Silence of Stars Read online

  She gauged my reaction and I tried to look surprised. I’d promised Gideon I wouldn’t say anything about Mindspeak, but I hoped Nadia would tell me more.

  “Lior is one of those planets which has been populated for a very long time. We have an ability to speak to another person’s mind—we call it Mindspeak.”

  I leaned forward. “Could you speak to my mind right now?”

  She shook her head. “I will only ever be able to speak to one person’s mind—the person I choose to spend the rest of my life with.”

  My heart stopped.

  Nadia didn’t seem to notice my reaction as her eyes took on a dreamy look. “It’s called Claiming, and is incredibly romantic. We can only use Mindspeak when we find the person who will be our life companion; our soul mate.”

  “How do you know it’s the right one?” I asked, barely able to get the words out. My palms felt damp.

  She met my eyes and smiled. “It hasn’t happened to me yet, but from what everyone says you feel it, like your blood catching on fire, and you just know.” Her smile grew into a big, sappy grin and she sighed. “And then you Claim him by using Mindspeak for the first time, and he Claims you, knowing you will be the only ones to ever hear each other in that way. It’s a very intimate experience; the first step in our marriage ceremony.”

  I fell off the bed and hit the floor.

  “Lark, are you okay?” Nadia’s face pinched as she reached down to help me up. “Maybe you should lie down.”

  I shook my head, grasping her arms like a lifeline as she helped me sit back on the bed. “I’m fine. Just . . . tell me about the rest of the ceremony.”

  She lowered her eyes. “You need to rest.”

  “Please?” I begged, clasping my hands in front of my face. “Finish telling me and then I promise to take it easy.”

  Her face cleared. “Alright. What was I saying?”

  “How Mindspeak is the first step . . .” I prompted.

  “Oh yes. So, the Claiming sort of initiates the engagement period, which can be as long or short as the couple decides.” She placed a hand over her heart.

  “How old are they usually?” I bit my nail.

  “Oh, it never happens to anyone younger than sixteen, and even in those cases couples aren’t typically married until eighteen or older.” She brushed at an invisible piece of lint on her tunic. “I’m sixteen and it hasn’t happened to me or any of my friends. Gideon’s even older, and he hasn’t Claimed anyone yet.” One side of her mouth lifted in a secret smile.

  Something about that smile made me nervous. “What are you thinking?”

  She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “You can’t tell anyone, but I have my suspicions that maybe he is about to Claim someone.”

  “You do?” I squeaked.

  She nodded. “My best friend, Cypris.”

  The breath I’d been holding released in a soft whoosh. “Really?”

  She winked. “You’ll meet her at dinner, but you have to promise not to say anything.”

  “Sure.” I gave her a weak smile and looked away. “So, what happens if you use Mindspeak on the wrong person?”

  “Impossible.”

  “Why?”

  “Because the person being Claimed wouldn’t hear you unless he or she was your Match. Mindspeak is a means of intertwining two souls which were meant to be together. It’s powerful.”

  My heart wanted to soar and break into a million pieces at the same time.

  She lifted a shoulder. “Which is exactly why interplanetary relationships can’t work. You would never be able to fulfill a person from Lior, because he couldn’t share Mindspeak with you. It would only cause heartbreak and torment . . . probably even drive a Liorite mad. The rules are there to protect us.”

  “What would happen if you broke the rules?”

  Her blue eyes held mine with a steady gaze. “People have, and it hasn’t ended well. Aside from the torment of going Unclaimed, children from interplanetary relationships are mutants. That’s how the Lilthe race was started.”

  I swallowed, afraid I might be sick again.

  “That’s why the Council passed the law forbidding interplanetary relationships altogether.” She straightened. “If someone from Lior—say Gideon—tried to get involved with a girl from another planet, he would be stripped of his Freedom Fighter status and sent to the prison planet. The girl would be shipped back to her home planet, unable to participate in the Academy or have any further contact with outside worlds.”

  “There’s a prison planet?” I said weakly.

