Chapter 11: 10: DUET

Talitha smiled with teeth on full display as she made the rounds at Ovadia Pendergast’s campaign fundraiser. Her grin felt painted on at that point, fake and painful, but most of that was due to the powerful venom coursing in her system.

She and fifty other refugee students rescued during the bloody point in history called the Time Of Trouble had joined together for numerous media photos and clips. Some of the more well-spoken of the Pender-Pal wards provided quotes about Ovadia’s great care for war-torn families. Ovadia they said, like her late husband Admiral Pendergast, was a champion for native success as well as for humanity even as a candidate for Peace Party. A candidate that human residents could trust to fight for them in their alien world while respecting the civilizations that existed prior to their arrival.

Handshake here, kiss on the cheek there, a thank-you to the Duke of Ecenia for his generous donation to both Pender-Pal and Ovadia—yes, the orphans would love to visit the duke’s favorite palace in the muggy swamp lands of the southern solar regions. Sounded like fun. So much fun. Oh, and yes—one more visual for Miss Miss Magazine was possible—and of course it wasn’t a big deal. No, no, three thousand and seventy four snaps wasn’t too many, if they were taken for a good cause.

Talitha swerved her body to the side in a practiced way, one that she’d learned and was told by publicists reflected her well in publicity images. She posed with the other female wards onstage, each of them beaming like the fundraiser was the most excitement they’d had all year. However, in private moments between media interactions, the orphans gossiped about the Zero Hour party instead, the true source of their energy.

“Garrett’s taking me,” gushed a girl named Angeline, smoothing her glimmering highlighted hair and fluttering her lashes as she glanced at the females around her. “He’s so cute. He gave me an everlasting rose the other day and said it was for my everlasting beauty.”

“Aww.” The other girls swooned in unison.

“Well,” said another of the females, leaning close—a female with short, curly dark hair called Rumi. “I won’t be able to pay any attention to Harry on Harvest Eve. Not if Jackal’s right in front of me, singing and looking so fucking good.” She sighed, a dreamlike look passing over her face. “He’s…molten. So hot. Those rune marks all over him and that dark, wild hair—those dangerous eyes that look right through you even in promo clips. I like those fake fangs too. Sexy. He can bite me any time. Wow.”

“Rumi,” gasped Angeline, touching her mouth in mock offense. “Sexy, you say? And…you’d let him bite you? How dare you? Forget Harry and go for Jackal—you’re such a whore!”

“What?” Rumi shrugged. “It’s true. I can’t help it. Could you if he were right in front of you? I’ve never seen a man like that. Plus, Jackal cares about people like us and that means something. It’s not like I just wanna…hook with him. Even though I would. I love him. I’d marry him. Whatever he wants. Just say the word and I’m all his.”

“Rest in peace, Harry,” snickered Genovena, seated beside Rumi. “We hardly knew ye. Wow is right.”

“Harry will have to understand.”

Margot leaned forward, glancing around at the circle of girls. “Well, Li’s got nobody now since Spencer’s out—and that couldn’t have taken any longer, honestly. I don’t know what she saw in him for all those years. Dire. I mean, he’s tall and kind of hot and he’ll give you free shit if you smile at him but…he’s really dumb. And a junkie. She could do so much better.”

“Maybe Li should say hello to Harry since Rumi’s halfway gone,” said Genovena. “Harry’ll be as lonely as she is.”

“I’m ah…I’m all right.” Color flooded Talitha’s cheeks. “I’m not lonely. I’m not looking for company either. Still getting over…and he’s…well.” She sighed. “He’s doing something. Let’s just drop the topic. Please. I don’t want to talk about him.”

“I don’t see what you like about Jackal, Rumi.” An elbow jostled Talitha and the bright, painted eyes of a Sunayan girl name Savena studied her for a reaction. Under the influence of Purple Dot it looked like the paint on Savena’s eyes were glowing. “He's creepy. Don’t you think, Li?”

Talitha glanced at Savena, glad to discuss anything other than Spencer. “Creepy?”

