Wings of the Walker - CoraLee June Page 0,206

returns from a mission, people gather along the sides of the roads to welcome him home. It’s somewhat of a required tradition here in Ethros, but that’s the extent of it,” she explained warily while tracing her fingers over the delicate material of the dress Cavil gave me.

“The only time he throws parties is when there’s an execution.” Dominique walked over to Jules with her brow furrowed.

I sat there for a moment, contemplating the reality of all that would happen in the next thirty-six hours. Josiah was going to die, and it was hard connecting the man I knew with the man he was while simultaneously feeling grief for the unfairness of it all.

“And what exactly is my role to be at this party?” I asked. Nothing about Cavil was safe. Dominique and Jules looked back at me for a while. I wasn’t prepared for the words that finally came out of Dominique’s mouth:

“You are there for Cavil and whatever purpose he has for you. The sooner you accept that, the less pain you will endure.”

I put the dress back in its box, unwilling to look at it anymore. It was beautiful, but touching it felt like Cavil was touching me. Involuntary shivers went up my spine. I looked at Dominique for a while, contemplating the words I wanted to say. I’ve always been too empathetic. Always a little too attached.

“I’m sure you know by now that we are going to try and leave,” I said in a nonchalant tone while folding my hands in my lap.

There was no surprise on Dominique’s face. I knew she had eyes and ears all over Ethros. “I figured as much,” she replied. She threw me an amused smile before continuing. “I look forward to watching you fail.”

“It doesn’t have to be like that, Dominique,” I replied. Didn’t she understand? Didn’t she want to fight for her life? Or was she happy living as Cavil’s Companion? In some ways, I understood her. Hell, back in Stonewell Manor I was her. I just wished I could instill some of the Dormas way of life into her personality. I understood that those that don’t want to be saved, can’t be saved. But there was still a part of me desperate to try.

“When Maverick finalizes the rejection cure, it will make the vaccine obsolete. Do you know what that means? It means we’re all going to be Walkers. There will no longer be this insane hierarchy that dehumanizes Walkers and twists us into whatever our Holders want. This is your opportunity to find freedom, Dominique.”

Jules watched our back and forth with a sad smile. I think she enjoyed watching me assert myself. Each time I broke down, it somehow strengthened our bond.

“That was a nice speech, girl. I truly feel motivated.” Dominique clapped enthusiastically, the applause fake and forced. “I’ve spent what feels like an eternity watching men and women much better than you fail and die at the hands of Cavil and Lackley. You’re stuck. Forgive me if I don’t run and jump off that bridge you’re trying to build.”

Dominique turned and began her descent downstairs, pausing just before she slipped out of sight. “But…” Dominique said with a sigh. “I think it would be fun to watch you try.” Dominique looked over her shoulder then produced a red lipstick tube from her pocket, then used it to write four numbers on the white wall next to her.

4-7-9-6

She then slid her hands over her lips before saying, “I guess I inherited Cavil’s bloodlust. I like watching people destroy themselves. I’d say good luck, but we both know I don’t mean it.” And with that ominous statement, she disappeared down the stairs, and the front door of the lab slammed shut as she made her dramatic exit.

“In the future, Walker? Just say thanks for the dress,” Jules said with a wink. She moved over to my box to inspect my dress when all of a sudden she hunched over in pain while coughing up blood.

“Maverick!” I yelled, rushing over to Jules and cradling her shoulders just as she fell to the floor. She leaned back against me as loud footsteps ascended the stairs.

“What’s wrong?” Jacob asked. He was the first to arrive upstairs, and his eyes immediately went to searching the room for the source of our distress. Once he saw me cradling Jules, he bent down to assess her.

“What happened? Is she okay?” Jacob asked.

Behind him, Maverick jogged up the stairs and followed suit. He took