you did? You can’t blame people for asking questions. You’re an anomaly.”
I drop my gaze, analyzing the sands of the concrete table.
“So, you all should know that I do hate him...,” I pause for effect. Emi, Glera, and Katarii all look at me like I have the plague while Savvy continues popping potatoes into her mouth, as she’s accustomed to my open distaste for vampires. “...so then are you assuming he feels differently about me?”
I suddenly recall him catching me this morning and how he took me to the infirmary last night. Emi offers a shrug, uncommitted to any real answer while the others remain silent. None of them know what to make of it and the thought only sickens me.
Although their opinions influence me to consider every possibility, I still can’t fully wrap my mind around this particular idea. Zein’s still blackmailing me after all, like the raging ass that he is.
“That’s what Anaya thinks,” Emi explains. “Which is why she’s not taking too kindly to you.”
“I thought so.” Savvy says with a smirk in between her bites, which suddenly makes me feel left out of the loop.
“Why would she care?” I ask.
“Because our—her heart has been set on him,” Emi answers quietly. “Anaya’s in love with Lord Zein and is really proud of how much he trusts her.”
“In love?” I nearly choke on the word, realizing this is the first time I’ve heard it used in that way before.
Emi looks around to make sure the topic of gossip isn’t in earshot of anyone else. The rest of us teeter on the edge of our seats as she leans in.
“Anaya has always wanted a different sort of relationship with Lord Zein, but he won’t have it—with anyone. While most of the other leaders find no fault in using their supply units for other things… Lord Zein will not.”
“Why do you think that is?” Katarii asks.
Emi shrugs. “Master Gemini thinks he’s too good-natured, Master Narref thinks he’s far too proud.”
“I’m siding with Narref,” I mutter.
“Anaya is the oldest supply unit to ever live here at thirty-three years old,” Emi continues. “She’s worked her way to becoming head of supply, to get closer to Lord Zein, and… well, she’s terrified of what’s to come.”
“Oh. Becoming a breeder at Saya,” I say. A rush of sympathy cools my anger toward Anaya. Every supply unit must have at least two healthy offspring before their death, or the patron is penalized, I recall from my studies. And over a certain age, it’s almost impossible for human females. “So, Zein must send her to Saya. He must send everyone to Saya… eventually.”
Emi nods.
“At that age, she must really be the only one Zein trusts then,” Katarii remarks, her eyes falling. “Saya is very much a worthwhile purpose, but what supply unit wouldn’t want to stay with her master for the rest of her life?”
The others nod while I purse my lips. I don’t get it. I can’t not get angry talking about this and here they are, discussing it with tones of appreciation? I exhale as I remember that it’s the brainwashing talking through them; thinking for them. But the fact fastens me to my mission. If I don’t find some way to get out of here, I’ll eventually be sent to Saya, too. There’s no way around it, for any of us.
“Well, Anaya doesn’t have to worry about me,” I say, finally. “I should be more concerned about Saya than she is, honestly.”
Savvy gives me a pitying look, but it’s unnecessary.
I’m going to get out of here one way or another. I study my oldest and truest friend, the cracks in her posture and face, how the realities of our world have put a dent in her optimistic nature. Maybe there’s a way to convince her to come with me. I have to find a way.
Emi gently picks at her plateful of strawberries and grains. “I will definitely relay the information. Hopefully this will make things better between you and Anaya.” She shifts the mood. “Why don’t we all get to know each other a bit more? I can teach you all a really fun card game that I made, and we can all go to the outer rec area and soak up the first rays of daylight before curfew.”
“Sounds fun.” Savvy smiles after swallowing a huge bite of potato. She’s always been the socialite. Glera and Katarii also utter notes of agreement.
“Okay,” I say, but I’m not buying it. Emi has a ribbon