“I mean, the blood stuff he does during the shows and those ritual chants is really out there considering the planet we live on and what happens here. Sometimes it looks like those bites he does are real and leave wounds. It’s a little much.” Savena pursed her lips. “It wasn’t that long ago that natives caused trouble in Union and killed lots of people. It’s why all of us are here now. Makes me a little nervous about going. Anything might happen.”

“All that’s just for show.” Talitha glanced at the backstage area where Kalum was completing another interview, talking in an animated fashion to a reporter. “Catches people’s attention in a way you can’t help but look. Besides, there are peaceful natives that still practice that way, including real bites with real blood for their journeys. We’re going to see the band so I guess controversy works.”

“Yeah,” replied Savena. “I guess you’re right.”

Talitha spotted Kalum bowing her head to thank the interviewer, a sign that the conversation was over. The girls continued their bubbling chatter as Talitha rose from her seat, waving as she shifted away from the group. “Excuse me,” she said. “I’ll be back.”

She maintained a professional smile, cutting through crowds of important people mingling onstage waiting for Kalum’s performance. A look of relief washed Kalum’s face when Talitha approached and Kalum hurried over to meet her halfway.

“Li,” said Kalum, breathless, her face flushed. “Mama made me talk to the Wives of Morda. The temple council wants to expand Unifaith into the polar regions and Mama will have to visit there soon. I’ll have to go with her. Those women…they were awful. Like always. Cold from head to you-know-where. Clown-caked biddies. I wanted to die.”

Wisps of dark hair fell loose from Kalum’s lunar loops and her sun-bronzed face glistened with light sweat. Talitha smiled as she adjusted Kalum’s hair, keeping her voice low as she replied.

“What did the old bats say this time?” she said. “Stupid, rude shit, I’m sure. Ovadia can’t stand ‘em either but they’re so important you’ve got to deal with them.”

Kalum mimicked the needling wives, powerful and extremely wealthy political figures hailing from the always-dark, always-icy regions of tidal-locked Ipir.

“So,” said Kalum, twisting her face into a scowl like the wives wore on their wrinkled faces. “In which of the prince’s palaces are you going to lose your fruit, dear? Provided you still have it, of course. We assume that’s part of the agreement, that you maintain your purity. Must be tattooed on your skull along with other…notes.”

Talitha laughed, sidling closer to Kalum. “Just look them right in the eye whenever they start,” she said, keeping her expression as serious as she could manage. “Don’t break contact. Don’t break it. That’s the key.” Kalum glanced at her as she grit her teeth for emphasis, baring them. “It's a show of dominance to their kind. Puts them in their place. They’ll lick their fur in response. That’s how you know you’ve won.”

“Oh,” said Kalum, smothering a sudden laugh. “Is that how it works, Talitha Lynn Morai?”

“Aye. Trust me. I’m the primitive one, remember? Neanderthals know about this stuff. It’s in our DNA.”

A grin spread on Kalum’s face that she wiped away fast, refusing to give satisfaction that Talitha might be amusing. “Shut up,” she snapped. “You’re awful. Not funny at all.” She swatted Talitha. “Don’t talk to me anymore. You say stupid shit all the time. Your advice is terrible. Go away.”

“No, not true—you want me to talk to you,” said Talitha, correcting her. “You find my advice supernova. You do think I’m funny. That’s what’s actually happening here.”

“Get lost.”

“Not a lot of places to go, Khelot.”

“I don’t care. Figure it out.”

Kalum gathered up the skirts of her stage dress and glided off without looking back. Talitha returned to the mingling crowd and before long, the media and political personalities circled another time to pose with the Pender-Pal wards and Ovadia for their own campaigns. Beaming, Ovadia gestured for Talitha to stand right beside her, and Talitha’s practiced smile reappeared as she positioned herself beside the arbiter. So far, despite the heady rush of the venom she’d taken, the fundraiser continued on as a success.

