Through the Eyes of the Aether

By Paige Stonard

Welcome to the Tri-Realm Republic, a harmonious union of worlds in which its three peoples—human, Jirian, and Zasskell—cohabitate in civil alliance.

But Laura, who's just lost her job as a peacekeeper in the Silver Guard, suspects not everything is as shipshape as it seems.

A strange illness has cropped up in the last few months, with her own father among the afflicted. She has an inkling about what's causing it, but it doesn't bode well for the fate of the Republic, and to make matters worse, nobody seems to share her suspicions—including her senator mother.

But maybe Saeed, an aspiring alchemist with a peculiar connection to plants, will be able to help. He's got a good reason, after all: his brother's sick too. While fighting for his dream job at a burgeoning alchemy company, Saeed will stop at nothing to craft a potion to heal his brother, but soon enough, he'll find out he can't do it alone.

With apathy from the government, it's up to Laura and Saeed to carve out an unconventional path to the cure—all the while finding far more mystery swirling beneath the surface of their world than either of them ever imagined.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Paige Stonard
• Release date: Mar 21, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201945145

Book preview

PART I

CHAPTER ONE

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Laura never thought she’d be the type to commit a crime.

And yet, here she was.

Against a clear night sky, the alchemy storehouse loomed like a great block of granite, its entrance attended by a solitary pacing guard. Laura watched from the shadows of the field beyond, concealed amid a patch of dusty desert weeds, her spine burning from the strain of prolonged crouching. Clutching the heavy stone was cramping her hand, but patience was key if she had any hope for success tonight.

The guard’s dull yellow Glow lantern, hanging from a hook on the building’s face, did its best to fend off the gloom of the moonless night. Intuitively, Laura knew the field she hid out in was little more than a black void, but the night-vision tonic she’d taken kept fooling her; she could make out the cracks in the dirt beneath her feet, could count the twigs on the skeletal stalks around her as though a full moon shone overhead.

She watched as the guard approached the nearest corner of the storehouse before turning on his heel to march back, and Laura’s grip tightened around the stone, its jagged edges biting into her palm.

Almost.

As he reached the far corner, she seized her moment, rising up and hurling the rock as hard as she could. It sailed through the air, arcing over the field to a spot near where the guard stood.

With a thump and a rustle, it made contact with brittle shrubbery, and sure enough, the guard’s attention snapped toward it.

Now!

Laura darted from her cover, acutely aware of her footfalls pattering on the dirt as she hurried forward, pinning her knapsack to her body to silence it, making for the side of the storehouse. Giddiness fueled her as she sped across open land, not daring to look in the guard’s direction, not slowing her pace until she was tucked snug against the dark northern wall.

From here she crept silently alongside the building, staying deep in shadow. There might be another guard stationed at the rear entrance, but with any shred of luck, the first one wouldn’t raise the alarm.

At the corner, she knelt low, peering around slowly. This side was also lit by a hanging lantern, but to her immense relief, no one was back here. At least, not at the moment.

Still, that meant the first guard was responsible for watching back here, too, or there were others nearby. A stable and another low building were positioned in such a way that if someone inside looked out, they could easily see her.

No time to lose.

Unlike the front entrance, which was a standard door, the rear entrance was big enough to give entry to animal-drawn supply carts, closed off by a pair of massive wooden gates. An iron chain wound tightly between the gates, held fast by a heavy padlock. Laura approached, nodding to herself, and fished a set of lockpicks from her bag.

All week, she’d gathered every lock she could get her hands on in preparation for this moment, working at them for hours until she could’ve picked them in her sleep. Never mind that this lock was twice as big as those. That was just another of many hurdles to overcome tonight.

The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on her as she fumbled with the greasy contraption, trying not to jangle the chain. She’d spent the last six years of her life in the Silver Guard, a faithful servant of the law, busting petty criminals for...

Well, this.

And yet, here I am.

She couldn’t afford to feel too bad about that now, though. That could come later.

With a heavy click, the lock popped open, and Laura exhaled, realizing she’d been holding her breath. The chain threatened to slide out of place, but she caught hold of it before it could make too much noise. She deliberately extracted it just enough that she could sidle between the doors and into the storehouse.

