’m more worried about leaving you alone with Jomo for a few hours.” His blue eyes crackle with electricity, like a plasma globe. “But I know you won’t let him push you around.”
I put my bag on my shoulder. “You know I’ll put him in his place.”
The corners of Aiden’s eyes rise with his smile. “Oh, trust me, I know.”
Stella steps next to us, and Lime jumps excitedly on her shoulder. “Ready to study?”
Aiden nods, and I say, “Sure am.”
We head up the main library stairs, and the view of the books emerges like a wondrous city. Aisles of books spread in all directions, and the place buzzes with life. The ceiling curves into a large dome, housing a golden chandelier in the center, with red votives and delicate rose details. The smell of aged books and fresh paper wafts around us, inviting us to study.
“Do you see Jomo anywhere?” Aiden surveys around. “I’m surprised he’d be late.”
Before I can answer, a voice fills my ears. “There you are,” Jomo shouts from somewhere behind me. “Look at that! Your boyfriend allowed you to come.”
Aiden tenses, and the veins in his hands glow blue.
“Uh oh,” Stella murmurs, and Lime hides under her curls.
“Go.” I urge Aiden forward. “I’ll catch up with you two later.”
Aiden kisses me quickly. “Let’s go,” he says to Stella. “Billy should be here with Summer. We can see if we can join their study group.”
Stella grimaces as they walk away. “Um, about that…”
I sigh and shake my head. Aiden’s still hopelessly determined he can patch things up between those two.
A hand rests on my shoulder. “I got us a private room,” Jomo says, making my skin crawl.
“We can just sit at one of the tables in the common area.” I push his hand off me and face him. He’s a few inches taller than me, near Aiden’s height, but his muscular torso is stocky, more like Billy’s frame. His white shirt is a stark contrast to his dark skin. The pupils of his yellow eyes slant like that of a cat’s.
“Oh, no.” There’s a laugh behind his words. He adjusts his backpack on his shoulder. “The Guardians’ daughter deserves the best! Not just any old study table will do.”
I really don’t like the thought of being alone with him in one of the personal study rooms, but I’d rather not get into an argument already. I motion forward. “Show me the way, then.”
He nods over his shoulder. “It’s back here.”
We head into an aisle of books. I behold all the dark browns, greens, and reds of the thick spines, wanting to run my fingers along the books as I walk. The scent of aged leather and dusty shelves tickles my nose, almost causing me to sneeze.
The aisle opens to an area where oak doors line a wall. Each one of them dons a small electronic blackboard. Jomo heads toward one that reads in green fluorescent lettering: RESERVED - J. JELANI - 3 HOURS.
He props open the door and waves me forward. “After you, of course.”
It takes everything in me not to roll my eyes. I enter without glancing at him. I sit and drop my bag on the white rectangular table. “Where do you want to begin?”
Jomo takes a seat opposite me, and the chair creaks while he adjusts. He unzips his backpack and dumps its contents onto the table. Each book lands with a definite thud. There are five in total: Villains of Stalwarth, Civilian Laws, Guardian Etiquette, Psychology of Being a Hero, and Guardian Uniform: Designing an Outfit Beneficial for One’s Abilities.
“We can begin with one of these subjects, but we can start somewhere else if you’d like,” Jomo says, smiling suggestively. “I’m talented in many areas a young woman should know about. Ask me anything.”
My face drowns in annoyance and disgust. His words are baiting me for a fight, but I don’t bite. I pick up the book about villains. It’s about three inches thick and is bound in mahogany leather. The title shimmers with gold lettering. I flip it open, and it lands on a page about Disguiser—a villain who can morph into anyone. He has long messy brown hair and an abnormally thick brow. “How about we start here?”
“Really? That’s the first thing you want to get into?” Jomo leans back in his chair. “I’ve never pegged you for a girl who actually cares about villains. Considering you hid for years after what happened to your parents.”
My blood simmers. A challenge forms in my stare. “I rather not get into that.”
“It’s funny how little is known about the villain who murdered your mother.” Jomo tilts his head. “If you care to know, he seems to be erased from the history books.”
The thermal energy in me spikes, tensing my muscles, but I bite my tongue. Even though I knew that already, I’m curious to find out if Jomo has any suspicions as to why so little is known about Black Mold. “Any clue why that may be?”
“I’ve heard rumors.” Jomo sucks on his teeth, causing a high-pitched squeak. “Nothing concrete.”
“What kind of rumors?”