The scheduled hour for Kalum’s performance arrived after the latest rounds of images were captured, heralded by a sudden hush. The lights over the ballroom dimmed, leaving a sole spotlight on stage, and Talitha followed the wards down the stairs to the main dancing area once beckoned to leave. She moved off to the side once they rejoined the crowd, away from the girls who’d split off to find their partners for the waltz. There was a corner Talitha had spotted during her publicity rounds where she could stand alone without interruption and that’s where she went, folding her arms once she was secluded to watch Kalum walked onstage to a rush of applause.

Kalum’s gaze turned distant as the young priestess focused on something far away that no one else could see, embedding herself into the mood of the song she would sing. Slow, sorrowful notes emanated as the light-string orchestra swelled into the scheduled hymn from their partitioned gallery below. Kalum’s lids drifted closed as their opening measures full of somber notes eased way for ancient poetry to spill from Kalum about endless loss and eternal longing.

A warm feeling rustled through Talitha’s body, one that reminded her of times long ago she’d never known and of faraway places she’d never seen. Purple Dot, the effect of it—that trace she’d hit earlier—provided good sensations that made everything better, just as Ivan promised. Kalum’s voice—Talitha loved the sound of Kalum’s velvet voice—oozed like good honey all around.

Talitha’s private spell as she watched Kalum’s graceful motions broke when a firm touch clasped her elbow. She turned at the sensation and felt her heart leap at the sight of someone familiar standing in front of her, someone dressed in a sharp evening suit that made him look so different. Handsome, too, she had to admit. His hair was coiffed in a sleek style and the buttons on his fine clothing were polished, gleaming as bright as his charming smile. Her gaze skirted aside as he leaned in and felt his warm breath tickling her skin.

“Would you, Miss Morai,” he said, offering her a hand. “Grant me the honor of sharing this dance?”

Talitha faced him. The ‘he’ was Spencer. The lanky young man standing in front of her was…Spencer. He’d cleaned himself up to attend the fundraiser even though he wasn’t supposed to be there. A laugh escaped her, similar to when she’d first taken the Purple, since his presence had to be a joke.

She scanned his impressive gear, a tailored designer model, and surveyed his neat hair and smooth face. The orchestra’s music swelled loud forcing Talitha to move their conversation to COM, her utterances transmitting to the tiny buds pierced into both of their ears.

“No,” she said, frustration rising. “You—I told you I wasn’t bringing a date tonight. Especially after what happened between us. We’re split but here you are.” She gestured at him. “What are you doing here? You don’t have an invite. How’d you get in?”

“I’m here on my own,” said Spencer. “Bought this suit myself from Altirian High Style using the gilar I’m stacking away. That dress you’re wearing…I could buy it for you. For real, if you want it. Doesn’t have to be a loaner for the night. Times are good, Li. Real good.”

“I bet. You never stop hustling. I’d hope you’ve made some money after all this trouble.”

“I did. I’m focused. I have to be. The types I run with…they expect me to act professional if I’m handling the caliber of business they’re trusting me with.” He gestured to himself, standing tall to allow Talitha to inspect his appearance. “I donated good gold to both Arbiter Pendergast and Pender-Pal. Applied during that RedSect initiative she launched a while ago, the one that provided day passes for applicants to Capitol City. Won the lottery last month, one of a hundred, for tickets to her campaign event—I entered like a hundred times myself. Passed all the security checks they required to get approved. I did that before we split.”

“I never asked you to do all that.”

“I know. It was my decision alone. I wanted to surprise you when were were still together. I came tonight because I want to support you regardless of our status. You seem so much happier here and so does everyone else.” Spencer glanced at the other orphans who were dispersed among the crowd with their partners. “That’s a good thing. It’s important to me to see you smile—and you’ve got a pretty one. Used to be able to get that out of you easy. I shouldn’t mess with that just because I don’t want to be over here like you guys.”

Talitha brushed her hair behind her ear with nervous energy, peering at Spencer’s earnest gaze. “I told you to give me space,” she said. “We’re finished. You’re here with Ivan too, probably dealing with all these important heads around. This was a bad idea. Really bad.”

“Please. Some of them want—well. It doesn’t matter.” Spencer shook his head. “I don’t want to fight with you. This isn’t about venom. I wanted to ask you for a single dance that doesn’t mean anything. The song’s a nice one. Means something for people like us.”