It was tempting to congratulate herself for this small success, but the job wasn’t done yet. She drew the gates closed behind her and turned her attention to the abyss she now stood in.

A broad skylight interrupted the middle of the ceiling, a dim sprinkle of stars visible through the glass panes, but the rest of the room was a jungle of silhouettes. She dug into her knapsack again, feeling around for her portable Glow lamp, as her enhanced night vision could only do so much in an area as large and dark as this. She pulled the little lamp out and switched it on, finding herself in an absolute labyrinth of towering shelves.

Oh boy.

She took a breath, inhaling the strange scent of the place—herbaceous, with a hint of horse—and reviving her determination. Lyusk root was the prize she sought, the key to alleviating her father’s incessant, painful coughing. Of the countless herbalists and apothecaries she’d visited in the last month, not a single one had the root for sale anymore, reducing her options to two: leave her father to suffer, or raid the stores of some high-profile alchemy company.

By that point, it hadn’t been a difficult choice. Now if she could only figure out where they’d stashed that damn root.

Her cylindrical lamp was designed to concentrate its Glow, but the cavernous darkness easily swallowed its faint white beam. She started down an aisle, checking crate labels, but some of the chicken-scratch print was barely legible. Squinting, she made out the words hyssop seeds on one.

The crates on the shelf beside it were labeled iceberry leaf extract, so she placed her bet on alphabetical arrangement. That meant she wasn’t terribly far from the lyusk root, assuming this place had some.

If it didn’t...

She pushed the thought from her mind and scanned labels as she hurried alongside the shelves, hoping she wouldn’t have to climb up high. Her pulse picked up as she skimmed the L’s: lavender...lion blossom...lotus concentrate...

Magnolia bark...

No!

Maybe it was up high after all. She took a few steps back, raising her lamp over her head to try glimpsing the labels on the upper shelves, but it was no good.

Taking note of her position, she went in search of a ladder, but before she could get far, a rattle echoed through the storehouse.

Someone was opening the gate.

Laura’s heart stopped. She fumbled with the lamp, switching it off, then knelt against a shelf in the dark, hardly daring to breathe.

Okay, good try, drawled a voice, echoing hollowly throughout the room. I know someone’s in here. Let’s not make this harder than it needs to be.

She could see the guard silhouetted in the thin gap between the gates, and to her dismay, he was flanked by two others. They, too, carried Glow lamps, but theirs were much brighter than hers, emitting long beams that cut through the darkness.

They split up, their beams swinging this way and that. As one set of footsteps approached Laura’s hiding place, she chose her moment and bolted, treading lightly as she wound her way through the maze.

She took refuge against a stack of crates near the exit. One guard still stood between her and freedom.

I’ll make you a deal, the guard called out. Quit wasting my time and I’ll consider letting you go without reporting you. Laura briefly considered the offer, but it was probably a bluff. She remained silent, trying not to breathe too hard or to let her nerves gain authority as she waited for her chance to escape.

The first guard’s lamp beam continued to probe into the blackness around him as he stood firm by the gate. Come on. You won’t find me like that. Any second now, one of his friends would make their way around a corner and spot her. She was stuck here until he decided to budge.

After what felt like an hour, he finally did, grumbling to himself as he made his way between two rows of shelves.

She sprinted for the gate. In her haste to get outside, her knapsack caught on the dangling length of chain, which emitted a deafening clatter as it slid to the ground.

Crap!

The guard’s beam honed in on the entrance just as she ducked away.

Hey!

Laura ran for it. Her heart battered against her chest as she skidded around the corner, trying to fight down her rising panic. They were pushing through the gate now. If she could make it into town, she could probably lose them, but she had to get there first.

Adrenaline spurred her forward, her hearing muffled by the rush of air in her ears. They were falling behind, she was sure of it...

And then, without warning, she collided face first into a brick wall.

Except the wall had hands, which closed around her wrists like a vice, resisting her attempts to wrench free.

Alright, pal, said her captor. Fun’s over.

