Chapter Twenty-Five

                                    

                                          
The entries in my mother's books were quick reads. I was disappointed to find no hidden passages such as I had in the book I'd brought to Wickenton after her death. Those felt like we had a secret, though I admitted I wasn't much of a thought to her until later on, so I probably wouldn't see any until I reached later volumes. In a reverse way, that made me happy. It was meant just for us. With no hidden passages, everything was things she had taught me in our mandated lessons, and I bored quickly with the refresher.
Is this what she meant by saying I'd never forget?
Closing the current book, I put it back and pulled out my phone. I rolled onto my stomach and opened my contacts, already decided on who to call. The check-in was long overdue.
"Hello?" Nancy answered after two rings. "Nora?"
"Hey, Nance." I smiled, happy she wasn't automatically jumping down my throat for not calling sooner. Still, I called myself out before she realized she wanted to. "Sorry I've been busy and have only texted. How are things going there?"
"So much! It's been crazy!"
"Why? What happened?" I sat up, my legs stretched straight in front of me. "Did the mystery person identify who they are?"
"What? No. Dad still has Trevor and is trying to deal with that, though I'm pretty sure he suspects your dad," Nancy said. "I meant with Julian and his family. It's actually crazy."
"Astrid is that." I shook my head and laid back down. "Why does Aiden think Devland is involved? For once, I actually think he isn't."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah. He's... I don't know. Different," I said, shrugging even though Nancy couldn't see me. I didn't have time to explain my visions while rescuing Aaron and the girl based on what I sensed during a different vision, or that I was sure Devland wasn't involved because I didn't feel it. Even if I could explain signatures, I couldn't say why I should be able to sense Devland despite our relations—most couldn't even if there was no relation, so telling her about his essence would take more than a phone call. I wasn't sure I ever would share.
"Maybe he's acting so you don't think he's involved. Isn't that how someone guilty of something would want to be?"
"Why do you guys believe it's Devland?"
"Aside from the fact that he's shady, manipulative, power hungry, and I just don't like him?" Nancy snorted. "Islene called to check in while on a break during a Council meeting or whatever. Trevor was on the phone with the mystery person. Dad asked Islene something, and they heard it on Trevor's connection."
"It could just be someone on the Council, Nance."
"Someone powerful enough to steal abilities?"
"Maybe. They all have abilities," I said, not willing to point fingers at Devland. I had issues with him for sure, both as a father and a leader, but he was a leader. What reason did he have to need more power? "Before I consider that validated, I'd need proof."
"Such as?"
"I honestly don't know." I sighed and let the silence linger for a few moments, then asked, "So, what's up with Julian's family? Is he okay? Still at school?"
"Yeah... I'm actually visiting him at school for the day since he won't go h—oh! Wait! Fine." Muffled sounds came over the line, then Nancy's voice echoed as though suddenly from a distance. "If you wanted to talk, you could have asked."
"Just did." Julian's voice echoed and came closer as he chuckled. Finally, I heard him clearly. "Hey, Nora. Staying out of trouble?"
I laughed. "Always."