Chapter 12: 11: DUET

Talitha smiled with teeth on full display as she made the rounds at Ovadia’s fundraiser. Her grin felt painted on after three hours, fake and painful, but that was due to the venom surging in her system.

She and fifty other refugees who were rescued during the Time of Trouble joined for media photos and clips. Some of the more well-spoken of them provided quotes about Ovadia’s care for war-torn families, stating that she, like her late husband General Pendergast, was a champion for both nativekind and humanity. Residents could trust her to fight for them in their alien world while respecting what already existed.

A handshake here, a kiss on the cheek there, and a thank-you to blustering and red-faced Duke Ronaldo of Ecenia. He’d donated another generous sum to Pender-Pal, Ovadia informed Talitha, so yes, the orphans would love to visit his favorite estate in the bug-ridden swamps of Southern Territory. Sounded like fun.

One more visual for Miss Miss Magazine? Talitha feigned a smile, the drug fracturing her view of the items in her peripheral. No, two thousand snaps weren’t too many, if it was for a good cause. Talitha’s eyes widened further. Of course that was the industry standard.

You don’t say.

Talitha swerved her body the way every publicist she worked with said showed her best side. She posed beside the others holding a charity banner for promo clips, though once the wards clustered away in a private moment, they gossiped about the Zero Hour party.

“Garrett’s taking me.” Angeline smoothed her highlighted hair, fluttering her lashes at the girls seated around her. “He’s so cute. Gave me an everlasting rose. Said it was for my everlasting beauty.”

“Aww.” The girls around her swooned.

“He’s sweet.”

“Makes you feel special.”

“Might be a keeper, Angie. A whole year for you two after the last time. Maybe think about—”

“Oh, no.” Angeline fanned herself, shaking her head. “Too soon.”

“Two more years. Then you’ll be sure.”

“Yes. If we’re still interested.”

Another female, a slender girl with short curly hair called Rumi, leaned closer to the circle with a sly grin. “I’ll say this—I won’t be able to mind Harry on Eve if Jackal’s in front of me, looking that good.” A dreamlike look passed over her face. “He’s molten with all those rune tattoos. Makes him look like walking fire. He has that dangerous stare that looks right through you. Those fake fangs too—he can bite me any time.”

“Rumi.” Angeline touched her face with mock surprise. “You want him to bite you? Forget Harry then, you whore.”

“What?” Rumi shrugged, smile still lingering. “It’s true. I’ve never seen a man like that up close. He’s so powerful. Plus, he cares about people like us, because he is one of us. It’s not like I just wanna hook with him, though I would. I’d marry him too. Whatever he wants. Say the word, Master.”

“Master?” Genovene, who sat beside Rumi, pushed the girl with a playful shove. “You’re mad. Rest in peace, Harry. We hardly knew ye.”

“Harry will understand. It’s Jackal.”

Margot turned toward circle. “Li’s single now that Spencer’s out, and I don’t know what she saw in him all those years. What a loser.” Margot held up a palm of assurance to Talitha. “No offense. I mean, he’s tall and kind of hot in a dirty slum way, but he’s dumb as a brick and a junkie. You could do better, Li.”

“Maybe Li should meet up with Harry since Rumi’s gone.” Genovene patted Rumi. “He’ll be as lonely as her.”

Color flooded Talitha’s cheeks at the commentary. “I’m fine. Not lonely or looking for company. I’m still getting over—well.” She sunk in her seat. “Drop the subject. I don’t want to talk about Spencer, or my love life.”

“I don’t get society’s fascination with Jackal. Right, Li?” An elbow jostled Talitha’s side, and Talitha met the painted gaze of Savena, her Sunayan housemate. Under the influence of Purple, the shimmering colors on Savena’s lids glowed. “He’s creepy.”

Talitha honed her full attention on Savena, grateful for the diversion. “Creepy?”

“The blood stuff and those ritual chants are daring in Union, and the bites he does on fans look real. It’s what gets him in trouble.” Saveena frowned. “I’m nervous about Westmont. Anything could happen out there.”

“Don’t worry. His performances are for shock value.” Talitha glanced at the backstage area where Kalum stood with a reporter, watching the priestess speak in an animated fashion. “The bans are never permanent, and besides, peaceful natives practice like that for Isten Dar. Even if we don't follow their ways, the people from this planet grow fangs and feed on blood daily. They don’t even need to eat food like us if they drink enough. We’re going to see Blood Fang, so it’s obvious controversy works.”

“Yeah.” Savena nodded along with Talitha. “You’re right.” A sudden smile broke on her face, and she changed their direction, speaking fast as if she’d been waiting to spill her thoughts. “Oh, I wanted to ask you, too—is Adam dancing with anyone tonight?”