Damn it.

The other two guards caught up, shining their blinding lights into her face, illuminating her failure. She squinted at them as defiantly as she could manage, and they responded by seizing her knapsack and tying her hands behind her back with scratchy rope.

Nothing stolen in here, said one guard, digging around in the knapsack. Not much of a thief, eh?

Get her out of here, said another. Let the Guardians deal with her.

They dumped her unceremoniously onto a rickety supply cart, and with her hands bound, it was a rough landing. A flash of white erupted behind her eyes as her head clashed with coarse wood, and after that, there was blood in her mouth.

It tasted like defeat.

Someone fetched a mule from the nearby stable, and a moment later the cart lurched into motion. Laura mentally cursed herself throughout the sore, splintery ride, trying not to think about the slew of problems she’d just created for herself.

Once they got into town, she was handed over to the Silver Guard as promised. As the official peacekeepers of the Tri-Realm Republic, the Guard were, to most, a symbol of leadership, protection, and upstanding citizenship. Laura grew up admiring that black-and-silver uniform and was ecstatic the day she finally got to don it herself, but at the moment, it was the last thing she wanted to see.

It was only a matter of time now before word of this incident got to her commanding officer. Before her own uniform was taken away for good. She cursed herself again.

Alchemy storehouse, huh? said the Guardian, mild amusement in her tone as she untied Laura’s hands. Must be some fun stuff in there.

Laura dropped her gaze, examining the prickly desert burs caught in the laces of her boots. Yeah, yeah.

Where’re you from?

Silverton. Laura sighed. Listen, my mother’s name is Eva Alvez, and I suppose you ought to send someone to inform her of this. Her mother was not going to be pleased with her, but better someone else broke the news first.

You’re Senator Alvez’s girl? said the Guardian, scanning her. Oh yeah, I see it. Looks like the spikefruit fell a few miles from the tree, huh? She paused to chuckle at her own joke. Let’s getcha back to Silverton, then.

The Guardian took her to the Rift station, which was fortunately quiet this time of night. There were still just enough people around to stare uncomfortably, though, as Laura’s chaperone took her to the front of the line and received clearance to the gate labeled ZASSK–SILVERTON.

Rift gates were the fastest way to travel long distances, and the only way to travel between realms. Suspended within a metal archway, the gate was a translucent, rippling surface, like an upright pool of water. Peering into it, Laura could just make out the blurred figures of people milling about on the other side.

She stepped through, momentarily engulfed in the familiar staticky sensation. Her skin prickled fuzzily, and not a second later, she was in the Rift station in Silverton, the capital city of the Republic and her hometown.

The Guardian led Laura to the local Guard post, though her feet reluctantly carried her there on their own. To her chagrin, astonished faces greeted her as her comrades realized tonight’s offender was one of their own. Pointedly avoiding eye contact, she let herself be escorted into the holding room, not at all in the mood to explain.

The small room was furnished with a half-dozen chairs, a low table offering a few recent copies of Republic News Weekly, and an off-white Glow lamp fixed high on the wall. In all of her years working here, she’d never known how stiff these chairs were.

Time crawled in the silence, making her acutely aware of her pounding headache and the smarting scrape on her temple. Not to mention the constant self-reminders that, for all the trouble she’d gone to tonight, she’d come away empty handed after all.

I’m sorry, Dad. I’ll get that lyusk root for you somehow.

CHAPTER TWO

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Laura’s body groaned in protest as she reluctantly returned to consciousness.

A door was opening. It took her a moment to remember where she was. She’d fallen asleep on her wooden chair in the Guard post’s holding room, slouched into a terrible, spine-twisting position.

Rise and shine, Alvez, said Captain Volken.

She struggled to make her eyes work as her commanding officer filled the doorway, gesturing for Laura to follow him. She wasted no time complying, even if her legs hated her for it.

Volken didn’t wait for her to salute him, merely turned and led her to his little office down the hall. Here, he directed her to have a seat and closed the door behind them, then took up his own spot behind the desk.

A mixture of sympathy and disappointment mingled on his face as he looked her over. You’ve been a fine Guardian. It’s a real shame to see it come to this.