  She nodded. “In a galaxy far from here.” She shuddered. “A horrible place.”

  I felt the blood drain from my face. Nadia’s brow furrowed in concern.

  “You look pale. Come on, I’ll show you how the shower works.” She took my arm and led me toward the bathroom. “You’ll feel much better after you clean up and have a bit of rest.”

  “Thanks.” I numbly allowed her to lead me through the bathroom door.

  There was a small sink made of the same twisted bark as the rest of the house. An oval-shaped mirror hung above it. My reflection caught me off guard. The light screens were cooler than I’d expected. They had a sleek, modern design that flattered my face shape, and I had to admit they were comfortable. The lenses were set to auto-adjust now: dimming or allowing more light as necessary. My eyes could still be seen through them.

  “You should find everything you need here,” Nadia said. She stepped toward the shower and twisted the stone faucet. “Just turn it farther if you want warmer water, and back for cooler or to turn it off.” She straightened and smiled. “Take your time. I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

  I smiled back. “Thanks, Nadia.”

  She left, closing the bathroom door behind her. I locked it and then got undressed and into the shower. I sighed as I was enveloped in the spray of sparkling warm water. Tiny bursts of light refracted off each droplet. Water had always had a calming effect on me, but as soon as this water touched my skin, I was revived. I reveled in the energizing sensation and tipped my head back to take a drink. The liquid cooled and refreshed all the way down my throat, allowing me to feel hydrated after only a few swallows.

  My light screens acted like goggles as I reached for a bottle perched on a small shelf. Guessing it to be shampoo, I poured some into my palm. The shimmery coral liquid smelled divine. I lathered it into my hair and, seeing no other alternative, used it as soap.

  As I was rinsing I noticed an odd-looking lever near the faucet. I pulled, and then gasped as the roof above me lifted. I was staring up at nothing but the brilliant sky.

  All thoughts of Gideon, training, and Earth’s fate fled my mind as I gazed upward, allowing the water to spill over me like a cleansing rebirth.

  CHAPTER

  Eight

  Saydra greeted me at the bottom of the stairs. “Lark, you look lovely. I hope you were able to get some rest?”

  I smiled. “I’m feeling much better.” The water had left a slight shimmer on my skin and there was a glow to my complexion that hadn’t been there before. Now if only I could get my stomach to keep from feeling like it was twisted in knots. I was caught in a bizarre state of wanting to see Gideon, and terrified at the thought now that I knew he’d Claimed me.

  “Wonderful.” Saydra took my hand, leading me into the dining room. “I’d like to introduce you to our guest, Cypris. She’s a dear friend of Nadia and Gideon’s.”

  The young woman tilted her head in my direction. “Ah, the new Recruit I’ve been hearing so much about. It’s nice to meet you.”

  She sat beside Gideon, and she was hands-down the most glorious-looking creature I’d ever seen. Her auburn hair glistened with bits of glowing copper and her features were perfection: from her almond-shaped green eyes to her narrow nose and rosebud mouth.

  I had the sudden urge to scurry back up to my room, but clearly everyone was waiting for m
e. Gideon stood as Saydra and I entered. He caught my eye and smiled, but I pretended not to notice. I needed time to process my feelings. His smile slipped a bit at my reaction and he turned away.

  “I don’t remember seeing a Recruit this pretty before. What planet did you say she was from, Saydra?” Villy asked in her rasping voice.

  I blushed as I took my seat. I knew that the elderly could sometimes get stuck repeating themselves on a topic, but did my appearance have to be the one she fixated on? From the look on Cypris’ face, she was obviously thinking the same thing.

  “She’s from Earth, Villy,” Saydra said, giving me a quick wink.

  “That outfit is gorgeous on you,” Nadia said with a smile.

  “Thank you.” I looked down at the plum colored tunic. It was made of soft material and fit each curve of my petite frame like a dream. The outfit was so flattering and functional that I’d twirled and done a silent happy dance before coming down to dinner.