Talitha perked at once. “Adam?”

“Aye.” Savena adjusted the neckline of her gown. “I don’t see him with a date. Seems he came stag with his friends. I wonder if he needs a partner.”

“Don’t bother, Sav. He belongs to Gracie.” Genovene tittered with laughter as she cut into the conversation. “They’re going out now. She’s letting everyone know.”

“They’re not going out,” retorted Talitha, sudden aggression rising at the mention of Gracie. “It’s not like that.”

“He’s taking her to the show. That’s step one. Step two—”

“You’re wrong.”

“Hm. How defensive.” Margot smirked as she joined in as well, and the other girls rustled with agreement. “You’re upset that Pender’s with Gracie, but deny the rumors about you two. I wonder if you and he—”

“No.” Talitha cut Margot off. “We’re not.”

“Are you sure?” Savena peered close at Talitha. “You two do spend a lot of time together.”

“Yes, I’m sure.” Talitha turned forceful. “He’s not interested in me, and I’m not his type anyway. We’ve been friends for ages. That’s it.”

“Okay.” Savena checked her reflection in her COM hologram. “Think I’ll say hello.”

“He’ll say hello right back. You definitely are his type. He’d like you.” Talitha smiled at Savena—anything to change the topic again. “I’ll tell him you asked.”

“Thanks, Li. He’s so good-looking. I’d love to spend time with him.”

Talitha spotted Kalum bowing to the interviewer, the signal that the conversation was over. She rose from her seat, waving at the girls still chattering. “Excuse me, all. I need to talk to Kala for a moment.”

“The waltz is starting.” Angeline called out as Talitha turned away. “Don’t take too long—even if you won’t be joining us.”

“Thanks, Angeline.”

Talitha maintained her professional smile as she cut through crowds of important people, and a look of relief washed over Kalum at her arrival. The priestess hurried over to meet her halfway.

“Li.” Kalum grabbed Talitha’s arm, breathless as she glanced over her shoulder. “Mama made me talk to the Wives of Morda, since she’s visiting their territory next year. I have to go with her. Those women are cold from head to you-know-where.” Wisps of dark hair fell loose from Kalum’s loops, sticking to her tawny face dotted with sweat. “They paint themselves like clowns and smell like clogged seda.”

Talitha tucked the wayward strands away. “What did those bats say to you? Rude shit, I’m sure.” She glanced over Kalum’s shoulder, searching for the brooding old women. “They never let us forget they control the polar regions. Never let us forget anything.”

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Kalum twisted her face as she mimicked the wives who hailed from the always-dark side of Ipir. “So, in which of the prince’s palaces will you lose your fruit? Provided you still have it. We assume purity’s another agreement tattooed on your skull, along with other notes.”

“Wow. So, here’s what you do—look ‘em in the eye when they start and don’t break contact. Bare your fangs.” Talitha grit her teeth to illustrate. “It’s a show of dominance to their kind. Puts them in their place. They’ll lick their fur, and that’s how you know you’ve won.”

“Oh.” Kalum swallowed a laugh. “Is that so, Talitha Lyn Morai?”

“Trust me. I’m the Neanderthal. Remember?” Talitha tapped Kalum’s shoulder. “You said so yourself.”

Kalum concealed her smile. “Don’t talk to me anymore. You give awful advice and say stupid shit. Go away.”

“Not true,” Talitha protested. “My advice is supernova and you want me to stay. You’d love to hear more. That’s the truth.”

“Get lost.”

Talitha gestured at the ballroom. “Not a lot of places to go.”

“I don’t care. Figure it out.”

Kalum gathered up the lengths of her dress and glided off, leaving Talitha behind.

Talitha returned to the crowd afterward, joining political personalities who’d circled to pose with Ovadia. The children of others who’d died during John Pendergast’s ambitious expedition to Vangral—including the sons of loyal supporter Sally Southland—crowded Ovadia in gratitude. Beaming, Ovadia gestured for Talitha to stand beside her for more clips, and squeezed her shoulders.

“This one will go on main feed for the foundation.” Ovadia smiled as a camera captured her with Talitha. “Y999’s graduating wards and beloved friends.”

Talitha’s smile reappeared as she stood beside Ovadia. So far, despite the swirling venom that refused to fade, Ovadia’s fundraiser was a success.

A sudden hush from the audience heralded the start of Kalum’s performance, and the lights over the ballroom dimmed, leaving behind a sole spotlight. Talitha followed the wards to the ballroom, but moved aside since she lacked a partner. She huddled in a quiet corner by the stairs, watching Kalum appear to booming applause.