Meeting his eyes was almost physically painful. She knew exactly what this meant. The Silver Guard had high standards for exemplary citizenship in its Guardians, and committing a crime was cause for automatic discharge.

I’m sorry I let it come to this, said Laura.

Volken rubbed his chin. Can you at least tell me why?

She considered it. Explaining herself couldn’t make things any worse, could it? My dad’s sick, Captain, she said. I’ve been trying for a while now to get him some lyusk root, but lately it’s nowhere to be found. And...well, I guess I finally got desperate.

Volken nodded. I knew there had to be an explanation. I really thought they were playing with me when they told me you’d been arrested. He regarded her another moment, then shuffled through some papers, handing a few sheets to Laura. It pains me to do this, but my hands are tied. I’m sorry.

Her jaw clenched as she scanned the document. Sure enough, it was an official statement confirming her discharge from the Guard—complete with a crisp inked stamp at the bottom—along with a summons to the Chamber of Justice.

Your mother’s been informed, as you requested, said Volken. She sent her secretary over to escort you out of here. He’ll be waiting for you out front.

Laura mustered up her dignity and straightened her posture. It’s been a pleasure serving under you, Captain.

Best of luck to you, Alvez.

She rose to her feet and gave him one final salute, fist to chest, before turning and making her exit.

In the anteroom, she was greeted by a clean-cut young man named Landon Khalib, whose typical sunshiny demeanor had been set aside for a thin-lipped look of sympathy.

Ready to go? he said as she approached him.

She fought off the impulse to take a last look around, instead simply nodding and pushing out the door.

It was morning, warm and bright, as the two of them emerged into the cobbled streets of Silverton. The bustle of midweek business was well underway, people of all types hurrying here and there, horses and taurhounds lumbering past with carriages and supply wagons in tow. Between the shops and offices lining the streets stood meticulously pruned trees, fountains, and splashy flowerbeds. Some street corners even boasted statues of mythological figures engraved with proverbs in one of the runic Zasskelli languages.

So, how bad is it? Laura asked, trying to rub a kink out of her neck.

Well, she’s not particularly thrilled, said Landon.

I had to try, she said, a little defensively.

Landon gave her a knowing look, the corners of his mouth twitching up. One of her best friends, he was a tall human with sleek dark hair, a face of sandy beige, and an ever-present grin.

He and Laura had been in lessons together as teens, forming a fast bond, and her mother, Eva, had taken a liking to him when he’d shown an ambitious enthusiasm for politics. Over the last several years, he’d worked his way up to becoming Eva’s personal secretary.

He was also currently Laura’s boyfriend.

Again.

They reached the sprawling pale gray government complex, where they exchanged a quick kiss, and Laura wished him a pleasant remainder of his workday. She opted to make her appearance at the Chamber of Justice to kill some time before heading to her apartment. Her mother would send for her soon enough.

⁂

Laura reluctantly relayed the details of the storehouse incident as Eva listened silently from behind her desk, fingers clasped under her chin. She’d already heard it all, of course, but she’d always been the type to hear every side of the story.

Her mouth was set in a firm line, but her eyes displayed no hint of coldness. Both she and Laura were humans, and they shared a striking resemblance, with their medium-brown complexion, long, pointed nose, and easygoing visage. The biggest difference was that Eva’s dark umber hair fell in shiny, stylish waves around her face. Laura’s mane of frizz betrayed exactly where hair maintenance fell on her priority list.

Is that all? Eva asked when Laura concluded her tale.

That’s all, said Laura, hanging her head. I’m sorry.

Eva sighed. Laura, why? Surely you knew how this was going to end.

I was just trying to help Dad.

And you thought he’d want to see you resorting to theft for him?

Laura bit her tongue. Of course her father didn’t want that, but she’d already exhausted all her other options.

Eva continued. I understand your drive to help him, but this isn’t the way to go about it. You know I hate to see him suffer, but you have to remember, there are a lot of people out there who need and deserve that lyusk root just as much as he does.