Talitha stared at his extended hand, unsure of what to do—if she should treat him harshly, which wasn’t pleasant to do even after what he’d done. She hated being cruel. It hurt her to hurt him, even if it had to happen. He approached during her hesitation and took her fingers into his grasp, meeting her stare straight on.

“Please,” he repeated. “You and me, like always.”

Kalum quieted for an interlude as the orchestra’s music continued. The priestess swayed with a crowd as they moved through the ballroom floor like ripples of ocean waves. Spencer squeezed Talitha’s hand and before she could respond another amplified voice sang from the stage, swallowing the return of Kalum’s voice. Gasps rolled through the audience, punctuated by a chorus of wolf-whistles and calls from the crowd.

Talitha’s attention streaked back to Kalum. Kalum backed away from an imposing dark haired, rune-scrawled man who’d appeared onstage, arriving from the shadows to join the performance. His words were delivered in perfect, melodic Vangrali, belting the lines Kalum that was meant to sing.

“Jackal,” uttered Talitha, staring in awe at the dark presence. Unbelievable. And…unexpected.

Spencer released Talitha and nodded as he left her to move closer to the stage. His gaze narrowed as he watched the wildland performer above them sing to Kalum with deep resonance.

“That’s the big guy," said Spencer absently. "Guess he wanted to stop by and pay respect on his own. Leave a mark on the arbiter’s party—and that memorial hymn.” He chuckled with private humor. “Jackal does what he wants. Always. Doesn't matter what anyone else thinks, especially anyone from Union. Fucking ace. He’s the man.”

“I…guess,” replied Talitha, still awed with surprise. “He’s…actually here. That’s mad!”

Kalum regained her composure fast, looking at Jackal with new purpose. She joined with his voice, creating a slow, layered melody in native tongue, and the orchestra found new energy in the duet, adjusting their tone to complement. The music swelled to a haunting new style, with Kalum’s acceptance of Jackal’s presence putting the dancers at ease, and they continued rippling through the ballroom like ocean waves.

“Li—” started Spencer, turning back to Talitha.

Another ping beeped in Talitha's ear. A hand touched the small of her back and she turned, sucking in her breath at sudden sight of Adam. She accepted his link request and joined him into her conversation with Spencer.

“Jackal,” said Adam once they were connected. “Here. Tonight. Can you believe this? Singing that hymn, no less. My mother never mentioned he'd be a guest. I wonder if she even knew he was coming.”

“Are you all right?” she asked. Concern sparked in her, knowing that the hymn that Kalum—and now Jackal—were performing along with the holiday itself held vital importance to Adam. “I’m on with Spencer,” she said with slight warning. “Just so you know. He’s right over here. Showed up on his own.”

“Spencer?” Adam raised his head and peered at the people closest to the stage, spotting the RedSect visitor inside the crowd. “Another surprise. Imagine that. How’d you get in, mate? Closed invitation list for this party.”

“Not with a donation,” retorted Spencer with immediate aggression. “Not if someone like me goes through all your legal hoops. You know, the ones where refugees are treated like criminals because we weren’t born into your precious society.” He moved past Talitha to face Adam directly, who stood fast without reaction. “A real Concord setup, innit mate? I gave your mother a backing for the chance. She was excited I came.”

“You gave my mother a backing?” repeated Adam.

“Yeah.” Spencer smiled. “A backing. She’s got a firm platform I can get behind. Grab tight and let loose.”

“Oh.” Adam nodded. “I get it. You’re being clever. That was a joke. Nice. Good try.” A thin smile creased his face. “Well, I’m sure she appreciates your contribution, as small as it was.”

“She loved the size. Loved the energy.” Spencer’s smile widened. “She wants direct, passionate engagement from students like me. Gave it to her. Think I’ll back her again on my way out. You don’t mind, eh? You can watch, if that’s what you’re into. Wouldn’t surprise me.”

“Ah,” said Adam. “There’s that humor. Failure’s funny, I guess.”

“Something rubbing you wrong about what I said?”