  “Your hair looks pretty too. I hope you enjoyed your shower,” Nadia added.

  “Oh—the shower,” I sighed and turned to Gideon. “You didn’t tell me how magical the water was here.”

  “Wait until you taste the food.” The light that sparked in his eyes as they met mine caused my heart to stutter. Putting up a wall against him was going to be impossible if he kept looking at me like that.

  Cypris glanced between us and cleared her throat. “I understand you’ll begin your training tomorrow.” Everyone else seemed to harness their light while I was around, but Cypris was glowing full force.

  “Yes . . . at least that’s what I’ve been told.” I raised an uncertain eyebrow at Nadia and she nodded.

  “You’ll start early tomorrow morning with the rest of your group.” Saydra leaned forward in her chair and smiled. “We’re grateful to have you two lovely young ladies with us tonight. I’ll offer thanks for the food, and then we’ll begin.”

  As she offered grace I felt a sudden pang of homesickness. Mom always offered thanks before we ate dinner. I wished I had a way to contact her.

  Saydra ended the prayer and I looked at my plate, noticing the food. Real food. Not ration bars. My mouth watered in anticipation. Thankfully, the utensils were similar to the ones I was familiar with. I picked up the fork-like object and speared a bright green vegetable drizzled with sauce. Everyone watched as I took the first bite.

  I closed my eyes as flavors exploded across my tongue. I’d only ever seen pictures of food like this in books; only dreamed about what it might taste like to eat something that hadn’t been rehydrated. This vegetable was fresh. And the sauce? If no one had been around I would have licked it off the plate.

  “Do you like it?” Nadia asked.

  “Mmm.” I opened my eyes and reluctantly removed the fork. “You may never get rid of me now.”

  Everyone laughed except Cypris. She pursed her lips and dabbed them with a napkin.

  I took another bite and barely restrained a sigh as the flavors soothed away all my stress. The conversation around the table began to pick up. I was content to listen, not wanting to be distracted from my meal by speaking.

  Told you it was good.

  I choked, and then coughed several times.

  “Are you alright?” Nadia got up from her seat and came around to help me.

  “Fine,” I sputtered, gesturing to my throat. “Went down . . . wrong tube.” I turned from the table and continued coughing into my napkin.

  She handed me a glass. “Drink this.”

  I took it from her with a grateful nod. As soon as the water touched my throat the coughing subsided. I wiped my eyes beneath the screens and turned back to the table.

  Cypris looked as though she’d lost her appetite. Gideon had his head bent down over his plate. He was intently eating his food, but the corners of his mouth were turned up. I glared at him. Then, to my utter horror, I hiccupped. I quickly excused myself from the table.

  “Is that normal for Earthlings?” I heard Cypris ask before I escaped through a nearby door.

  I hunched my shoulders and let the door close behind me. Earthlings? Was she for real? I let out a small growl that ended in another hiccup before turning to find that I stood on a balcony.

  I took a deep breath and held it for several seconds. The mild evening air calmed me as I exhaled and continued to breathe deeply. Just when I thought I had everything under control, another hiccup escaped, louder and more painful than before. I clenched my hand into a fist and pounded it against the railing, startling a flock of fluorescent-colored birds from a nearby branch.

  “We’re going to have to do something about that temper of yours.”

  I spun around. Gideon was watching me with an amused expression. I waited until the door had closed behind him before I stepped forward and jabbed a finger at his chest.

  “How dare you!?” I hissed, suddenly hugely angry with him.

  His sapphire eyes widened. “What did I do?”

  “Don’t play dumb.” My eyes narrowed and I pressed harder until I realized there was a stream of his electric light flowing through my finger. I moved to drop my hand but Gideon grabbed my wrist.

  “Lark, what’s gotten you so upset?” His brow furrowed and his eyes flashed in confusion.

  I ignored the pleasant sensation of his touch and wriggled my hand free, crossing my arms. “How dare you—” another hiccup escaped, “—Mindspeak to me again!”

