You must not have paid close attention. The Minister gave orders for all halfs to be searched, but not his stepdaughter . I doubt he will be pleased to know you three disobeyed him. Seths gaze fell over me. Why have you not helped her up yet?
The Guard who had spoken darted forward and gently placed me on my feet.
Apologize to her. All of you.
Surprised, I looked at Seth. He was being serious. He actually wanted them to apologize for doing their jobs. And the way he looked, well, he looked like he wanted to physically make them sorry. There was something unstable in his eyes. Seth, thats not
Be quiet, Alex. I want to hear them apologize.
My brows shot up. Excuse
Im sorry, Miss Andros, the male Guard interrupted, as pale as a daimon. I beg your pardon.
Seth looked pointedly at the other Guards. The female Guard limped forward, apologizing profusely. When I nodded, they filed out of the room, leaving Seth and me alone for a few moments.
You didnt have to make them apologize, Seth. They were just doing their jobs. You didnt
He stood directly in front of me, moving so fast I hadnt even registered it. He caught the edge of my chin with the tips of his fingers, looking me over. My cheek felt a little tender, but I doubted it would bruise. A thank you would be nice. I did stop them, you know.
I shifted uncomfortably. Thanks.
Seth arched a brow as he tipped my head back. You could also sound like you mean it.
I do mean it, but you embarrassed them.
He dropped my chin, seeming pleased that I didnt screw up my face. You beat the Guards up when they were just doing their jobs. I guess were even.
Dammit. Seth had a point. I sighed. Did Lucian really order them not to search me?
Yes, but apparently he wasnt clear enough.
But what about the other halfs? They shouldnt have to go through that. Instead of answering, he reached out and straightened the collar of my shirt. It must have come down during my fight, exposing the tags covering my neck. Seth, what about them?
Dropping his hand, he shrugged. I dont know. I only have enough room in my head to be concerned about myself and you.
I snickered. Im surprised you have any room to think about anyone but yourself.
The smug grin was back. Me too. I dont think I like it, actually. He dropped his arm over my shoulders and steered me toward the exit, pass the halfs waiting outside and the cold looks of anger from the pures.
Aiden ended practice early that evening. We didnt speak much, but I could tell he had heard about whatd happened earlier. The only bright spot of the evening was when I ended up getting to eat dinner with Caleb. The news had already traveled to him and probably the rest of the Covenant.
How much trouble did you get in? Caleb asked.
I shrugged and dipped a fry into a glob of mayo. None, actually. Lucian had ordered them not to search me.
Caleb cringed as I stuck the mayo-covered fry in my mouth. Youve been touched by the gods. I swear.
Touched in more ways than one, I cracked. Wheres Olivia?
Can you dip your fries in something normal, like ketchup?
I swirled my fry in the mayo gleefully. And wheres Olivia?
Caleb leaned the chair back on two legs, sighing. Shes mad at me about yesterday. We got into an argument this morning.
Oh. You guys fighting?
I guess so. Its stupid. Anyway, any news about the daimon?
I told him what Seth had said about more half-bloods being attacked and turned. Caleb
had the same reaction as I did: disbelief and anger. Sometimes I really, truly believed that the Councils would run better if half-bloods had control. We seemed to have better critical thinking skills and more common sense.
After a few moments, Caleb spoke. You know, I think what you did was pretty awesome.
I shrugged, thinking about how embarrassed the Guards had seemed. Thanks. But it doesnt feel pretty awesome now.
Caleb raised his brows. Well, its got everyone talking and thinking. None of us want to go through with this. We think it was brave.
It wasnt brave. Stupid maybe, but not brave.
No, he insisted. It was brave.
Caleb, you know the pures will go crazy if we start really, really pushing them. One half refusing a strip search is one thing, but dozens? Thats treason to them. You know what they do when youre suspected of treason.
The determined look gave his blue eyes an unfamiliar edge. Like I said, I think things have to change around here.
I leaned forward. Caleb, dont get in trouble.
Why are you arguing with me about this, Alex? You stood up to them today, but you sound like you dont think any of us should. Why? Only youre allowed to, and the rest of us should just go along with whatever they want?
No. Thats not what Im saying at all. Its just that this is serious, Caleb. Its not about sneaking into rooms or leaving the Island. People could get expelled or worse.
You didnt.
Yeah, well Im different. And and Im not saying that to be like Im super cool, either. The only reason Im not in trouble is because Lucian stepped inwhy, I dont know. But you guys will get in trouble.