“Not really.” He shrugged. “Just not sure…why you’re here. I think that’s why I’m a little confused.”

“I’ll repeat what I said. Take notes.”

Both remained tense. The pair were the only ones standing still while the crowd around them moved along with the music.

“No problems here,” said Adam after a long moment, maintaining the smile. “Enjoy your time tonight. Thanks for the contribution. Drinks are good.” He patted Talitha on the back. “So, back on topic—I came to ask Li for a dance. It’s why I’m here and why I’ve run into you.”

“You came to what?”

“I’ll repeat it. For you. I’m going to ask Li to dance.” He turned his head to face Talitha. “You remember, right Li? The high priestess performed this hymn at my dad’s funeral. You’re the one that pointed it out to me, identified it exactly.”

Talitha caught sight of sadness in his face that quickly disappeared. “Right,” she replied. “I did.”

“Yeah. So.” Adam addressed Spencer again. “Li’s helping me dealing with…what happened to my dad. She knows what it’s like on her end with her trouble. My dad helped her mom directly, which is why she’s even here today. We have ties. It’s nice to connect. I thought she'd be alone.”

“She’s not alone,” retorted Spencer.

“Well. That’s up to her. Not you.” Adam removed his hand from Talitha. “This performance won’t happen again. Not like this. Not with Jackal. It’s something else.”

“Spencer asked me to dance,” said Talitha, a twinge striking her heart as she surveyed Adam. Past forever intertwined with his, just as he’d said, beyond their control. She turned back to Spencer, whose attention remained locked on Adam without blinking. “Spence—” she started.

“Do what you want,” said Spencer. “Go dance with him. That’s your thing now, I can tell. The two of you help each other, talk and shit. Happened a lot, apparently, but you said I was corked for noticing. Like I’m the delusional one. Gotcha.”

“It’s not like that at all. It was never like that. You don’t want to be a part of society, I get it, but I want to function and so does Adam!”

“Oh, but I don’t function. Everything I ever did was the opposite of function. Fuck off.” Spencer spat on the ground. “Enjoy the rest of the fundraiser and have a nice fucking life. Do whatever the fuck you want with whoever you want. I don’t give a shit about you anymore.”

“How are you angry?” Talitha sighed, unnerved by at Spencer’s reddening face. “It’s a dance. You said that yourself it meant nothing. No one even knew you’d be here. I’m…I’m not doing this with you. You and I are not together.”

“You’re right. I’m glad I won’t waste any more of my fucking time on you.” Spencer snorted. “Hey, Pendergast—sorry about your dad. Good luck to your mom. Later.”

Spencer disconnected from their link and Talitha’s mood sank further as she watched Spencer storm off, maneuvering through the dancing couples until he’d disappeared. Adam cleared his throat, adjusting his clothing again.

“That…wasn’t how I wanted this to go,” he said. “At all. Sorry about that. Ruined the whole mood. Wasted so much time.”

“Forget it,” replied Talitha distantly, still watching the space where Spencer had fled. “I’m the one who should be sorry. This breakup was difficult for both of us. We’re both in a lot of pain and you just watched it.”

“What’s that bit he said about noticing? What did he notice? Why did you say he was delusional?”

“Oh. Nothing. He used to get paranoid sometimes because of that venom. Said…stupid shit.”

“About me? You?”

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“He had a problem with everything. Leave it alone. I don’t want to talk about it.”

“All right.”

“It’s nothing.” She took a deep breath and faced Adam, extending her hand in invitation. He glanced at her and she beckoned for him to come closer. “Come on,” she said. “Tonight’s a night for you and me. Two unlucky moons in an alien sky.”

“Aye.” He nodded, taking her hand and drawing her near. “Two unlucky moons in the sky.”

Talitha’s gaze scanned the stage as Adam rested a hand on her waist, spinning her into the first steps of the waltz. Forward-side-together, forward-side-together, sway—she watched Kalum over Adam’s shoulder, spotting the priestess face Jackal, their voices mingling from measure to measure. Jackal himself had an impressive voice, not velvet or poured honey like Kalum’s but something starker and darker. Jackal, a shadow beside Kalum’s soft appearance, looked as if he would swallow Kalum whole in pulsing mystery.