Eva was right, of course. How many people out there might have been robbed of medicine that was rightfully theirs if Laura had been successful last night? A fresh wave of shame washed over her.

Laura changed the subject. Have you had a chance to look into the Riftide factories yet? Riftide was the potent, plant-derived substance responsible for powering the Rift gates.

I looked into it, said Eva. All of the inspection reports show that the facilities are up to standards.

Laura leaned closer, casting a glance toward the door. Those reports are obviously rigged.

Oh, Laura. Eva’s eyes fell shut. Please don’t start with this again.

Come on, said Laura. "You have to admit it’s a little convenient. I’m just saying, you could see why they might try to cover their tracks if things were going downhill."

Laura suspected a link between the government-owned Riftide production facilities, such as the one her father worked at, and the recent occurrences of respiratory illness, but the powers that be had yet to confirm it.

I promise you, dear, I’m doing everything I can to look into the issue, said Eva. "Needless to say, though, my own daughter getting arrested and discharged from the Silver Guard is not going to help my efforts."

No, said Laura, looking at her hands. I suppose not.

Eva’s voice softened. You’re a headstrong one, there’s no denying that. At the end of the day, I suppose it’s all a mother could ask for. She gave Laura a small smile. Go on. I’m sure Mr. Khalib will be wrapping up for the day pretty soon.

Laura departed and headed outside to wait for Landon. Sitting at the top of the steps, staring down into the cobblestone plaza laid before her, she watched citygoers milling about and wondered what she was going to do with herself.

⁂

The night air drifting in through the open window carried the mild, hopeful warmth and floral sweetness of late spring as Laura lay staring at the ceiling.

It’s just not fair, she said, her mind atangle once again. Those people don’t have anyone to stand up for them.

Landon pulled his shirt back on. You know that’s not your fault, though, right? It shouldn’t have to be you.

"Well, it’s got to be someone. You’ve seen my dad. I have to help him somehow. I wish I could help all of them."

Hey. Landon sat beside her on the bed. Remember that one senator you said looked like a garbage lord?

Benson. Laura grimaced. I remember him.

His committee oversees funding for the Riftide industry. It couldn’t hurt to write him a letter with your opinions.

It also wouldn’t hurt to have a future senator vouch for me, she said hopefully.

That’s true. Too bad you don’t know any of those. He winked at her.

Fine. She rolled her eyes. Future Supreme Chief, then.

That’s more like it.

She grabbed her shirt and flung it at his face. His mouth fell open in mock outrage as it fell into his hands, and she couldn’t help giggling.

You’re never getting this back now, said Landon with a mischievous smirk.

Will you, though? Help me with this, I mean. Laura sat up. It would mean a lot to me, and to a lot of other people.

You’re not trying to use me, are you, Ms. Alvez?

She flushed. No.

I’m kidding. He laid a large hand on her back. I get where you’re coming from. Really, I get it. But these things are complicated. And anyway, I don’t actually have any power yet, remember?

You might be able to get the ear of someone who does.

I can’t just spend all day badgering politicians, though. I have a lot of work to do, and I doubt they’d listen to me anyway.

Annoyance bit at her. You’re the one who just suggested writing letters.

Landon winced. Damn it. You’re right. Everything has to start somewhere. He scratched his head. Listen, there are a lot of issues out there. And no offense, but they’re a lot more likely to pay attention to ones that are, uh...documented.

She threw an affronted look at him. "Seriously? You’re taking Eva’s side on this?"

Well...

Come on, you don’t seriously believe those inspection reports, do you?

"Look, it really sucks about your dad’s health, I know, but you have to consider that it could be unrelated—"

You’ve got to be kidding me. Look at what they deal with every day! There’s no way it’s unrelated. The Riftide workers handled riftflower—a highly caustic plant—on a daily basis, and as far as Laura was concerned, it didn’t take a genius to make the connection there.

Plenty of production work involves dealing with hazardous materials. That’s what safety precautions are for.

Laura threw her hands up. I give up. She stood, snatching her shirt from him.

