When my professors have gone and it’s just the five of us left in the room, my father tuns and gives us all a sharp nod. “Good,” he says, looking between us Cadets. “That went better than I thought it would. It seems almost as if…at least Neumann was already aware.” I give a little shrug, admittin
“Yes, younger and smaller,” he says, giving me a warm smile as he takes my hand in both of his, shaking it. “It’s a pleasure to see you all grown up, Ariel – and I’m glad to hear that you’re holding up your family’s tradition of keeping things interesting.” I blush a little at this but laugh, know
I sigh sharply out of my nose and take my seat next to Jackson, giving my mom and dad a final glare for good measure. My mom nods to me, a small smile gracing her lips, letting me know that she isn’t fully happy about it either. But, she wouldn’t have let it happen this way if it wasn’t necessary.
My eyes flash at this because…what? “They’re citizens, aren’t they?” I ask, sitting up straighter and looking between Jackson and my father. “Of Moon Valley?” “They are,” dad says, nodding to me. “The lands the Community lives on are within the borders of Moon Valley – everyone born there has th
“Please,” Jackson says, snapping his eyes to me before looking around at everyone else in the room, all of whom sit in shocked silence. “Let me explain.” My father narrows his eyes and nods once to my mate as I continue to gape at him, appalled. “My entire life,” Jackson begins, “I have been rai
“I’ll take that,” dad says quietly, holding Jackson’s gaze. “Your offer to fight for Ariel, if you’re not yet ready to call yourself a patriot of Moon Valley, as it does amount to the same thing. But I hope that in time you will come to love this nation as she does. As I do.” “Oh, I think I’m well
Jackson hugs me tight against his chest and falls back against the wall outside the interview room, sighing deeply as he does. I tuck my head against his shoulder, letting him hold me, going almost completely limp against him. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. “That was intense. And they shouldn’t have sprung
“What is it?” Sinclair asks, his smile fading. “I trust Jackson,” Hank murmurs, still lost in his thoughts. “But I…do not think that the Community is done with him.” He blinks and looks at his sovereigns, shaking his head with worry. “A boy like that – an incredible physical specimen? They will be