Jomo creases his eyes. “Only that he went here and was the first one to go off the deep end with that whole ‘curse’ nonsense.”
I lift an eyebrow. Something I talked to Eliza about comes to mind. It’s possible the villains could eye Jomo for the curse as well. This would be a perfect time to pick his mind—find out if he’s heard anything.
I lean forward. “You don’t believe in the curse?”
He bellows a deep laugh that echoes around the small room. “Hell no! No one ever wants to admit that some people are just bad. They’d rather create stories to make themselves feel better.”
His answer confuses me. “Who’s they?”
“Who do you think?” His yellow eyes narrow into slits. “The Guardians.”
My mouth drops. “Are you implying you don’t trust the Guardians?”
Jomo crosses his arms. His white shirt pulls taut over his biceps. “I don’t trust anyone.”
“Then, why do you want to be one of them?”
“I may not trust them, but I’m not an idiot. Being a Guardian is one of the most lucrative careers there is.”
“Really? It’s just about the money for you?”
His nose twitches in anger. “My reasons are none of your business.”
“That’s fair, I guess.” I shuffle in my chair, feeling slightly uncomfortable. “Do you have any other theories about Black Mold?”
“Other than he’s a maniac and someone should pour some bleach over him? No. Can’t say that I do.”
I exhale loudly. I’m not going to get anywhere with this guy right now. “How about I go look for other books on villains, and you can show me which ones I should focus on to pass my summer classes, then?”
Jomo rolls his eyes. “Don’t play me for a fool.”
“What?” I close the villain book in front of me. “What do you mean?”
“You’re just using this as an excuse to get away from me; isn’t that right, princess?”
“No,” I say, my tone on the verge of being condescending, but I’m more annoyed at the subtle dig. “I want to get some books so we can get this study session over with, so then I can get away from you.”
“I’m not as horrible as your boyfriend has probably told you,” he retorts. “You should be grateful I’m your mentor.”
I belt out a laugh. “Grateful? Yeah. Sure.” My aggravation grows, remembering how he teased Aiden after he chose me for his trainee. “I’ve seen how horrible you are to Aiden with my own two eyes. It’d be one thing if you’d proven you’re capable of being a decent human being, but I don’t think you are.”
He laughs while shaking his head. His golden dreadlocks swing around him. “I have nothing to prove to that privileged asshole, let alone you.”
“Excuse me? Did you really just call my boyfriend a privileged asshole?”
“Sorry, princess,” Jomo says with a chuckle. “I guess one privileged person can’t see another, hmm?”
My internal temperature rises. “Seriously, what’s your deal?”
Jomo’s lips curl into a snarl, and he nods in the direction of the door. “Go get your books.”
“No!” I push my bag to the floor and expand my arms across the table, inviting a fight. “You know what? Let’s get this over with. If we have any hopes of making this work between us, you need to get your issues with Aiden and me out on the table.”
Jomo sucks on his teeth, causing the stupid high-pitched squeak again. “So that you can run to your boyfriend, crying about how mean I was? And he can take his sorry ass to Valentino? Nah. I’m good.”
I place my hands firmly on the table. “I’m a big girl. It’ll take a lot for you to hurt my feelings. Trust me.” Thermal energy licks the corner of my eyes like flames, ready for me to release my power at any second, but that would cause a lot more problems than help.
Jomo squints, and the seconds pass painfully slowly, but I won’t back down.
“Okay, then,” Jomo finally says, squaring his shoulders. “Let’s talk about how you got into this program. Sure. You put up a good fight against Carly, but there were quite a few other people who I’d argue did better than you. But, oh look at that, you miraculously got a spot over them.”
I hold his stare. “I earned my spot.”
He chortles. “Yeah, right. We all know there’s no way they wouldn’t let you in. The precious daughter of Emerald Blaze and Digger. You’re their grand prize.”
“What do you want me to say? I can’t help who my parents were.”
“People like you make me sick!” he spits. “You think you own the world.”
My eyes widen. “I don’t think that.”
“Oh, really? You come to this university with no intention of being in the Defender program, but oh, look at that, you fall for Mr. YAC, and suddenly, you want to be a Guardian.” He rolls his eyes. “How pathetic. A woman changing for her man, huh? Worse yet, a privileged woman who knew she could get whatever she wanted without working for it.”
“You know nothing about who I am.” My eyes burn with my inner roaring fire. “My Guardian ambitions are my own! No one else’s!”
