Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 80431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 80431 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 402(@200wpm)___ 322(@250wpm)___ 268(@300wpm)
He should’ve felt pride, but instead, he was left with an unease that he was a man who’d become something only partly human.
He washed and washed, then washed a third time, but there was no ridding himself of the countless touches from strangers he’d been forced to endure for weeks.
After drying off, Zorion went to the closet, curious about what clothes they’d given him.
He frowned at the meticulously arranged rows of shirts, hoods, and pants in almost every shade of green. From seafoam to lime to juniper. Zorion pulled on a fitted cotton T-shirt and olive-green cargo pants that were, not surprisingly, the perfect fit.
He stared at himself in the full-length mirror, trying to summon a memory, anything. He ran his fingers over the smooth, pale scars that covered most of the right side of his face and neck.
How was I burned? What happened?
“God, why won’t anyone tell me?” he cried in anguish.
The injury looked as if it had healed a while ago, but each line and patch of discolored skin was a story he wanted to hear.
A reflection stared back at him, unfamiliar and quiet. He searched the depths of his green eyes—did he get those eyes from his mother or father?
He continued staring at himself until a knock on the door disrupted his concentration.
Zorion hesitated. He didn’t want company, and he didn’t trust what they had planned next. He made no sound as he stood by the door.
“Your dinner,” a male voice said.
He waited a moment until he heard his retreating steps.
When Zorion heard the elevator close, he opened his door and pulled the cart into the foyer.
He lifted the glistening silver domes and was accosted with the mouthwatering scent of a whole seared fish and fresh vegetables.
He lifted the glass pitcher of water—bypassing the glass goblet—and took long, satisfying gulps. It tasted as if it’d been drawn straight from a spring. He didn’t realize how hungry he was until he began to devour his food.
By the time he finished, it was night, yet he could still see the intricate details of his outside oasis.
Despite how luxurious and comfortable his bed appeared, he didn’t want to lie in it. Instead, he walked around the terrace, enjoying the lush grass against his bare feet and allowing the cool night air to wrap around him.
Zorion stretched out on his back and stared up at the dark sky.
Had he always been so mesmerized by the stars?
He stayed that way, watching the slow-moving clouds and the slight glow of the crescent moon, helpless as his mind wandered to places and people he couldn’t remember.
Eventually, the quiet hum of the night lulled him to sleep.
Chief Aiken Oakley
Valor
Valor lay silent in the darkness, his senses hyperaware, his instincts razor-sharp. He was still in awe of the power he’d exhibited during training. It was hours later, and his muscles were still coiled with a readiness to pounce.
What did they do to me? I have to get—
Valor heard pacing steps just outside his door and a low intake of breath before his front door was pushed open.
Whoever it was had a keycard that accessed his quarters—he’d been lied to. He was told no one could enter his “home” without his approval.
He remained silent and unmoving, secluded high in a tree on his terrace.
There were several branches sturdy enough to hold his weight. It was how he’d slept last night and how he preferred tonight’s rest as well. Lying on the wide branch was far more comfortable, and also smart of him.
He could see his intruder, but they couldn’t see him…not unless he wanted them to.
A woman moved guardedly around his space. She was careful but not as silent as she must’ve thought. He watched her. She was trained, moving with caution and stealth.
Valor allowed her to check his bedroom. She gaped when she saw the empty bed.
He stayed still, but his mind was moving fast, not knowing if she was a threat.
Who are you, huh? What do you want?
She tiptoed onto the terrace, her breaths coming a bit quicker as if she knew she was being watched.
“Why are you looking for me?”
She whirled around as her heartbeat spiked.
“I’m Jo.” She searched the darkness for him.
She had no idea just how close he was.
“I’m an ally, Valor. Please don’t attack me.” Her voice was light but filled with urgency.
He didn’t speak again.
She seemed to try to slow her breathing before she continued, “I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to get to you. I’ve been trying since the first day they brought you here.”
“Who are you?” he growled.
“I’m a spy. I infiltrated the Ravens organization three years ago when my order was contacted by various government informants, telling us that they were turning men into weapons and using them for corrupt purposes.”
She paused as if waiting for him to acknowledge that, but when he didn’t speak, she kept talking. “You’re not who they said you are.” She glanced around the large terrace, still looking for him. “They took your name and gave you a new identity after your transformation.”