this world was a dream. Marcus was fully engulfed and choking on the bitter scene.
âWhat are you doing here? Have you lost your mind?â Theron said indifferently.
âYou need to leave NOW!â the imitation Marcus shouted.
The dreamerâs fury doubled as the imposter jumped out of the water and charged toward him. He felt the cold hard knuckles against his cheek and was sent reeling backward, his attempt to retaliate lost to the air.
Marcus felt the knife sheathed at his waist and before his adversary reached him he pulled it out. Every vessel in his body prepared for battle, and his muscles surged with adrenaline as he stared at the blade in his hand. In his dream conscious he had changed places with Helghul. He felt the sting of Theronâs disregard. He felt the jealousy of her love for Marcus. The torment of her betrayal was fresh and devastating, fueling the dark passion that had always been latent within him but that had now grown and was eclipsing him.
In that moment of dark anger, Marcus contemplated his predicament. Had Helghul truly felt how he was feeling? Had he been so injured by seeing Theron in Marcusâs arms? Marcus was filled with compassion, and he moved through the unconscious rage of his emotion and made a conscious decision. He threw the knife aside and instead prepared only to defend himself. Even in his darkest pain he would not attempt to take the life of another.
âEmissary,â a voice boomed.
Marcus jerked awake as if he had dreamed of falling. He lay panting and unable to quiet his racing heart for some time. It had been so vivid, so terribly real. Emissary , he thought, understanding that he had passed the first test.
Marcus suddenly understood Helghul more fully than he had ever desired to. He reminded himself that there were more tasks to come, and he lay awake wondering what they might entail.
Throughout the city, potential Emissaries had meditated and then dreamed realistic and disturbing scenarios that challenged their greatest fears, alliances, and weaknesses. Some were designated citizen and others Emissary, but each had heard the deep judging tone.
The sunrise was pink and fresh, and Theron was knocking on Marcusâs door. He opened on the second knock, squinting and bleary-eyed in the bright sun. Theron had the sick feeling of déjà vu as he pulled her inside.
âDid you dream?â she asked anxiously, her eyebrows bent with concern.
âI did. Obviously you did too,â he said, trying to kiss her as she darted away impatiently.
âWell, what was it?â she asked, barely able to stand the suspense.
âEmissary ⦠I passed, just like you said I would ⦠I guess you werenât as sure of me as you thought,â he remarked.
âMy dream ⦠it said you failed ⦠I ⦠didnât doubt you ⦠it was so real, thatâs all,â she stammered uncharacteristically.
âI passed, you can relax,â he said, throwing himself down on his bed and making room for her to lie beside him.
âI am so relieved, Marcus. I am so happy weâll do this together,â she said, a distracted smile relieving the stress in her face as she sat on the edge of his bed. âI dreamed we connected in the Grid,â she added, taking his hand between both of hers.
âI did too. Our souls ⦠touched,â he said, happy that she had experienced it also.
âBut you didnât want to come back,â she said, confused.
âI had no choice, the gong sounded and I was jolted awake. But I could still feel you. It was incredible.â Theron lay down next to Marcus and they rested silently, forehead to forehead.
After a few minutes, Theron stirred. âIâm going to talk to Mother and see what I can learn. I will see you in the senate chamber at the gathering,â she said, kissing Marcus lovingly.
âYouâve got to leave now?â Marcus replied, but she was already half
âWhat are you doing here? Have you lost your mind?â Theron said indifferently.
âYou need to leave NOW!â the imitation Marcus shouted.
The dreamerâs fury doubled as the imposter jumped out of the water and charged toward him. He felt the cold hard knuckles against his cheek and was sent reeling backward, his attempt to retaliate lost to the air.
Marcus felt the knife sheathed at his waist and before his adversary reached him he pulled it out. Every vessel in his body prepared for battle, and his muscles surged with adrenaline as he stared at the blade in his hand. In his dream conscious he had changed places with Helghul. He felt the sting of Theronâs disregard. He felt the jealousy of her love for Marcus. The torment of her betrayal was fresh and devastating, fueling the dark passion that had always been latent within him but that had now grown and was eclipsing him.
In that moment of dark anger, Marcus contemplated his predicament. Had Helghul truly felt how he was feeling? Had he been so injured by seeing Theron in Marcusâs arms? Marcus was filled with compassion, and he moved through the unconscious rage of his emotion and made a conscious decision. He threw the knife aside and instead prepared only to defend himself. Even in his darkest pain he would not attempt to take the life of another.
âEmissary,â a voice boomed.
Marcus jerked awake as if he had dreamed of falling. He lay panting and unable to quiet his racing heart for some time. It had been so vivid, so terribly real. Emissary , he thought, understanding that he had passed the first test.
Marcus suddenly understood Helghul more fully than he had ever desired to. He reminded himself that there were more tasks to come, and he lay awake wondering what they might entail.
Throughout the city, potential Emissaries had meditated and then dreamed realistic and disturbing scenarios that challenged their greatest fears, alliances, and weaknesses. Some were designated citizen and others Emissary, but each had heard the deep judging tone.
The sunrise was pink and fresh, and Theron was knocking on Marcusâs door. He opened on the second knock, squinting and bleary-eyed in the bright sun. Theron had the sick feeling of déjà vu as he pulled her inside.
âDid you dream?â she asked anxiously, her eyebrows bent with concern.
âI did. Obviously you did too,â he said, trying to kiss her as she darted away impatiently.
âWell, what was it?â she asked, barely able to stand the suspense.
âEmissary ⦠I passed, just like you said I would ⦠I guess you werenât as sure of me as you thought,â he remarked.
âMy dream ⦠it said you failed ⦠I ⦠didnât doubt you ⦠it was so real, thatâs all,â she stammered uncharacteristically.
âI passed, you can relax,â he said, throwing himself down on his bed and making room for her to lie beside him.
âI am so relieved, Marcus. I am so happy weâll do this together,â she said, a distracted smile relieving the stress in her face as she sat on the edge of his bed. âI dreamed we connected in the Grid,â she added, taking his hand between both of hers.
âI did too. Our souls ⦠touched,â he said, happy that she had experienced it also.
âBut you didnât want to come back,â she said, confused.
âI had no choice, the gong sounded and I was jolted awake. But I could still feel you. It was incredible.â Theron lay down next to Marcus and they rested silently, forehead to forehead.
After a few minutes, Theron stirred. âIâm going to talk to Mother and see what I can learn. I will see you in the senate chamber at the gathering,â she said, kissing Marcus lovingly.
âYouâve got to leave now?â Marcus replied, but she was already half
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