He laughs dismissively. “And your little boyfriend wants to act like he’s on a level playing field like the rest of us. You guys deserve each other. Blind. Privileged. And narcissistic.”
“You have no clue who we really are.” My upper lip twitches. “You see us how you want to see us instead of getting to know us.”
“I know exactly who you are! People who get anything they want without lifting a finger,” Jomo shouts, his breathing rapid. “I worked my ass off to get to the championship last year, just to be defeated by a dome that sparkles like a stupid, fictional vampire! My grandmother worked two jobs to help me afford the entry fee, and I let her down because of a damn forcefield!”
His emotionally charged words are blinding. It’s like he’s pulled back a veil, revealing the root of his grievances, and I’m stunned into silence. The atmosphere grows dense with our discomfort. Me, not knowing how to respond, and him, not knowing what to do about showing an unusual sign of vulnerability.
“I was supposed to win to make her life easier.” Jomo glances at the dark wood floors, his lips curling in frustration. “I only got half my tuition covered by winning second place, and in return, she got a second mortgage to cover the rest. I never wanted her to,” he continues like he’s compelled to explain. “I told her that I’d work for a few more years and save up every penny or apply for all the scholarships I could, but she was adamant and did it all behind my back because she didn’t want me to be drowning in loan debt.” He nods in my direction. “How about you, princess? Do you have to worry about how you’ll pay your tuition?”
I open my mouth, but no words come out. Money has never been a concern of mine. For better or for worse. Even if I know I’m not responsible for Jomo’s financial situation, it still makes me feel uneasy. I never like to have the spotlight on me for any reason, especially regarding money.
“Yeah, that’s what I thought,” he says matter-of-factly. “And Mr. YAC doesn’t have to worry about anything either. Even if he didn’t win, I’m sure he would’ve been fine. I know who his parents are. They have good, high-paying jobs at the airport and electrical plant.”
Even if I don’t agree with how Jomo has acted toward me, or especially Aiden, it becomes so clear why he has. I do have an unfair advantage over most of my peers. I’ve never wanted to shine a light on the financial benefits of my family, especially when all I’ve ever wanted is to blend in. “I–I’m not sure what to say. How do you apologize or make up for something you’ve had no control over?”
His shoulders soften, but his stare remains firm. “So, you admit you’ve had an unfair advantage over the rest of us? You and your boyfriend?”
I take a deep breath for strength. “Yes, but Aiden only to an extent. He hasn’t had it as easy as you think. He’s had his own demons to face.”
“Sure,” Jomo scoffs.
“I get why you’re angry,” I say firmly. “But your anger won’t change what happened. At the end of the day, Aiden did win, and you shouldn’t easily dismiss that you came in second. You had to beat a lot of other people to get that far, and that’s something you should be proud of. I’m sure people would argue that your type of abilities is a privilege, too.”
“That’s easy to say for someone who doesn’t have to worry about paying the bills,” he retorts.
I flinch, his words sting, and I hate how he’s so determined to stay bitter. “I wish I could tell you that I have a great solution for all this, but I don’t. All I know is I’m trying to do the best I can.” A deep sadness penetrates my heart. “I’ve had my own difficulties to face. You have no idea how much I wish that my parents weren’t Guardians and that they did something else. I would rather have them than their fortune any day.”
“I can’t fully relate, but in a way… I understand your pain.” Jomo’s tone is cautionary. “I lost my parents in a car crash when I was barely one.”
Our eyes meet, recognizing we have a common bond: orphans left to be raised by another.
“I’m sorry,” I say sincerely. “That couldn’t have been easy for you or your grandmother.”
He rubs his nose and shrugs. “Yeah, well, I didn’t know them. So I guess there’s not much for me to miss.” He frowns, looking… sad, for once. “But my grandmother, she’s been through enough in her life. I never wanted to be a financial burden to her.”
His grandmother may be the key to helping him see past his anger. “It doesn’t sound like you were,” I say, softening my stance. “She wanted to help you with your dreams. You can’t be mad at yourself for something she did.”
Jomo stares at the table, lost in thought.
“I get why you wanted to win the Youth Abilities Competition,” I continue. “But your anger is holding you back, and it could possibly destroy all that you’ve worked for. How would that honor the sacrifices your grandmother has made?”
“It wouldn’t.” Jomo’s eyes grow larger as my words sink in, but a brewing fury settles in them. “But all the professors, especially Valentino, want to lift Aiden up, when he hasn’t worked half as hard as most of us have. It’s sickening.”