  He glanced over his shoulder and took a step closer, lowering his voice. “Is that what this is all about?”

  I nodded and hiccupped again. A corner of his mouth lifted and I glared at him before spinning around to face out over the balcony. “I know why you didn’t want me to say anything. Nadia told me all about it, and it’s obviously not something you should play around with.”

  “How did she get on that topic?” He moved to stand beside me.

  I crossed my arms. “I don’t know. But don’t worry, I didn’t say anything.” My face twisted under the depth of his gaze. “Why did you do it? Is this some kind of sick game you’re playing?” The hiccups had finally gone, but my throat tightened and I was suddenly in danger of crying.

  Gideon’s expression was passive but his eyes glowed like burning embers. “How much did Nadia tell you?”

  I kept my gaze steady. There was no way I was going to say anything about the “Claiming” thing. Gideon had made it clear we could never be more than friends, so she must have been mistaken about that. “She said if it was known that you’d used Mindspeak on me you could lose your right to be a Freedom Fighter and would be sent to a prison planet.”

  He stilled and looked out over the balcony.

  I held my breath, hoping he would deny Nadia’s words.

  Finally, he turned and searched my eyes. “What she told you is true.”

  Something inside of me broke. I looked down at my hands. “Why did you do it? Why risk making the connection? Was it that much of a thrill to mess with me—to get a rise out of a pathetic little Earthling?” Tears threatened to spill over but I swallowed them back. “Nadia said it was impossible.”

  “It is.” Gideon took my arm, sending his light through me like a warm current. “That’s the craziest part. What’s happening between us shouldn’t be happening.”

  I glanced up at him through my lashes. “It doesn’t make sense.”

  “I know.” He took a step closer. My heart hammered as his intoxicating scent awakened the butterflies in my stomach. His eyes held confusion and wonder as he drew me closer. “Lark—”

  “Gideon, your mother would like the two of you to come back in for dinner now.”

  At the sound of Cypris’ voice Gideon moved away from me, but it was too late. Her eyes widened and her mouth set into a firm Line.

  “We’ll be right in,” he said with an easy smile.

  Cypris made no move to leave. “Isn’t it a gorgeous evening?” she sighed, gliding over to take Gideon’s
arm as she pretended to look around. “It’s a shame we couldn’t eat outside.” She turned to me. “The Norths often dine outdoors, but they were afraid it might be too much for you on your first evening here. How are you feeling?”

  I cleared my throat, working to steady my heart rate. “Much better, thanks. I needed some fresh air, but I’m ready to go back in.” I turned to walk toward the door, but my foot caught on something and I tripped.

  Gideon caught me. “Easy.”

  “Thank you,” I said, quickly moving out of his hold.

  “Anytime.” His blue eyes flashed. We’ll talk later.

  I acted as though I’d heard nothing and moved inside. We wouldn’t talk later. If using Mindspeak put him at risk, I couldn’t let him do it. My heart squeezed painfully at the thought of never hearing his voice in my soul again, but it was the only solution. I would have to force up a wall and not let my feelings get in the way. I squared my shoulders and took a deep breath as I entered the dining room once more.

  CHAPTER

  Nine

  I avoided Gideon for the rest of the meal. It was easy to focus on the food, which was still insanely delicious even though it had grown cold. The dinner conversation steered politely around me.

  Saydra talked to Gideon about a repair that needed to be done on the roof. Nadia and Cypris were involved in a conversation I couldn’t hear, and Villy hummed softly as she ate her food.

  It was a cozy scene and a smile found its way to my lips. I didn’t realize it was there until Gideon caught my eye. When he smiled, his gaze held so much more than a casual glance. I looked down at my dessert plate and smoothed the smile from my face.

  I sensed that the others had been more aware of the interactions between Gideon and me than they were letting on. I resented him for paying such obvious attention to me. Was he trying to get booted off to prison and have me sent back home? If so, there had to be an easier way of doing it than pretending to find me interesting. I couldn’t understand his motives.