Page 67 of Soulmateless
Through tears, I scan the room. I can't keep lollygagging in this death hole. Do I have a death wish?
I need to leave for Caelestia. There's no reason to stay. Amias won't change. There's no hope for me here. I need to leave before I'm discovered and killed
At least there, I'd be with people who think I'm just as humane as them.
Chapter 26
Amias
“Next question!” A professor announces as I scribble down notes.
Glaide's professor invited us to a panel about dreamscreechers. Unfortunately, Glaide had
homework for his other courses so he couldn't join me. So I've come by myself. It is a late night panel, with two more world class professors discussing dreamscreechers with Dr. Fitz. Now people are asking questions in the large amphitheater as I write down notes.
I skim over my notebook, set on my pale blue dress pants that match my suit jacket. I've been writing everything to gain more knowledge on dreamscreechers.
“They want you to keep your mouth shut because youaren't a scientist, Amias. You're a stupid naive little boy. You don't know shit!”
Clara's words whisper in the back of my head. I force my foot down from tapping. I've tried to forget those ideas but they keep coming back to the dreamscreecher I encountered.
That one didn't seem evil. Is that enough to prove anything?
No. I shouldn't be questioning it. There's scientific evidence.
But the evidence still doesn't satisfy me. It's science! What's wrong with me?
A professor on stage interrupts my thoughts. “We still should remain cautious of dreamscreechers.
"Next question!"
How do you know those genes are linked to violent behavior?
That's the question that's on my tongue. I roll my tongue in my mouth, as if it’s a scroll I could put in a cabinet. He already answered that question. I should just be satisfied.
But I can't help but keep wondering if I'm being thatgood little boyor if I'm just being logical? All of this feels wrong.
Maybe, I can get a more satisfying answer, or some reassurance that I'm right. Something to keep my mind at peace.
I guess there's only one way to find out.
I gulp as I stand up and raise my hand. The person holding the glowing ball gasps, as he whispers my name in excitement! He comes between the rows of seats I'm in and hands over the glowing amplifier
"Um… so…" People start staring my way, and I sink into my shoulders. I force my foot down when the amplifier picks up its tapping.
With all eyes on me, doubts overpower my confidence. What if I look stupid? Everyone knows that dreamscreechers are evil. We've known for centuries. How am I even questioning it? Especially in front of people who've dedicated their lives to studying dreamscreechers?
Would it be wrong to question the immorality or monsters that killed Sabina's family? Or the creatures that were made in spite of my Grandmother? Or other victims that have suffered?
I let out a deep breath. It's too late. I'm in it now. “How…How do you guys know that gene DS52 is what makes them violent?"
The three geneticists look at each other. Dr. Fitz has the first words, showing off his not so pearly whites. "As you and I have discussed, we've studied this DNA for years and compared their genetics across the different animals and humans of course. We discovered a strand that isn't quite like the other genes. They link to their thoughts and behavior according to the section of DNA it resides, and seeing as other creatures don't have it, and through other studies and experiments, we've been able to conclude that it is indeed what makes them uniquely violent."
I give a slow nod. "What if… it's a different kind of behavior gene? Of course they would act a little differently if they're shifters.”
"As mentioned, we know this by the other DNA that surrounds it," Dr. Fitz says. “Other genes link up much more to those of humans and pumas, and these genes-"
"Is there a specific experiment you can name?” I ask.