Laura, he pleaded, rising to his feet as she dressed herself. I don’t want you to be upset with me. I just have a lot on my plate, and there’s only so much I can do. I can’t bring myself to lie to you.

The dim lighting accentuated the innocence of his boyish face, and the soft spot in her heart for him melted her irritation.

She gave him a light kiss on his lips. I know, she said. This isn’t your fault.

But she was starting to remember why they always broke up.

CHAPTER THREE

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If you could place your card back in the deck, please.

Everyone in the pub watched, transfixed, as Jaz—a chestnut-furred Zasskell—performed her trick. Her volunteer, a young guy with a drunken smirk, slid the card he’d drawn back into the deck that Laura held.

Now, if my assistant would be so kind as to shuffle the deck, said Jaz.

Laura shuffled theatrically for all to see.

Jaz concentrated, closing her eyes and rubbing her paws together. Let me see... She snapped her fingers. A pink fireball flared up in her paw, and when it dissipated, there was a single card left behind. Look familiar?

The drunk guy staggered back a few steps, a look of incredulous amazement on his face as he laughed and confirmed that it was, indeed, his card. The pub exploded into a clamor of cheers and applause.

Thank you, said Jaz, taking a bow before receiving her deck of cards from Laura and pocketing it.

"Okay, you have to tell me how you did that one," said Landon, handing Jaz a drink as the crowd straggled off.

Not a chance, she replied, giving him a fangy smirk before taking a sip. Jaz was Laura and Landon’s other best friend; by day, she baked pastries in a café, but in her free time, she enjoyed a knack for entertaining drunk people.

Laura clapped a hand on Jaz’s shoulder. You’re getting damn good with those pyrotechnics.

Thanks, said Jaz, I think they’re finally starting to cooperate with me.

The pub was abuzz with nightlife, and the three friends had consumed an ample quantity of liquor, leaving the night glowing with possibilities.

Let’s go for a walk, said Landon, draining the bottom half of his drink. Laura and Jaz followed suit, putting their empty cups and a handful of coins on the counter, and went outside. A rainstorm earlier in the day left a chilly, invigorating humidity in the air, and Laura stretched out her aching muscles as she walked.

It’s been way too long since we’ve done this, said Jaz. A member of the Zasskell race, Jaz had the ferret-like face and fur covering that was typical for her people.

C’mon guys, you’re so slow! Landon had gotten ahead of them and was looking around the lamplit, stone-paved streets for their next destination. Pubs and game halls beckoned to them from either side, eager to satiate the thirst of those in search of nightlife, a mosaic of chatter, laughter, and music spilling out the front doors of each one in alternating degrees.

They found themselves in a quieter and darker pub, a cozy retreat with mismatched tables. Laura, heavy limbed with the effects of good ale, was grateful to sit down again.

For a time, the trio drank, joked, and laughed together as they were wont to do, and Jaz entertained them with stories from work. After a particularly amusing tale involving one of her workmates and a zhorberry jelly muffin, Landon got up to fetch another round from the bar.

So, how’s this going? Jaz asked, gesturing to Landon’s back. You guys seem back to your usual ways.

Pretty much. Laura sipped her drink.

Old habits die hard, huh? By the way, what the hell happened to your face?

Laura remembered the scrape on her temple. Oh, that? I, uh...well, I got arrested yesterday.

Jaz’s ears swiveled forward, and she slammed a paw on the table, rattling the cups. How are we just now talking about this?

And so Laura recounted the tale once again.

It took about six guards to hold me down after I’d knocked out the first wave, but eventually they managed to stick a few jolt darts into me, she said as Landon returned to the table.

Jaz laughed. Flawless accuracy as usual, I’m sure. What were you doing breaking into a storehouse, anyway?

Trying and failing to get some lyusk root for my dad. It’s supposed to help with his coughing, but none of the shops have it anymore.

Worth a try, then.

Sort of, said Laura. Except I got booted from the Guard over it, so that’s not great.

Jaz grimaced. Right. I should have known. Sorry, girl.

It’s alright, said Laura, ignoring the twinge in the pit of her stomach. Maybe after I finish my public service hours, I can use all that free time to try and figure out what’s up with those Riftide factories.

