Aurora Rising by Alysia S Knight Read Free Book Online Page B

the security recording this morning. A talent placed the explosive on the balcony. He was powerful, with a great amount of control, sailing it over easily. True, it wasn’t very big, but there wasn’t even a bobble, and he was still controlling his hoversled.” Keyen was ready for a denial that didn’t come.
    “I concur. I just viewed the recording and talked to Caph.”
    Keyen thought of the messed bed inside the room where the bomb had been set. He also thought of the woman who had rescued Tad. He had trouble not thinking about her. He’d felt a connection to her that didn’t seem to fade, and he didn’t even know her name.
    This morning he’d called to the medic facility, but Med Areathea was busy and he couldn’t get any answers. So he’d gone down to security and viewed the recording. He’d seen the woman come to the opening, amid the destruction. He clenched his fist at the thought of her standing there, the wind whipping at her, then her perilous climb to reach Tad. One misstep and she could’ve fallen to her death.
    “Sir, I was wondering if you could tell me about the woman in that room?”
    “That’s what we’re getting to. To start, there is something else you should be made aware of. Yesterday there was another attack involving high level talents. A pyro and a hypno for certain and possibly two others, we are not sure what they were.”
    Keyen felt his stomach muscles tighten. “You’re saying there are four high level talents that have gone rogue.” He couldn’t keep back his shock.
    “Not just turned rogue, but apparently have created an assault squad.” A flash of anger crossed the man’s face before his calm demeanor could tamp it down.
    “But how can that be?” Keyen’s thoughts shifted from the woman to the absurdity of the possibility. “High levels are brought in for training and screened very carefully.”
    “Yes, and believe me, we’re trying to figure it out. So far, we just don’t understand how we’ve missed them. There are no records of these talents, but given these two latest incidents and what Ty’s team encountered thirteen days ago, there’s no denying the facts.”
    Keyen understood what Hiymm was getting at. He’d talked with Ty after his team returned from a rescue, where Ty was certain at least three talents were responsible for a power grid exploding and injuring several people, causing a lot of damage. His thoughts were so locked on what had happened that he almost missed what Director Hiymm said next.
    “I want you to warn your team to take extra precautions when you go out on calls. Though that, and the attack last night, was not why I wanted to see you today. What I wanted to talk to you about is that I am adding a new member to your team.”
    Keyen stared back in shock. “A new member?” They were pretty set in their group. They got along well. Sure they missed Carin, but he really couldn’t picture anyone from the other team members being shifted in. Well, maybe Roedy but he knew he was happy where he was. Then the thought hit him. “You’re switching me out as team leader?”
    “No, I’m afraid you’re there to stay. Like I told you when I placed you there, you’re a natural leader. Others look to you. No, you’re getting a brand new guardian.”
    “New, sir? No one is ready to move up. I know we’re pressed, but I’ve spend time in the training arena with them.”
    Hiymm raised his hand, forestalling him. “I’m aware of that, and you’re right, there are none ready. Rori is new to the Guardian program. You’re going to be training her as you go.”
    “What?” Keyen came out of his seat, agitation coursing through his body.
    Hiymm waited patiently until he settled back down. “You heard me right. And I don’t think it’s as bad as you think. I believe Rori will be an asset to the team. She is rescue trained and a strong talent. Narrasa is testing her now.”
    “She hasn’t been tested?” It was all Keyen could do to remain