The excitement in the room rises as they realize we’re going to take the offensive. Crowding around the map, they begin offering suggestions for neutralizing any of the power threats we might encounter. We don’t know who or what we’re going to find in the facility, but since Hightower usually gets rid of the weak, the prisoners are likely powerful but unstable.
Over the past year, the few who have managed to escape told grim tales of experimentation designed to drive a person mad. Starvation and torture were an everyday occurrence, but tame compared to the experiments themselves.
Raven took it to a whole new level. They deliberately amped up powers, pushing beyond control limits, to expand abilities to their maximum potential, which sounds a lot like what the Army did to us. Unfortunately, Raven took it beyond the realm of safety into a potentially explosive situation, resulting in unhinged individuals with tremendous powers that constantly stretch their control.
Some had their powers neutralized, which didn’t sound as bad, until they explained how Raven set them up as targets against the others. Without the ability to defend themselves, they were at the mercy of those with powers.
Not to mention the countless number of tests they had to undergo. Designed to help Raven figure out the most effective ways to capture, sedate, and kill us, they tested bullets, poisons, fire, ice, and so many other weapons without a care to the victims who died along the way.
While we have remained here at this compound, waiting for our orders. It’s no wonder River is bitter. Others will be, too. Hell, I’m bitter. But hopefully, we can save the captives and shut down Raven. Stop the madness before it spreads to the next generation. The Army might prosecute us afterward, but I’ll gladly face the consequences.
CHAPTER34
WILLA / GREER
Quaid stands in front of a considerably smaller class today. David and Talia aren’t here. Neither is the older gentleman whose name I can’t recall. Of the six who evaded Quaid the first day, I’m the only one left. Apparently, a dud who can barely use her powers doesn’t get invited to join the war.
Quaid’s amber eyes settle on me, and for a second, I’m lost in their depths, but thankfully, anger comes to my rescue. Screw them. I’ll figure out a way to take care of myself. First, I have to learn to use my powers. Clenching my jaw, I wait for Quaid to give us instructions.
“I’m a pryo,” he begins telling the class. “I’m going to light my arm on fire. You’re going to put it out. If possible, use your powers. Look around you. Be creative. This exercise is about thinking fast on your feet when presented with a challenge. Got it?”
Everyone looks nervously at each other, but not me. I’m ready. A grim smile stretches across my face. Water beats fire, right?
Whoosh! Fire flares around Quaid’s outstretched arm. Heat blasts us, and I wince. For some reason, I didn’t expect to actually feel the fire burning against my skin. Watching him use his powers. Something inside me wakes, reaching for him as if it wants something, and for a second, I’m distracted, but when I see him motion to someone, I shake it off.
Up first is Tessa, a quiet teenage girl. She nervously rubs her palms down her legs, then steps forward. Turning in a circle, she smiles when she notices a towel on the gym floor. Her hand does a lifting motion, and the towel drops on Quaid’s arm, then winds around the corded muscles until it’s tight, smothering the fire.
Quaid flashes her a wide smile, and I stare at him in disbelief. Where did that smile come from? I thought all he did was scowl.
“Very good!” he exclaims. “Next time, try to do it without moving your hand. Using only your mind gives you a bigger advantage. You don’t want to give the enemy any clues regarding your ability or next move.”
Next, a young man moves forward. His scowl rivals Quaid’s usual demeanor, and it makes me want to laugh. I can’t remember his power, but I like him already.
A hole opens up beneath Quaid, and he barely jumps out of the way. The fire goes out. “We’ll pretend I didn’t jump out of the way. Burying me. Good choice. See me after class.” His gaze is speculative as he watches the young man walk back to the line.
“Greer!” Quaid calls out.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I tell myself I’ve got this. This morning, the water flowed to me when I needed it. I’m hoping it does the same now. Moving closer to Quaid, I almost have to raise my arm to ward off the heat. My eyes lock on his. There’s a glint in them I don’t understand. Is that a dare?
I don’t try tousemy powers. Instead, I concentrate on how thirsty I am and how much I need water to quench that thirst. It’s unbearable. I’m parched. Nothing happens. Pretending I’m in the bathroom, I bend closer to the fire. Sweat drips into my eyes and down my chin. My eyes lock on a nearby water bottle. It starts violently shaking. I stand up and let the need for water fill me. The bottle dances up and down. Suddenly, the floor opens, and water spews out in a huge wave, heading straight toward Quaid and me.
“Ease off,” he orders.
My pride refuses to let me admit I can’t control it, so I simply smile.
“Damn it, Greer!” His hand reaches for me, but I back away. Seconds later, the water slams into his body, sweeping him off his feet and putting out the fire.
Curious, I walk over and stare into the floor of the gym where a large silver pipe lies with a huge chunk out of the top and more water inside of it. I hope this isn’t the water main for the entire compound. Dread fills me, but I force myself to turn and look at Quaid. I’m sure he’s going to flip out on me.
The entire gym is silent, nervously watching him. Quaid stands up and shakes like a dog. Water flies everywhere. His mouth twitches, and just when I think he’s going to start yelling, he roars with laughter. Hands on his knees, he bends over to try to catch his breath, but the laughter doesn’t ease as his whole body shakes with it.
Minutes later, he wipes his dripping face, stands, and looks at the class. Fire erupts across his body, drying every little drop, even the clothes he’s wearing. I’m so jealous.
“A little forceful, but you did awesome!”
Wait. He’sproudof me. Why? I didn’t have an ounce of control. You know what, who cares? My anger dissolves, and my lips curve in a large smile. Hell, I’m proud of myself. I did it. Without someone’s hands around my neck. Without being in danger. Water came because I needed it.
With only a few sessions under my belt, I now know I can use my power. It’s not perfect, and my control is iffy, but it responds to me. Maybe confidence is the key. In school, I had it in spades. Here, it felt impossible. I’ve floundered while everyone else has been using their powers. Not anymore.
