Axiom Theory: Book Four of the Shadow Series by J.M. Pierce Read Free Book Online Page B

yellow walls were darkened by the brown carpet under foot which made the room feel even smaller than it already was. The small wood stove that occupied the only corner of the room that the couch and chair left open looked like a toy more than a functional unit. On the far end of the couch was an old end table that had been painted white. It stood on four rickety legs that wobbled whenever someone sat down next to it. Resting atop of it was a lamp with a tan shade with an orange southwestern geometric pattern adorning its edges.
    Test sat in his usual spot on the couch next to the lamp with Prim on the other end. Iku sat in the chair across from them while Cliff and Alyssa stood in front of the wood stove.
    A heavy silence weighed the room as everyone looked around; no one seemed to want to initiate the conversation. Behind the chair in which Iku sat was a small window that was covered with curtains so sheer that they might as well not even be there. Through them, Prim and Test watched as Lauren passed by ten or so feet outside.
    Never one to mince words, Cliff had grown tired of the silence.
    “So, what exactly is it that we’re supposed to be afraid of?” he asked gruffly. “I realize that we’ve always been worried that the twins would cause trouble again at some point, but so what if they have a kid? Now, I’ll admit that it’s strange that the kid’s growin’ rate is different, but…” The old man paused and searched for the words. He shook his head while scratching his cheek as he continued. “I guess I just don’t understand the situation.”
    Prim glanced to Iku whose eyes were locked on him, obviously waiting to follow Prim’s lead.
    “Lauren was right,” said Prim. “We haven’t told you everything.”
    Her nerves causing her to react opposite of what the seriousness of the situation would dictate, Alyssa’s voice chimed in like a bright sounding bell as she asked, “She is pregnant, isn’t she?” She immediately threw her hand over her mouth as everyone in the room glared at her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, covering her mouth with one hand and holding out the other. “Go ahead,” she said to Prim.
    Leaning forward in his chair, Iku began to speak but was quickly cut off by Prim.
    “One minute, Iku,” he said cautiously with his right hand extended to the former Reaper. Prim turned to Test and took a deep breath. “How have you been doing?” he asked.
    Test’s neck craned and his face twisted in confusion. “Fine,” he replied.
    Prim glanced to Alyssa and Cliff to see what their reaction to his question was. Alyssa’s eyes looked blank and nervous, while the old man’s eyes were locked upon Test, anxiously awaiting the reply.
    “Test,” said Prim, “What Iku is about to tell you will be upsetting. It is more important now than we ever realized before that you remain in control of yourself.” Test’s eyes glassed over and Prim had his doubts as to whether he should continue. “So, I’ll ask you again. How have you been doing?”
    With a flip of his hand, Test replied defensively. “I’ve been fine. Ask either of them,” he said, motioning to Alyssa and Cliff.
    Cliff nodded his head and replied with a stoic face. “It’s true. Not that he don’t have the demons comin’ at him now and again, but he hasn’t had an outburst for a good long while.”
    Prim studied the old man’s face for a minute and then, clasping his hands, turned to Iku and nodded.
    With a sharp inhale and exhale, Iku spoke. “The last time I saw the boy, he looked like someone I knew, but I just couldn’t place it at the time. It took me a week or so to realize what I now know to be true.” Iku glanced to Prim who once again nodded his approval. “Test, when you were captured, the scientists took tissue samples from you, didn’t they?”
    Test replied softly. “Yes.”
    With only the faintest of hesitation, Iku let the words flow before his mind could have a chance to second guess. “From the