Their words shifted from Vangrali back to Unispeak and Talitha was able to understand their laments of mourning and heavenly kingdoms once more. Her attention returned to Adam as he moved his head close to hers speak even though they were still linked over COM.

“You look beautiful,” he said in a warm tone. “Really beautiful, Li. I like the yellow on you—matches your personality. Sunny.”

“Does it?”

“Aye. Something’s different, though. Your freckles. They’re gone?”

“It’s the paint,” she said. "The stylists did that. Threw me off too when I saw myself. I don’t look anything like me."

“Oh. That’s what happened there. Makes sense. Well, you look beautiful anyway, even without the freckles. And don’t worry, you still look like you, just…serious.”

She chuckled. “Serious. Thanks. That’s what Kala said too. I guess that’s all right. I like the dress a lot, at least.”

“Looks good,” said Adam. “But, how do I look? That’s more important. You haven’t said a thing.” He nudged his jaw toward his ensemble. “Beautiful too, I’d say. I’m fairly impressive.”

“Wow. Fairly impressive?” Talitha scoffed, humor dancing on her face. “What a compliment you’ve given yourself. What do you need me for, ace of aces?”

“To tell me what I already know, stargazer. Go ahead. I like hearing it even if it isn’t news.”

She laughed, peering close. “Okay,” she said, lowering her voice over COM as the orchestra swelled. “You also look beautiful, Pender. Impressive. Stunning, even. My heart skips a beat. Why am I so nervous?”

“Great.” He grinned. “Means we match.”

“Oh. Smooth, Mr. Wolf.”

They spun as Kalum sang, swaying in pattern with the other dancers on the floor. Adam twirled Talitha gracefully, displaying her gown before drawing her back, shifting them to a new direction. Talitha drifted to his direction as parasite venom amplified every movement and sound around her. Her lids, which had drifted closed sometime during their easy pattern, parted when she felt Adam’s cheek graze the side of her head. He rested there for a brief moment.

“Adam,” she murmured, the lights suspended overhead seeming to pulsate in time with the orchestra’s music.

“Yeah?” he said.

“You need to know something.”

“What’s that?”

“About your family,” she said. “About all you’ve done for me and the others.” She gazed at him. “Without Pender-Pal we’d be forgotten in the slums. Nobody would ever want to be near us. Union, a big part of it, sees us as diseased.”

“Don’t bring that up,” he replied. “I don’t think of you that way. Ever. You’re not diseased.”

“It’s reality,” she said. “Your father saved my life. Your mother saved my future. I understand your family’s sacrifice more than you think or know.”

“It’s not important.”

“It is.”

Silence followed and Adam spun her again. Talitha saw his gaze fall to the side as Jackal’s voice ebbed. The music faded, leaving Kalum alone to sustain a long, difficult note in the quiet. Jackal bowed to her and the ballroom paused to observe. The crowd broke into applause when it was clear that Kalum would hold strong far past the needed note, swelling stronger instead of losing power. She filled the space with a sweet and rich sound, sustaining evenly before fading gracefully.

Kalum drew back as Jackal rejoined her in the song. Adam brought Talitha close but didn’t start the next and final measures of the waltz.

“You’re more than your past,” he said. “More than the blood you were born with. I wish you’d stop saying things like that and stop thinking you have to prove yourself in drastic ways to get people to respect you.”

“You see me as more,” Talitha replied. “Maybe. You respect me. But the rest of Union, even with Pender-Pal—”

“Fuck Union!” Adam snapped. “I don’t give a fuck what anyone thinks and that includes Union shitheads. I hate when you bring it up. You do it all the time. Stop already!” He spat, irritation tightening his temper. “I repeat myself all the time but you always think the worst. Look around you—and look where you are. Look at what you’re wearing. You have the luxury of being bored when some of the most powerful heads in Union want to take a picture with you. Fucking hell. Enough!”

