“Are you satisfied, Valen?” Rhett’s commanding voice broke the awestruck silence in the barn.
Ignoring him, Valen spoke directly to Meg. “Am I supposed to believe your little display of evasive maneuvers is what will help win us this war? I gave you a blade. Are you a pacifist? Attack me as you say you will the enemy!”
“If I could live my life as a pacifist, I would gladly. I fight only because I am protecting those I love.” Meg reached her hand up. From overhead everyone heard a sharp snap followed by a whooshing sound. Meg paused to allow the room to see what she’d done.
Between her fingers, Meg held the missing blade. With a flip of her wrist she flung the blade directly toward Valen’s chest, but willed it to stop two feet from its mark. Valen had instinctively thrown her hands up to protect herself. As the seconds passed and she felt no impact, she peered between her arms to see what had everyone staring.
The blade hung obediently in the air.
Meg flicked her fingers and the metal clanked safely to the concrete floor.
“I have been blessed, or cursed depending on how you think about it, with three abilities. First, I am an empath—able to read your emotions and thoughts, even at a distance.” Meg explained. “Also, I’m telekinetic—limited to smaller objects and only a short distance, but still able to move objects with my mind. And finally as an extension of my empath skills, I can also project emotions. Put simply, I can compel people to do what I want them to do.”
Rhett watched as Meg glanced at the blade in Valen’s hand and raised one brow ever so slightly.
Everyone’s attention shifted to Valen—her eyes widening in terror—as she watched her own arm raise. Helpless to stop what was happening, Valen saw her hand position the deadly blade near her own throat.
Meg paused the scene to allow her words time to sink in. “However, I am not invincible. My gifts come at a price. It takes a lot of energy and concentration to compel one or more people. Also the stronger the subject’s mind, the more taxing they are to manipulate.
“So you see, Miss Springer, you can trust that I will use my gifts as efficiently as possible against our enemies. I have to. I have a family to protect. Doubt what you will of me, but never doubt my devotion to them.”
Meg turned slowly in the center of the space to address the room. Her dark eyes glistened with internal firelight. “Tonight, in our joint endeavor, my protection extends to each of you.” Meg’s gaze settled on Valen who stood stone-like, still holding the blade to her throat.
“Valen, you may sheath your blades.” Meg nodded respectfully toward the soldier. Valen’s arm dropped of its own volition. Gingerly, Valen rolled her stiff shoulders freely.
“I hope you’ll forgive me. I do not wish to use my gifts against you, ever again.”
Meg stepped forward and offered Valen her hand. Everybody held their breath waiting to see what the Second in Command would do.
Valen considered her options for only a half second before sheathing her blades. She moved to stand at attention; her form held perfectly. Her right hand shot up to her forehead as she performed a salute of respect to Meg.
Understanding the gravity of the honor Valen just afforded her, Meg mimicked her movements and returned the salute. Meg’s smile was genuine as she resumed her casual stance, offering her hand once more. Valen took it without hesitation.
“I would be honored to offer my services as your Second tonight, Miss Winter—that is, if my Commander approves,” Valen looked to Rhett.
Rhett blinked in surprise. He was still in awe over the salute. In all their years working and training together, he had never seen Valen choose to salute anyone but himself. Ever. “I approve, of course. If that’s what Miss Winter wants.” He looked from Valen to Meg and back again.
“Meg. Please call me Meg,” she reminded before tipping her head to the side, considering Valen’s offer. “Yes, I’ll take you up on your offer, Valen.”
A smile twitched at the corners of Valen’s mouth, but she couldn’t hide her exhilaration from the empath. Meg knew she was jumping up and down inside at the prospect of fighting at her side. “They won’t know what hit ‘em!”
Rhett chuckled, “Well, all I’ve got to say is I’m damn glad we’re all on the same team.”
“Hooah!” the soldiers whooped.
Meg hurried to rearm herself with her vest and weapons.
Rhett raised his hand to silence the Company. “Show’s over. Get to work! Time is ticking and we have some metamonarch ass to kick!”
Valen walked one step behind Meg, matching her stride. She paused to grab silencers for her guns and clipped several grenades to her belt for good measure.