Oh yeah, you were telling me about that last time, said Jaz. That’s what’s made your dad sick, right?

I think so. Laura shot a sideways glance at Landon, who was intently swirling his drink. I mean, no one’s totally sure why yet, but this cough mostly seems to be hitting people who work in those places, so there’s obviously something going on there.

Conjecture, muttered Landon, still staring into his glass.

Laura turned to him. What was that?

He sheepishly met her eyes. Then sighed. I’m sorry, Laura, but I just have to say this before you get yourself into more trouble. He spoke cautiously. Sometimes, when a person believes something to be true, they start to see evidence that confirms their beliefs, and it can often be a little...subjective.

It took a moment for his words to sink in, but once they did, Laura’s upbeat mood crumbled like a withered leaf. So, what, we should just forget about it then? Pretend nothing’s wrong?

Jaz’s eyes darted between the two of them. Uh-oh.

Landon’s face fell. Come on, that’s not what I meant. Look, it’s like you just said: there’s no definitive explanation for these symptoms, so we shouldn’t jump to conclusions. Anyway, the inspection reports—

Again with the damn inspection reports! Laura spoke far too loudly, but she barely noticed the stares she was attracting. Nor was she aware of rising to her feet. "You know, it would sure be nice if certain government employees I know gave a single crap about this!"

Laura, said Jaz, laying a hesitant paw on her arm. Settle down. You’re drunk.

Take it up with him. Laura stabbed an accusatory finger at Landon. His face had gone deep red, and judging from the way he looked at her, he was caught between horror and anger.

This isn’t his fault, said Jaz, sternness edging into her tone.

I’m sorry, Jaz, said Landon. I shouldn’t have brought it up—

So we can just go on pretending everything is fine? Like we’re not pissed off at each other? Laura was nearly shouting now. You know what, Landon? You can be a real selfish ass!

After that remark, all three of them were standing. Landon’s expression finally decided on anger. Well, I wasn’t pissed at you before, he said. "But if you insist. I’m selfish, am I? Let’s talk about how you always want me to use my job for things that are important to you! Do you ever even consider what’s important to me?"

The only thing important to you is your oblivious loyalty to your stupid government!

"My stupid government? You mean the one you also worked for until yesterday?"

Laura let out a sarcastic laugh. Oh, that’s low.

You’re always getting mad at me because I can’t magically change the world!

You don’t even try!

A pink flash erupted between them as Jaz’s paw caught fire, making them both flinch. The pub fell silent.

That’s enough, said Jaz.

Laura and Landon glowered at each other. The background chatter picked back up, a few people muttering in fascination about the fireball stunt, but none of the three friends said anything for several long moments. Laura flopped back into her chair.

Jaz sighed. Sounds like you two have some issues to work out. Again... Laura snorted, but Jaz ignored her. As for me, I seem to have caught the attention of a good-looking someone over there. She turned to share a smile with an attractive fellow across the room. I’ll see you guys later. She sauntered off toward her admirer’s table, leaving the other two to themselves.

Laura. Landon sat down, leaning close, his familiar clean-linen scent infiltrating Laura’s senses. I care about you a lot, and you’ll always be important to me. His eyes were hard with resolve, shifting her animosity into cold, creeping doubt. But no matter how much I want it to work, I really don’t think this is meant to be.

It’ll be alright, she said, failing to force the desperation out of her voice. He’d never been the one to suggest that they break up before. It’s just another one of our stupid arguments. We’ll work it out. We always do.

Landon shook his head. Before she could process anything, he was taking her hand in the warmth of his own larger one, giving a gentle squeeze. I don’t think so, he said. He lifted her hand to his face and kissed it.

All of her anger had vanished by then, leaving a horrible, sinking despair in its place. She wanted to beg him to change his mind, but her tongue had turned to stone.

He rose from his chair. I love you, Laura. Take care of yourself.

And with that, he walked out of the pub, leaving her dumbfounded and alone.

CHAPTER FOUR

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The first thing Laura knew as she awoke was the thunderous ache in her head.

It was a sluggish process, waking