What the Heart Desires

Prologue Six months prior… Nate watched from the shadows, listening to the chaos unfolding within the church across the road. The stained-glass windows glowed from the lights in the sanctuary. A moment later, a loud crashing noise echoed through the air. If not for the neighborhood block party a few streets down, the neighbors would hear the commotion and come to investigate. He was glad they were preoccupied. He hated killing innocents. It was messy. Humans were clueless about the Psi. They knew nothing about the power his people wielded. It would continue that way until The Fallen gained the upper hand in this ageless battle. The odds were weighing in The Fallen’s favor, and once his plans were in motion, things would change. Until then, the humans were safe. Movement ahead drew Nate’s attention to the building’s side door. A figure emerged, donned in a black cloak, hood up, face covered. Once the figure descended the stairs, the commotion inside the building settled. Then another cloaked figure appeared. He joined his companion before both moved east. Three steps later, they stopped and peered in Nate’s direction. It was only because he wanted them to. He excelled at hiding in the shadows, had perfected the art over the last decade. It was his energy alerting them of his presence. Kinetics couldn’t sense energy, but they had a bond with the one they served. This connection tied them to their lords. When their lord was close, they knew it. Hesitating at first, the Kinetics exchanged glances, whispered, and then proceeded his way. As soon as they stepped inside the shadows and noticed him, both fell to one knee. They bowed their heads, staring at the grass. “My lord, to what do we owe this honor?” The broader man spoke but kept his head down. Good. He knew respect. Most of this newer generation didn’t. Even after Nate taught them respect, some never learned, so they died instead. “Stand.” Nate spoke with a deep, firm voice. He knew which tone to hit, one that would send chills crawling up their spines. Both stood, but their eyes remained lowered. He began circling them, studying each carefully. “State your names.” The broader man glared at his partner, then turned back. “My name is Cane, but I am known as The Butcher. My partner’s name is Drake.” “Where is your commander?” “He isn’t here, my lord,” Cane said. “He is tending to business in The Valley.” “I wasn’t aware of any other business that needed his attention.” Cane’s throat wobbled as he swallowed. He and his partner seemed reluctant to answer or meet Nate’s gaze. Their silence infuriated him. “I asked a question. Where is my answer?” Drake lifted his head and replied, “At a party, my lord. He is at a party.” “Excuse me?” Nate stopped in front of the taller man. “Did you say he’s at a party?” Drake nodded. It wasn’t enough to pacify Nate. He leaned in closer until his face was less than an inch from the Kinetic’s. “I can’t hear your head shake, boy. Answer me. Did you say that your commander is at a party?” “Yes, my lord.” The Kinetic’s voice shook. It made his words sound weak. Nate hated weakness. “Was your mission successful this evening?” Nate asked. Cane lifted his head and stared him in the eye. “Yes, my lord.” The Kinetic brought forth a piece of paper and passed it to him. Then Cane and his partner stood like statues. After scanning each word, Nate folded the paper twice and drew his hand inside his cloak. Drake lowered his gaze once more, but Cane didn’t look away. “You’re a bold one, grunt.” Nate scoffed. “Your partner seems to be the weak link in this mission.” Malice blazed in Cane’s eyes as he smirked. “Yes, my lord. He did nothing. It was I who killed the—” “Silence!” Nate’s voice echoed off the surrounding buildings. “I know who killed the pastor. Do you think I’m blind? There is blood all over you.” He grabbed Cane’s cloak, near his chest, and pulled it higher. “You’re quite a messy one, I see.” “Forgive me, my lord. I lose control. There is so much energy coursing through me, I black out. I’m sure the man was dead after the first strike, but I couldn’t stop myself.” “I’m sure.” Nate noticed Drake still looking down. Nothing about him seemed timid, but he didn’t object to his partner calling him weak. Turning from Drake, Nate observed the row of houses and buildings in the distance. He folded his hands behind his back and grunted his disapproval. “I don’t like weak links. Weakness frustrates me, and the weak