All Chapters of Fractured Past: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

Over the past two days I’ve holed myself up in the library studying everything I can about energy manipulation. I think the primary reason for my lack of control, other than fear, is the lack of understanding I have about all of this. It would be one thing if I grew up with this information, at least then I would be able to understand how it all works.I’m in the dark and that needs to change.From what I understand, the energy isn’t really separate from living creatures. The energy is an extension of the talnarin—it’s not another entity living inside of you, but something incorporated into your very being.

Before I head to lunch, I stop in to talk to Abel about the training. I don’t know the protocol for reporting damages—if there even is one—but he should know. The crater I left in the arena was deep and wide, and it looks like it needs to be filled in. I’m assuming Abel oversees repairs. That’s how it would be in my village. We always brought the problems to those in charge.I make my way to Abel’s office, and warning bells go off inside my head as I pass empty corridor after empty corridor. Where is everyone?I slow my pace, senses peeled for anything suspicious. At this time of day, early afternoon, the whole compound is out in the sun and yet not a soul is hanging around Abel&r

“Enough.”A startled squeak leaves my throat as a familiar husky voice demands from behind me.Abel’s brother? How the fuck did he get here? What is going on?As I attempt to turn around, it’s then I notice a large, rough hand gripping my neck. I twist and pull, trying to free myself from his grip. He merely expels a breath and grips me tighter. Panic surges as I claw his hand again and again. Eventually, I run out of steam and stop fighting. It’s not getting me anywhere anyway.I can feel the l

I hold the light out in front of me as I descend the stone steps carefully. After a seemingly short flight down, I’m face-to-face with another door, though this one’s not hidden. I pull it open to find the place I had woken up in, the cells. On both sides of me lie cell after cell, although they’re now empty. The same dirt path I was dragged down not too long ago leads to another door at the far end of the hall. As I pass each cell, I look inside to assure myself nothing or no one remains inside, in order to calm my steadily climbing nerves.I hesitate briefly before gripping the cold metal handle on the cold metal door. Something about this place is setting off every warning bell in my system. Sweat beads down my body and my heart pounds. My panic rises quickly as my breaths come in stutt

I glance up as the silence reigns over the room once more. I don’t know how long I’ve sat here stewing over my thoughts. Looking around, I see fear in the human’s faces while the talnarins look relieved or in awe. I don’t have a chance to question it when I see Malik standing just inside the doorway. He scans the faces before him until his golden eyes land on me. I will myself to meet them and not flinch back.After what feels like an eternity staring into his soul, Malik gestures with a jerk of his head for me to follow him. I pause before pushing to my feet. I don’t bother saying goodbye to those I sat with, instead I settle for a simple wave. I never was good with goodbyes.My pace i