asked, scowling across the aisle at the sleeping figure of Taron.
Alex laughed quietly. “The thing you have to understand about Taron is that he is very passionate about our cause and about Holderkind in general. It can sometimes make him seem…”
“Like an ass?” I suggested.
“Something like that,” he chuckled, “but don’t worry, it’s not you.”
“Sure seems like it is.”
“I know, but he means well. He has been with Jocelyn longer than any of us, and his ability has been very helpful over the years. It’s called Discerning, meaning he is basically a human lie detector. He can tell instinctively if someone is telling the truth, or lying, or if their words or actions have been compelled by mind control.”
“Yeah, well helpful or not, I don’t trust him.”
“Give it time,” Alex smiled.
Happy to change the subject I asked, “So, are you all are born with this? Does that mean there are super babies running around?”
“Yes and no. Yes, we are born this way, but no,” he smiles as though he is genuinely amused by my stupid comments, “there are no super babies. Once a Holder reaches adulthood, which is usually somewhere between fourteen and sixteen, they have what we call an Awakening, at which point their ability becomes active. Before that, they are almost entirely normal, except for the occasional glimpse of the ability they will one day have. For instance, when I was younger I would sometimes see things that weren’t really there.”
“And Ryland hears voices,” I said, talking more to myself than to him. “Voices that are actually thoughts.”
He smiled, seeming happy that I understood. “Exactly. Though, I will tell you that his case is somewhat extreme. Normally we wouldn’t expect someone so young to hear any more than the occasional whisper or impression. The fact that he is hearing full sentences is sort of a big deal.”
“Like, ‘big deal’ as in bad?”
“No, he’s fine; it’s nothing to worry about. This is a part of the story that we’re not going to get into tonight, but just suffice it to say that Ryland is very special.”
Something in his tone seemed a little off and instantly piqued my interest. “Meaning…?”
“We’ll get to that soon, but not tonight,” he chuckled. “We have to get to St Brigid’s first. There are a few things there you need to see before that part of the story will make any sense.”
“But there’s nothing wrong with him, right?”
“No,” he said looking me in the eyes with so much warmth and honesty that for a second I forgot what I’d asked him, “I promise.”
“OK,” I whispered, with an entirely uncalled for sigh.
God, I really was becoming one of those girls…
“Maybe you should get some sleep,” he said, looking down suddenly.
“I know I should,” I said, looking away, pretending to readjust the blanket on my lap, “but I don’t think it’s on the cards tonight.”
“Try,” he said, looking up with another smile that was not fake, but not quite happy. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”
“Right,” I nodded, sad that he was leaving. As he stood to go, I remembered something. “Alex?” He turned back to me with a small smile that seemed… tired? I wasn’t sure. “I’ve been meaning to apologize for how horrible I was to you that day at the house.”
He had his hand in the air to stop me before I’d even finished. “Don’t,” he said, very seriously. “Don’t ever apologize for that.” He paused for a moment, his eyes, though still serious, grew soft. “I think it’s amazing that you are willing to do anything to protect your brother. With the way we are, being different, people, even family members, don’t usually understand. He’s lucky to have you. I wish…” he looked away for a moment, then steadily back at me, and once again I was pulled into his stormy colored eyes. “I wish I’d had someone like you.”
Before I could respond he was gone, and I was left to try and sleep over the roar of my own thoughts.
5
Before I even realized I’d fallen asleep, I felt a hand shaking my arm. “Wake up! We’re almost there!” I cracked one eye open to see a freckle-faced little carrot top with about the worst bed-head I’d ever seen.
“Go away,” I mumbled, hugging my pillow closer and snuggling in.
“Look!” he said, climbing on top of me to lift up my window shade.
“You stink, get off me!” I moaned, pushing him onto the floor and sitting up.