Real anger flared. Talitha receded, her breath escaping in low, quiet puffs of surprise. Adam, always slow to lose his cool, had lost it. He paused after the outburst and shook his head, grumbling something too low for her to hear.

“Sorry,” she said softly, nodding to herself. “I know this is hard, all of it. I'm making things worse by worrying all the time. I’ll back off. I know…I’m too sensitive. I’m trying not to be. It’s not easy—”

“You’re on that venom shit. Purple Dot. That’s what’s going on. It’s messing with your head and you’re over-thinking more than usual.” Adam looked her in the eye. “You’re not yourself and I’m not helping a damn thing by blowing up on you.” He pulled her back into the dance and rested his hand lightly on her waist. “I’m sorry too. I had no right to react that way. Not a good look for me.”

“You’re fine.” Talitha blinked hard against a faint wash of vertigo. “Yeah. Purple’s strong. Wasn’t expecting that. Not like Pink at all. Kind of wish I didn’t let Ivan talk me into taking it. Makes bad feelings worse like it makes other parts better.”

“Stop taking it,” said Adam. “I don’t miss venom at all. Not even the legal synth stuff. My head stays clear.”

“Maybe you’re right.”

“I am. Think about it.”

Their position shifted and Talitha had a view of the stage. Jackal stood behind Kalum as Kalum’s sharp gaze searched the crowd, as if hunting for someone in particular. Her attention fell on Talitha, finding her at last, and their eyes locked from a distance, holding without mistake for a long few seconds.

Their connection broke when Adam pulled Talitha close and dipped her low, leaning over her frame as they bent together. Talitha’s hair grazed the floor as she arched gracefully, gliding up when Adam drew her back into grasp. She grinned as she caught hold of his shoulder to steady herself and tossed her hair out of her eyes, laughing at his sudden move.

“Pender,” she said, snickering. “What the hell was that?”

“It’s a thing,” he replied, blue gaze steady.

“I guess it is.”

He held her there for a long moment, watching without speaking. Thunderous applause erupted as the music faded.

Media rushed them immediately, devices hovering about abd snapping away to capture the pair in the sudden embrace. Talitha was jolted away from Adam by the rush of people clustering between them and she squinted as rapid blinding lights flashed in her face. Reporters shouted speculations about their possible romantic future between her as she rubbed her blinded eyes, turning away.

“What the hell?” she cried. “Get lost!”

“You guys look great!” A junior columnist from Social Society disregarded Talitha to shove a voice pen at Adam. A surveillance bug circled him to capture his reaction. “Pendergast and Pender-Pal,” she gushed. “That fire’s been burning a while, hasn’t it? We’ve been watching and waiting for you to make a move since that promo shoot. Please spill to all your fans!”

Bodies swarmed. Talitha grimaced at another bright flash.

“We’re not—” she started.

“So beautiful, we’re calling it Adam and Li-Li,” said a rep from Miss Miss Magazine, cutting past Social Society with a haughty swipe and beckoning to Talitha. “No—Alili. Let’s get a few more of the two of you together. Maybe a group shot with Jackie next to Kazrut’s daughter. Tonight’s turning out to be huge. We have to capture every single second of this for our viewers.”

Adam reached forward and grabbed Talitha, tugging her along through the crowd. “This was a private moment,” he grunted. Another reporter swooped close to get in their path. “That song was for my father—for people that died. People who deserve some fucking respect.” He turned his head to roar at the encroaching man. “Back off!”

“Oh.” Color drained from the reporter’s face. He stood aside with the rest of the media to let Adam and Talitha through. “Sorry. You’re right. I didn’t even think about that—”

“Of course you didn’t. Go fuck yourself!”

The media retreated—somewhat—shouting apologies while still trying to capture images of the pair. Talitha stopped Adam as they hurried through curious guests watching them flee, facing him when they were further away.

“Thanks for that,” she said, touching her chest in dismay. “That was crazy. The dance wasn’t a big deal. They read so much into it. Should be trying to catch Jackal since he's the actual surprise tonight.”

“Well. You know.” Adam rubbed the back of his neck and nodded, frown still visible. “Gossip rags. They’re more interested in your picture when you don’t want them taking one.”