do not belong with The Fallen.” “Agreed, my lord.” Cane spoke again. “It would be an honor to address this matter for you.” Nate studied Cane, and then Drake, but the latter still faced the grass. “Interesting.” He stepped closer to Drake until they stood toe to toe. “Look me in the eye, Kinetic.” Drake obeyed. “This man is threatening your life, yet you stand here, unaffected by his words. Why?” “Because, my lord, my time with The Fallen has taught me bravery. I neither fear my opponent nor death.” “I’m not sure if it’s bravery or ignorance that’s fueling your thoughts. It’s clear he could kill you in an instant.” Drake didn’t c***k a smile. He nodded once and cleared his throat. “Yes, my lord, he could kill me, but I’m confident in my abilities.” Amused by the Kinetic’s words, Nate backed away and nodded at Cane. “I knew this day would come, Drake,” Cane boasted. “I warned you I would take your life if given the order. Prepare to die, friend. You of all people know why they call me The Butcher.” In less than a second, long slender Sais sprouted from Cane’s wrists. The Monouchi measured a good fifteen inches, and both were blood stained from the last victim—the man they’d left inside. As Cane lunged forward, Drake waved his hand in a half circle. It didn’t seem like much of a defensive move until Cane fell to the ground, unconscious. “What are you waiting for?” Nate growled. “Finish him.” Drake nodded and refocused on Cane, who was lying at his feet. The same hand he used to render the man unconscious now formed a tight fist. Then Drake closed his eyes. He appeared to be sleeping, but it wasn’t long before Cane began convulsing. His body flopped around like a fish from the sea, one caught in a net and dumped onto land. Foam formed around his mouth the way it would on a diseased dog. Blood poured from his nose. Then everything stopped. Drake lowered his fist and opened his eyes. “He’s dead.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, my lord.” Nate bent lower and touched his fingers to Cane’s neck. He waited a good twenty seconds, but no pulse thumped under his fingertips. After checking for other signs of life, the reality of the situation became clear. The so-called Butcher was dead. As Nate stood, he stared at Drake, but the Kinetic hadn’t moved. “Look at me, grunt.” “Yes, my lord?” “What are your abilities?” “I am a hypnokinetic, my lord.” Nate circled the Bender, scanning every inch of his six-and-a-half-foot frame. Taller men never made him nervous, nor did this Kinetic. He would strangle Drake before he knew what was happening. But he didn’t want to strangle him. The Kinetic had gained his interest. “If you’re a hypnokinetic, I assume you hypnotize people.” “Yes, my lord. I can also render them unconscious if I’m not ordered to hurt them.” Both glanced at Cane’s corpse, then Drake focused on the street. “How did you kill this man?” “While he may be bigger and stronger than I am, his mind was his weak link. I gave him a brain hemorrhage.” Laughter rippled through the air, but Drake didn’t flinch at the throaty sound. Outstanding. “I think you’ve earned yourself a promotion to one of my elite groups. Your gifts will come in handy for the mission I have planned.” “I’m honored, my lord, but I don’t understand. You told my opponent I am weak, and you hate weakness. Why would you want me on your elite team?” “My dear Mind Bender. You can take a weak man and train him to be strong. But someone with a weak mind will always be weak.” He eyed the Kinetic at his feet and shook his head. “You know what I hate more than weakness? Arrogant morons. And this man,” he kicked Cane’s foot, “was beyond arrogant. He didn’t follow orders, either. I wanted the man inside searched and detained for questioning, not murdered. I may not like The Oracles, but I don’t believe in killing innocents. Humans can’t hurt us. They are but insects crawling beneath our feet. Do you agree?” Drake nodded. “This excludes humans aiding Oracles.” “Ah, you’re not only brilliant, but you’re also wise. This is another reason you must join my elite squadron of Kinetics—The Shadow Walkers.” “Thank you, my lord.” Drake bowed. “Please. There’s no need for formalities now. My elites call me by my given name.” “As you wish, my lord, but forgive me. I’ve only known you as my lord. What is your given name?” He met Drake’s eyes and used the same icy tone that he’d greeted him with. “It’s Nathaniel. Nathaniel McBride. But you can call me Nate.”