The adulation faded as Kalum’s gaze turned distant, her face amplified on projections hovering above the stage. She focused on something far away as the music from the light-string orchestra below swelled. Her lids drifted closed, and the melody eased to a low hum, accompanying her as she spilled ancient poetry about loss and eternal longing.

Warm feelings rustled Talitha at Kalum's sound. Within the native tongue’s story, she remembered times long past and faraway places that she’d never known. Purple made the experience better, as Ivan promised, and Kalum’s velvet voice oozed like honey through her system.

Talitha followed Kalum’s graceful motions, caught in the spell of the sorrowful performance. A firm touch on her elbow broke her meditation, and alarm surged in Talitha's chest when she turned—someone familiar stood behind her. He wore a fine evening suit and looked polished—even handsome. The best she’d ever seen him.

She scanned his hair, coiffed in a sleek style, and his smooth and pleasant face. His polished buttons gleamed as bright as his crooked smile as he leaned close, offering her his hand.

“Miss Morai, please grant me this dance.”

Talitha faced the speaker. The lanky young man in suave attire was…Spencer. He’d cleaned up for the fundraiser, but hadn’t told anyone he planned to attend. A laugh escaped her like as she scanned his designer gear, and the orchestra’s music swelled as she moved their conversation to COM. Her voice transmitted to their earbuds.

“What are you doing here? Did you sneak in?”

“No.” Spencer shook his head. “I’m here legitimately.”

“How?”

“I donated gold to Pender-Pal, and applied during Arbiter Pendergast’s RedSect initiative. Won a day pass to Capitol City with an invite to the fundraiser.” Spencer adjusted his jacket, jaw raised. “My documents are valid 'til I turn twenty. Did this before we split.”

Talitha absorbed Spencer’s details. “I never asked you to do that.”

“It was my decision. I wanted to surprise you, and thought you’d appreciate it.” Spencer turned slowly, allowing Talitha to inspect his appearance. “Got this suit from Altirian High Style with the gilar I’ve stacked. That dress you’re wearing—I could buy it for you, for real. Doesn’t have to be a loaner. The Kyanite—I’ll pay that off, too. Times are good.”

“I would’ve appreciated that in the past.” Talitha rattled with climbing nerves. “Not now.”

“I came to support you regardless of our status. You seem happy here, and so does everyone else.” Spencer glanced at the other orphans in the dancing crowd. “Shouldn’t mess with that.”

“I told you to give me space.” Talitha remained firm. “You’re here with Ivan, probably dealing with important people around. Looks terrible for an applicant here on a guest pass.”

“Please. Some of them want—well. Doesn’t matter.” Spencer shook away her protests. “I don’t want to talk about Firestorm business. This song means something for people like us. You shouldn’t be standing out.”

Talitha stared at Spencer’s extended hand, unsure if she should respond with harshness. She didn’t enjoy doing that, even after the harm he’d done her. He grasped her hand during her hesitation and met her stare.

“One simple dance. You and me, like always.”

Kalum quieted for the first interlude. The orchestra continued playing as the dancers rippled like ocean waves. Spencer squeezed Talitha’s hand, but before she could reply, another amplified voice swallowed Kalum’s returning notes. Gasps rolled through the audience, followed by a chorus of wolf-whistles and screams.

Talitha’s attention streaked toward Kalum onstage, who backed away as an imposing man strolled to meet her. His words echoed through the ballroom in perfect Vangrali, and he belted lines meant for Kalum to sing. Talitha uttered the performer’s name out loud.

“Jackal.”

Spencer released her hand and moved closer to the stage. His lids narrowed as the wildlander sang to Kalum.

“That’s Jackal. Here. Guess he wanted to leave his mark on this party.” Spencer chuckled. “He does whatever he wants. No one says otherwise.”

“I guess.” Talitha’s mouth remained dropped in surprise. “He’s here, singing with Kala. Mad. Why didn’t Ovadia tell anyone? Is this why he’s back on Union soil?”

Kalum regained composure fast, looking at Jackal with renewed purpose. Her smoky tones trailed along with his and together, they created a slower melody. The orchestra found altered energy in the duet, adjusting to complement Jackal's darker tones. The dancers resumed their motions as the performance continued. Their patterns rippled through the ballroom like ocean waves.

“Li—”

Spencer turned back to Talitha as another ping beeped in her ear. A hand touched the small of her back, and she spun around, startled at the sight of Adam. She accepted his link request, joining him in her conversation with Spencer.

“That’s Jackal. Here.” Adam spoke as soon as the link opened. “You believe that? He’s singing that hymn two days before Eve. Wonder if Ma knew.”