“Exactly. Annoying.”

“I don’t think we look bad together, though.”

“We don’t, but those hounds are always poking around, making stuff up. You have no control over what’s said about you or what people believe.” She glanced back toward the stage. “We should get back. They’ll leave us alone now since you set them straight. Kalum’s back there with Jackal and your mother’s probably there too. She’ll want us to stay close. Once in a lifetime—right?” She beamed. “It’s all so stellar. Part of history.”

“You go ahead,” said Adam distantly. “I want to get something to drink. Feeling a little off.”

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. Just want to sit at the bar for a little while.”

“Don’t you want to meet Jackal? Especially after that?”

He waved off the idea. “We’ll see plenty of him on Harvest Eve. I’m sure I’ll run into him again if he showed up tonight to support my mother.”

“Okay.” She tilted her head, smiling. “I enjoyed the dance, Pender. It was special—for both of us. I’m glad we had it and were together for it, even if the hounds tried to ruin the moment.”

“Sure,” he replied.

“I mean it. And maybe we should have an ice someday soon to catch up, since I’ve been missing a lot lately. Just the two of us, like old times. What we talked about before, about pressure…I haven’t forgotten. It helped me. I hope it helped you too.”

“Okay. Fine.” He paused, thinking to himself for a moment. “Listen,” he said. “If you run into issues with Spencer let me know. He’s out of control sometimes. That gang he and Ivan run with are dangerous and there's a reason trading is a crime. People get killed. You’re lucky nothing more serious ever happened to you because of your ties to him—and that group.”

“Lucky…sure. Nothing too serious. I didn’t involve myself with his business and I stayed far away when he got wrapped up deep. I know the guys he deals with are rough. I like to take hits but I’m not stupid about what goes on in the slums or in the wildlands to get it here.” Talitha sighed. “He’s having trouble moving on and it’s tough because we were together so long. It's tough for me too. We were close and I…I loved him. I really loved him, Adam. A lot. I still feel like I do and—”

“I know.”

“He’ll get over me.”

“He will. And you’ll get over him. You’re getting better already. I can tell.”

“I'll get there. I think about him sometimes. I feel emptiness now that he’s gone.” She shrugged a shoulder. “I’m working to change that. I force myself to stop worrying about him because I have to.”

“Good,” replied Adam. “The emptiness gets better. Promise. Had some of that myself too not too long back with a girl I liked. Didn’t work out but I tried to make something with her. Thought I could turn it into something I could take after graduation.”

“Oh, Adam, you must mean Gema—”

“—I got through it. That's what I’m saying.” Adam cleared his throat, darkening for a spark of a second. “Just realize other people like you a lot. They can help you forget. People like me. I like you a lot.”

“You’re right. I’ll focus more on you guys. And I like you too, Adam. A lot.”

“…Great. We like each other a lot. I…yeah. That’s cool. That’s…that’s a step.” He smoothed his hair another time. “Anyway, if he starts trouble let me know. I’ll be here.”

“What a hero.” Talitha chuckled. “First Gracie, now Spencer. We’ve been mates for a while but you’re starting to fight the world for me. I must seem pathetic to you.”

“Two people. Not really the world, Li. You’re getting dramatic.” Adam placed his hands in his pockets and stepped away. “If I don’t see you again tonight for whatever reason, I’ll link with you tomorrow. We’ll figure out where we’ll meet for the Eve. Whenever you want that ice we’ll make it happen.”

“All right. Sounds good.” She waved. “Later, Pen.”

“Yeah. Oh, and, by the way—”

He stopped her before she could turn to leave. She faced him again, tilting her head like before.

“What’s up?”

“He didn’t show. Obviously. I told you he wouldn’t. He never does.”

Talitha took a moment to process what he meant before nodding solemnly, understanding the message. “You’re right,” she said. “I’m sorry. It’s not meant to be. I won’t bring it up anymore. It was a stupid idea anyway.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Adam scoffed. “I was just pointing out that he didn’t show up. You’re the one that cared.”

“Okay.”

“See you later.”

“Yeah. Later.”

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