“Father Sampson believes you have forgotten everything?”
“Yes, but more importantly, I’m ingrained with his propaganda. When I hear negative comments about Sampson or Pria, I immediately refute it. I’ve kept up my act perfectly since I was thirteen. Have you seen me at the Day of Genesis?”
Alina couldn’t help laughing. “Yes, and you’re a little over the top. Father Sampson might still suspect you.”
“Nah, he has no reason not to trust me. I obey, I perform, and he gets the results he wants from me. That’s why sending you to me was the best plan Jade and I made. We arranged it before she was put under surveillance. It’s also why you must act fully convinced of your immortality and loyalty to Sampson. If he buys it, we keep you out of Gordian longer—and we need more time. We’ve been working on a plan for years, but it’s too risky to execute right now.”
Alina’s eyes grew wide. “You have a plan? What is it?”
Rex sealed his lips and shook his head.
Alina sighed and thought for a moment. “So, if I’m mortal, I’m not a bad experiment after all?”
“Huh?”
She explained Miss Rhonda’s lecture. Rex shook his head and laughed bitterly. “So good ol’ Samps saw people noticing you and decided to make up a cruel explanation for your differences.” He gritted his teeth. “How I hate that man.”
Alina inhaled as tears sprang to her eyes. Miss Rhonda was wrong! She hid her face in her hands.
Rex scooted near her on the couch and put his hand on her back. “Why don’t you go home and put Jade’s mind at ease. I’m sure she’s beside herself. We can meet again another day and I will explain more.”
Alina lifted her head. “I’m okay, I want to hear more right now.”
“No, you’ve stayed long enough. You must be careful on the way home. It’s likely you’ve been followed.” Rex stood up and peeked through the blinds again. “I don’t see anyone, but I know they’re close by.”
“Who, exactly?”
“Sampson’s officials. Don’t be afraid,” he rushed. “Fear will give you away. They may approach and ask a few questions. Tell them in your most convincing voice you know you’re immortal and express your loyalty to Pria. Go home and tell Jade, too. She’ll know we had a good discussion.”
Rex noticed the apprehension on her face. “Don’t worry! They won’t want to make a scene, either.” He led her to the door, put his hand on the doorknob and paused. “One more thing. When you talk to Jade, don’t be emotional about this. Today you’ve learned a lot about her and what she’s done for you. But remember, Sampson doesn’t want you to bond with her. If you grow closer because of this, he’ll notice right away.” Alina chewed her lip and nodded, and Rex swung open the door.
“Thanks for the visit, Alina,” he projected as she stepped onto the porch. “Promise me, you’ll come to the feast tomorrow and bring Jade. I’ve always wanted to get to know her better. You’ll persuade her to come, right?”
“I will. Thank you,” she said, surprised at the calm in her voice.
“Goodbye, sweetheart,” he said in a sugary tone.
“Goodbye, Rex.”
His mouth stretched into a dazzling smile as he waved and shut the door. His pretense was solid and convincing. She pictured him now behind his door, darting anxiously to the window to watch her leave.
She slowed her steps and lifted her chin to mask the worry in her eyes. If confronted now, would she hide her emotions well? Too many thoughts swirled in her brain, but a clear picture began to form—the product of many pieces falling into place.
There was Jade and her distance; Pierce moving abruptly after the tree climbing incident; Miss Rhonda’s unusual biology lesson, and the bathroom at school no one else used. There was Father Sampson glaring at her and Jade at the Day of Genesis celebration. Was he always watching?
Before long, she spotted them—two men behind her, dressed in casual clothes. Though absorbed in their own conversation, they quickened their pace to overtake her. She fought a sudden urge to run, and her muscles tightened in preparation. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. If she appeared happy about her visit with Rex, maybe they would leave her alone. Slowing her steps, she started humming Pria’s anthem, but the notes didn’t sound right. She could never carry a tune.
She turned the corner to Aiona Avenue and released a long breath. The men were out of sight, for now. She would soon be home.
She risked a glance behind her, and the two men came into view. Don’t appear anxious. Pausing her steps, she bent over to examine the flower garden of a large mansion, when someone called her name.
Her heart stopped when she looked up. Zaiden stood in the garden not far from her.
The men came closer. A few more steps and they would be within hearing distance.
Alina fluttered her eyelashes. “How are you, Zaiden? I want to thank you for helping me feel better today. I had a beastly day, but I’m much better now.” She giggled, then held her eyes closed for a moment. She sounded like the flighty girls from school. Of course. That’s the point.
He hesitated before speaking. “Oh, good, I’m glad. I’ve been thinking about you today and about what happened—” his eyes glanced down the road and narrowed. The men nodded a stiff hello as they passed and continued talking between themselves.
Alina no longer cared about the men. Zaiden had been thinking