“Believe it or not, Aiden’s worked very hard,” I say carefully, not wanting to share too many personal details of Aiden’s past. “He decided he wanted to be a Guardian after years of not using his abilities, and he had to train relentlessly.”
Jomo harrumphs. “I guess it’s nice to hear that Mr. YAC struggled, but you can’t deny he has an unfair advantage.”
I chuckle with a soft sigh, hoping to lighten the mood some. “You know, I can’t. His forcefields have annoyed me plenty of times.”
The corners of Jomo’s lips pinch upward.
“But I won’t downplay Aiden’s work ethic and his determination. He is who he is today because of the time and dedication he’s put into his abilities,” I answer carefully but firmly. “It’s not fair for you to judge him so harshly, when you don’t even know him.”
“He doesn’t know me,” Jomo snaps back.
“Have you ever let him get to know you?” I challenge. “My understanding is that since the moment he won the YAC, you’ve given him nothing but a hard time.”
Jomo downcasts his eyes, looking the tiniest bit remorseful, but an unforgiving edge still resides in them.
“Wouldn’t it be more beneficial for you to be his friend than his enemy?” I encourage him, for both his and Aiden’s sake. “I know you somehow got through his forcefield before, but imagine how much more you could learn if guys practiced together?” I say this but only because I want him to be open to the idea of being kinder to Aiden. There’s no way he could start immediately practicing with Aiden right now, especially with what Aiden may be going through with the serum.
Jomo pinches his lips together, lost in thought.
“Learning more about other people’s abilities could only help you, right?” I continue, trying to inch him in the direction I want him to go. “I know you’re all about doing what’s best for you. That’s why you wanted to be my mentor, right? Because you wanted to use my privilege to your benefit?”
Jomo narrows his eyes, disliking my accusation. “I saw an opportunity, and I took it.”
“Honestly, I don’t care. I get it. Making connections is what helps people the most.” I soften my gaze. “But I care very much for Aiden, and it bothers him a lot that he doesn’t understand why you hate him so much. If you’re not ready to be his friend, at least be honest with him, and do it in a way that he doesn’t feel like you’re attacking him.”
“Don’t worry, princess. I’ll play nice.” He picks up the sociology and psychology books, placing one atop the other. “As long as Aiden does the same.”
My shoulders slump, feeling a bit defeated. “That’s not the answer I was looking for, but I guess that’ll have to do.” I purse my lips. “But can you do me a favor?”
He reaches for the Guardian Etiquette book and drops it on the book pile. “What’s that?”
“Stop calling me princess,” I reprimand. “I get this feeling that you think I’m a damsel in distress and that Aiden is my prince charming. If you want that kind of story, you’re reading the wrong book.”
A foreign gesture forms on Jomo’s face: a smile. “All right, Ember.”
I pick up the law book and hand it to him. “Thanks.”
“Oh, before I forget,” Jomo adds and places the book on the daunting stack. “There’s a ball being put on to welcome the new recruits to all the Defender students. It’s some kind of stupid tradition.”
“A dance?” I laugh. “Are you serious?”
He puts up his hands defensively. “Don’t shoot the messenger. We’re just supposed to spread the word to our trainees.”
I’m surprised Aiden didn’t mention something about this, but there have been more important matters to worry about than some dance. “Thanks for telling me. I’ll think about going.”
“Dances aren’t my thing, but Sally wants me to go with her.”
“Who’s Sally?” I ask with a small smile.
“No one of concern to you.” Jomo stands, and his chair bumps into the wall behind him. “I’m going to get a few more books, and we can start this study session, instead of talking about things of no real importance.”
“Okay, great,” I say, biting back my laugh. Seems like I hit a nerve.
Jomo walks by me for the door, and an urge to say something overwhelms me. “Hey, Jomo?”
He stops. “Yeah?”
“Thanks… for opening my eyes to things I’ve been in the dark about,” I say, feeling strangely sad. “I hope we can learn to work together and move forward.”
“Could you do me a favor?” he asks, tightening his lips.
“What’s that?”
“Use that privilege of yours for something good.” He leaves, shutting the door behind him.
I focus on the villain’s book in front of me. Maybe Jomo’s right about how I got into the Defender program. Maybe I was always going to get in no matter what. Even though that doesn’t sit well with me, I need to acknowledge that it may be the reality. I’ve planned on using my position here to help uncover what happened to my parents, reveal what they were murdered for, and, in return, help keep Stalwarth safe. But is that enough? Could I do something more to benefit the world?