“Are you all right?” Concern sparked in Talitha at the sight of Adam during the song. A note of warning raised in her tone before he responded. “I’m on with Spencer. He’s right here.”

“Spencer?” Adam peered at the people around the stage, and his expression heightened as he spotted the RedSect boy. “Another surprise. How’d you get in, mate? This is a closed invitation list.”

“Not with a donation.” Spencer flared with immediate aggression at Adam’s arrival. “Not if someone like me goes through all your fucking legal hoops. You know, the ones where refugees are treated like trash because we weren’t born in your precious gilded society.” He moved past Talitha to face Adam. “Real Concord setup tonight, mate. I gave your mother a backing for the opportunity. She got excited when I came.”

Adam frowned, his expression twisting for a fast second. “You gave my mother a backing?”

“Yeah. She’s got a firm platform I can get behind. Grab on tight, let loose. You know how it goes.”

“Oh.” Adam nodded. “I see. You’re being funny. Ha.” A thin smile creased his face. “I’m sure she appreciates your contribution, small as it is.”

“The size was right. She craves passionate engagement with young upstarts like me. Think I’ll give her another backing on the way out. You can watch. Bet you're into that.”

“Ah.” Adam’s gaze narrowed, and he wagged a finger. “You’re still trying.”

“Problem?”

“Not at all. Just don’t know why you’re here.”

“I’ll repeat what I said, for you. Pay attention this time.”

Both boys were tense. They were the only ones standing while the crowd swirled to the music. Adam broke their silence after a pause, continuing unfettered.

“Enjoy your time tonight, mate. Thanks for the donation. Drinks are good.” He touched Talitha’s back. “Anyway, I stopped by to ask Li to dance.”

Spencer’s sneer dropped into a frown. “What?”

“I’m asking Li to dance.” Adam turned to Talitha. “You pointed out that High Priestess Kazrut performed this hymn at my dad’s funeral.”

“Right.” Talitha nodded. “I did.”

“You understand how special this moment is, more than anyone.” Adam’s focus returned to Spencer, still calm. “Li helped me deal with what happened to my dad over the years. She knows what it’s like to carry a weight dropped on you with her own troubles. Thought she’d be alone.”

Spencer's fists clenched. “She’s not alone.”

“That’s up to her. Not you.” Adam removed his hand from Talitha’s back. “This performance won’t happen again, but she doesn’t have to dance with me either.”

A twinge struck Talitha at Adam's aloofness, his sign that he'd exit fast if the situation pressed. “Spencer asked me for the same thing.” She turned to Spencer, whose attention stayed on Adam. “Spencer—”

“Do what you want.” Spencer's glare hardened further to stone. “Dance with him. He’s your thing now. The two of you help each other out, talk all night and shit. Happened a lot, but you said I was corked for noticing.”

“It was never like that.” Talitha’s own upset rose. “You don’t want to be a part of society, fine, but I told you I want to function!”

“So I don't function. Everything I did was fucked. Everything I wanted—shit.” Spencer spat on the floor, flicking a dismissive hand in her direction. “Fuck you. Enjoy the fundraiser. Have a nice life. I don’t give a shit about you anymore.”

“How are you angry?” Talitha sighed, touching her forehead. “You said yourself the dance wasn’t a big deal.” Exasperation reached her, and she snapped in frustration. “I’m not doing this. We’re not together!”

“You’re right. I’m officially past this. Past you.” Spencer snorted. “Hey, Pendergast—sorry about your dad. Good luck to your mom.”

Spencer disconnected from the link. Talitha’s mood sank as he stormed off, maneuvering through the dancing couples until he disappeared. Adam cleared his throat, watching Spencer’s exit as well. “That wasn’t how I wanted this to go. Sorry.”

“Forget it.” Talitha stared where Spencer had fled, and numbness chilled her, a surprising shift from her persistent sadness. “I’m the one who’s sorry. This breakup was difficult, and we’re both in pain. You saw some of it.”

Adam’s attention flicked back to her. “What did he say he noticed?”

“Nothing. Venom makes him paranoid. He says stupid shit.”

“About us?”

“About everything.” She closed her eyes. “I don’t want to talk about it.”

“All right.”

She took a breath, facing Adam before beckoning for him to approach. “Come on. Hymn’s half over. We'll save what’s left. Tonight’s for you and me, two unlucky moons in a clouded sky.”

“Aye.” Adam nodded, taking her hand. “Two moons.”

Talitha scanned the stage, peering at Kalum as Adam laid a hand on her waist to spin her into the waltz. Together, they moved to the layered music.