I was six when all this happened, but I don’t recall anything, likely because it coincides with my father, and that leaves me blank.
“You will learn how we behaved before this time to understand our behaviors after this devastation. The man who changed all our lives was named Tony ‘Totem’ Lopez, he earned his name ‘Totem’ from the disaster he caused and his ability to elude justice, because to this day Tony Lopez has evaded death, and we will continue to prepare for his return.”
I look to Red, and she glances back offering a shrug, because she knows as much as me about this.
“We will begin with an overview of our current structure. The six buildings enforce the hierarchy ensuring everyone knows their place and does not attempt to overstep their reach but continues to honor their bloodlines and commitment to Featherstone.
There are eight bloodlines who hold access to the top, known as The Ring. Rivera, Steele, O’Shay, Fuse, **BEEP**, Dietrichson, Gibbs and Morgan.
What the hell was that beep? I couldn’t hear the name.
Wait.
Shit.
I glance in Parkers direction and his hands are clenched fists on the table in front of him. How degrading to publicly ensure his surname is not uttered in his presence.
They are not worthy of him.
Not a single ounce.
I can’t help but want to offer him my support. Placing my hand on his arm I squeeze gently. He slowly relaxes his tensed posture and places his hand on top of mine, crushing it like it’s a lifeline.
He slides my hand down his arm, allowing him to clasp it between his.
This isn’t good. I didn’t know what I was doing last time, it just happened. Now I feel pressure to make him better, but I don’t know how.
I look at him, and I’m surprised he tilts his head in my direction. His eyes are dark, but he’s not lost in there, not fully anyway, like yesterday.
“Phone,” I mouth to him and he just looks down at his blazer.
I take that as my hint and use my other hand to find his inside pocket, pulling his phone out. It’s locked, so I press the phone against his thumb, unlocking it.
I pause a moment, his home screen is a picture of the four guys. They’re relaxed, smiling and they look happy.
That is some photo.
Remembering what I’m actually supposed to be doing I search for Romans number and type out a text with my left hand, fuck this could take forever.
Parker: Hey, it’s Luna. Parker needs you. He’s not as bad as yesterday, but I don’t know what to do without drawing attention to him.
The response is immediate.
Roman: What happened? What color are his eyes? Is he fidgeting at all?
Fuck, right erm…
Parker: They were listing off the eight names of Ace and when it came to his family name there was a really loud beep played over it.
Parker: I can’t really tell his eyes because they’ve got the lights off, but they’re dark, not as dark as yesterday but close.
Parker: He isn’t fidgeting. His legs are still, his hands were clenched but now they’re gripping my other hand like his life depends on it and I think I’ve lost feeling.
The video’s still playing but I have no idea what’s going on. Yet again my focus is on something it shouldn’t be. I’m my own worst enemy here.
Roman: Do not let go of his hand. You’re clearly keeping him grounded even if it’s the smallest amount. I’ll be there ASAP, but it may be the end of class before I do.
I don’t bother to respond, it’s too hard and he’s on his way anyway. Parker seems content on squeezing the life out of my hand, but otherwise he isn’t doing anything.
I look to my left at Red, she can see something is going on. Questions of concern float in her eyes, and I offer her a small smile, before trying to focus on the screen.
That is why we have The Ring, they control the head of Featherstone, ensuring the right decisions are made, but even their bloodlines do not just get instant access to sit at The Ring’s table. Featherstone laws state that for a chance to stand for The Ring you must first compete in The Games. The Games determine the strong from the weak, and in a controlled environment other names can make a play, but it’s life or death inside there. You may enter up to groups of six, or solo, or not at all. Unless you are an Ace, then the bylaws state you MUST enter The Games.
What the fuck was that? What does that even mean? I don’t want to enter any games. I don’t want to be forced to fight for a place at a table I want to be as far away as possible from.
The video stops and the lights are turned on.
“Thank you very much class, that is all for today. Your assignment is to learn something about your bloodline that you did not previously know. Be it from the library or asking them directly, but I want it for next week. Dismissed.”
I look to Parker and he manages to offer me a half smile.
“Hey, you think we can make it outside, or do you want to wait here for Roman?”
“Move out of my fucking way you idiots,” roars Roman from the other side of the door.
“Never mind the grumpy bastard’s here now,” I say with an exaggerated eye roll, and it actually earns me a small chuckle.
I squeeze his hand back and relax a little. Roman storms over and crouches down on the other side of Parker.
“Hey buddy, you okay?”
He doesn’t move his eyes from me but
