Total pages in book: 149
Estimated words: 138217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138217 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Memory exhaled next to him. “I’ve been liaising with the Es dealing with the patients on the Island. I’m sorry, Pax”—kindness, because whether she liked him or not, Memory was an E—“the Syndrome is still running rampant through their minds. It’s just been contained to those minds rather than being allowed to leak into the network.”
Disappointment tasted like ashes, he thought, dull and dusty.
Once upon a time, he wouldn’t have acknowledged his reaction. Because once upon a time he’d put on the act of being the perfect graduate of Silence. Such a good act that he’d almost convinced himself of his lie.
But the truth was that he’d been born loving his twin, and that love had never died. He’d cut out his heart, sacrifice himself without a thought if it would save Theo. That he hadn’t been able to protect her from their grandfather was the greatest guilt of his life.
“Thank you for telling me,” he said to Memory, the ashes drifting in his vision as they floated up, motes from a distant fire.
“I wish I had more positive news.” True sadness in her tone. “You’re better than I thought you were once, Pax,” she said unexpectedly. “I feel it, you know, your love for Theo, your need to protect her. I wish I had a solution for you—and for every other victim of the Syndrome.”
Pax fisted his hands on the physical plane, struggling against the vulnerability of being seen so clearly. And yet, there was a freedom in that, too. He didn’t have to pretend. “I’m setting systems in place for after my death, so that the worst of our family can’t harm her.”
But there was only so much he could do in advance. “Will you do me one final favor after I’m gone and keep an eye on her situation?” Memory was a SnowDancer, the wolves’ power a feral and dangerous thing.
Theo would be safe under their watch.
“Yes,” the empath said without hesitation, her mental voice thick with emotion. “But we’re not done yet. Don’t give up.”
“No, I intend to fight to the bitter end.” Until the madness wrapped in a beautiful promise of power ate up every last piece of who he could’ve been in another life.
Each and every day, that lying promise whispered in his ear, telling him he could be more, he could be everything, he could be the center of the Net if he only let go and set the power free . . .
Chapter 15
Dear D,
And the letter writing tradition continues! Today’s stationery is from a company called Visions. I thought that was apt, given that my big brother is a foreseer.
I meant to ask—did you foresee that our parents would decide to adopt two little boys after seeing their story on the news? They’re such adorable little munchkins. I’m excited to be the elder sibling for once! Fingers crossed the adoption process goes smoothly.
I’ve just received word from the company that they want me to head a project in Zürich for the next six months. That’ll mean a delay in my wedding to Kanoa, but he’s excited about getting a chance to play in Switzerland. He’s already put out feelers with the orchestras there, and given his reputation and experience, chances are high he’ll soon have an offer.
I’ll send you our new address in Zürich once I have it, and of course I expect you to visit me again. I loved having you and Marian stay with me in Paris. I know it’ll be different this time, with Kanoa in the mix, but you two already get along like a house on fire—and Marian is my soul sister. I know we’ll have a blast.
I’m assuming you haven’t seen the Silence questionnaire they’re sending out through the PsyNet, so I am attaching a copy for you. There are a number of thoughtful questions in there, big brother.
Love from your little sister, Hien
—Letter from Hien Nguyen to Déwei Nguyen (1 September 1973)
BEFORE THEO COULD get back inside Yakov’s rugged vehicle, he grabbed something from the back passenger seat and said, “Here. You’re cold.”
It was a leather-synth jacket in a deep shade of brown. Lined with what looked like fleece, it’d be incredibly warm. She wanted to grab at it, but kept her hands to her sides. “I have a coat in my luggage.”
“Which it’ll take you a while to open up and find,” he pointed out. “Take the jacket. I only use it when it’s snowing. You might as well get use out of it.”
Theo shivered again, then felt her eyes narrow when he raised an eyebrow. Suddenly, she wanted to reject the jacket just because he looked so smug. So much like . . . like a bear! Which was utterly irrational. Then again, part of the reason her grandfather had so disliked her was that she was irrational. The most irrational member of the family.