Landed Wings - By Skylhur Tranqille Page 0,52

the territory. Know where all the

entrances and exits are, stuff like that.”

“You didn’t do it before today? I thought you had plans or something to study.”

“This isn’t a spy movie Princess. It doesn’t actually work like that. Plus, our organization is small, you know that.”

“I know it’s not a spy movie, but I still don’t see why you didn’t have anything to work with.”

“Look who’s talking about planning – you don’t even have a playlist. Wait – don’t get mad, that’s why we came early. You do your part and let me do mine.”

He’s right, I have to finish putting together my playlist. By the time I am done, I have about seventeen songs. Seventeen is enough. I don’t see Mocha, so I warm up my voice. I only have half an hour until show time.

“Slate?”

I look around backstage for him and find him working with the lights.

“When will I be miked? Also, is there water anywhere?”

“Yeah, the water’s in the back. After you get it, you’ll be miked.”

I get the water and came back. Slate is handling bunches of wires that I assume I am supposed to put on. He gives me the face mike first. Microphones nowadays are free standing, so I only have the little part that is actually put on my dress. He leans in to “check” the mike and make sure it was in place, but when he does he says, without a trace of his former accent.

“Now, I have to mike the rest of you so you can

perform…well tonight. There will be a mike on your hand. Try not to put it up to your mouth because these

microphones are sensitive. We need to be able to hear your conversation with Frost.”

During this whole speech, I am standing as still as possible while he fiddles with the microphone on my face, and secretly places others on. I am very surprised. Aging Slate is one of us.

“That should be good now.”

His accent is back and he winks at me. Slate walks away, whistling. I look around for Mocha again. I want to see if he knows about this. What am I thinking, of course he does. Mocha knows everything. It’s fifteen minutes till show time and people are starting to come in. I peek behind the curtain. There were a few that I recognize, but that’s it. There are about ten so far and they are all dressed glamorously. They all sit on the couch and waiters brought them drinks. I stop looking into the audience just as the door open to admit two new people. I would take no pleasure in performing tonight.

OBSIDIAN

When we arrive, I show my nametag to the doorman and he lets Ivory and I in. There are about ten people already there, but no sign of Raven. I hadn’t really expected to see her at the lounge, but still, I hoped. I see a flash behind the curtains on the stage. It looks like a flash of red. Disappointment comes over me again. It couldn’t have been Raven. The other members of the VWP were lounging on couches, drinking. I look at Ivory. We look so out of place here. We are definitely the only teenagers.

“We should sit down.”

Now that we were actually here, the nervousness and the doubts came back. We sit down on the farthest couch from the others and said nothing for a few moments. No one is paying attention to us, which is surprising since we look so different.

“Did you bring the other stuff? The handcuffs and the

blindfold?”

“No. I decided I wouldn’t need them. I don’t need them. I know Ash, and I know she’ll do anything if I tell her Raven is hurt.”

“Do you really know Ash? Do you really know if she’ll come?”

“Of course Ash will come, how can you even ask that Ivory? She’s completely loyal to us - it’s one of the reasons I fell for her. Because she reminds me of a warrior queen, one who would sacrifice herself for what’s right. I know it sounds stupid, but that’s how I see her.”

Ivory is silent for a moment, then she speaks.

“A warrior princess…lucky Ash. Next thing you’ll start telling me Ash is the one whose helped you be strong enough to be here. Or that only she can help you find your sister. How pathetic. I hope she doesn’t disappoint you. If she has to choose between herself and Raven…well, self-preservation is a strong feeling.”

“What do you have against her, Ivory? I