Broken Knights (Gifted Academy #4) - Michelle Hercules Page 0,74

but the sheepish expression he’s sporting now is adorable. If only we didn’t have to save the world.

“Where are we going?” I turn in my seat as much as the constraints of the seat belt allow.

Jodie passes over her cell phone to me. “My phone is working now, but the signal is weak. You should try contacting your mother, Morpheus.”

I take the phone from her, then pass it to him.

“If the signal is weak, that means the lightning-glass is working.” Bryce slings his arm across my shoulders, casually placing his hand on my forearm. He caresses me absentmindedly, but I’m all too aware of his touch.

“And Chaos is not on our tail.” Renata looks out the window. “My parents must be freaking out. It’s been days since Gifted Academy got taken over by Neo Gods.”

“Maybe you can call them after Morpheus is done with the phone,” Toby suggests.

“No!” Xavier and Jodie say at the same time.

“I’m sorry, kid, but there’s no way to know your parents haven’t sided with Neo Gods or aren’t under their surveillance. We can’t risk it,” Xavier adds in a softer tone.

“I know.” Renata drops her gaze to her lap.

“Mom?” Morpheus speaks into the phone. “Are you there? I can’t hear you very well.”

“Put the call on speaker,” Phoenix pipes up.

The signal is breaking up, and we can’t make out the words Mrs. Malek is saying.

“You’re too close to the fumes. Trade places with me,” I say.

We make the switch, which gives Bryce and Phoenix unhappy puppy faces. I roll my eyes. Boys.

“Morpheus, I’ve been worried sick about you,” her voice comes out more clearly now. “I saw on the news that cops were killed near the safe house.”

“Yes, they came for Phoenix. Mom, we’re on the run and need a place to stay ASAP. We need your help.”

“I was afraid that would come to pass. I made calls after I dropped you off at the safe house. How far are you from Saturn’s Bay?”

“Three hours, at least,” he replies.

“I’ll text you an address. Please, stay far away from Norm neighborhoods. It isn’t safe.”

“How is the situation now?” I ask.

“Oh, is that you, Daisy?”

“Yes, it’s me.”

“Not great. The Neo Gods came out in full force. They also had help from Fringe criminals. Those poor children.” Her voice cracks at the end, making me choke up.

Tears gather in my eyes, brought forth by a mix of sorrow and rage. Unmaking those bastards is not enough. I want them nuked from the face of the Earth.

Rosie whimpers softly behind me, earning Toby’s attention. He turns in his seat but doesn’t make a comment.

“It’s okay, honey. They’re going to pay for all their sins,” Felicity comforts my sister.

“Yes. Yes they will,” I say.

29

Phoenix

After three gruesome hours without breaks inside a crowded van, we finally arrive at the destination Mrs. Malek gave us. It’s in an industrial area, but judging by the conditions of the buildings, we’re not in Idol-controlled territory. The painting is fading on some facades, but it’s not so completely terrible that I’d suspect those buildings belong to Norms. I don’t really think they can afford to own anything.

Xavier parks in front of a warehouse with faded gray walls. There’s a ramp leading to a great rusty metal gate in the loading area and a door next to it that almost blends in with the wall. No signs of any kind. The parking lot is completely empty too.

“Where are we?” I ask.

“We’re in Flaunders, east of downtown,” Xavier replies. “I thought most of these warehouses were abandoned.”

“Why would they be deserted?” Daisy asks.

“Sometimes a business area just dies for no obvious reason,” Jodie pipes up.

Rufio snorts. “Yeah, right. There’s always a reason, and you bet your ass Idols are behind it.”

“Excuse me?” Jodie says with a stern motherly tone.

“Oh, drop the act, Mother. Like you can expect respect from me.”

I whistle. “Boy, that escalated fast.”

“Everyone quit bickering. You’re giving me a headache,” Xavier grumbles.

“It could be the fumes,” Renata replies. “I’ve had one for the past hour.”

“I’m going to text my mother and tell her we’re here,” Morpheus says from next to me.

He had to trade places with Daisy so he could use the phone, and we never switched back. Another reason I’m sour.

A minute later, his mother walks out of the building through the small door. The wind is howling outside, which makes me wonder if it’s a natural occurrence or if Chaos has followed us here. Mrs. Malek’s curly hair is flapping wildly around her