John’s head bumped against the window of the subway car as it rattled through the underbelly of Quorluna. The screeching tracks echoed in the dim, flickering light. The car swayed as it sped forward, the LED lights briefly plunging the compartment into darkness before flickering back on. He rubbed the sore spot on his temple and turned to his cousin, Max, sitting next to him.
Max, oblivious to the world, bobbed her head to the music from her headphones, a smile playing on her lips as she scrolled through her phone. She laughed out loud at something, looking carefree. John marveled at how Max and his aunt could be so tiny and yet the most intimidating people he knew. Max let out another chuckle, the paper bag on her lap crinkling with each movement. They had spent the day in the city, visiting their favorite meat market for the family barbecue.
John glanced at the two Nexus agents at the far end of the car—“the twins,” as Max called them. Both sat rigid, their eyes on him, watching every move he made. John threw them a sarcastic wave before turning back, not caring about their response.
“Stop scaring the twins, John. It’s mean,” Max teased, without taking her eyes off her phone. “They’re just doing their job. You make them nervous.”
John smirked. “And you?”
Max gave him a sidelong glance, amused. “Please. I’ve seen you as a kid running around naked to avoid bath time. Hard to beat that image.”
John smiled despite himself. Max had always been there, unafraid to stand beside him, no matter what trouble he was in. He didn’t deserve her, or the rest of his family. He looked out the window as their train exited the tunnel into the bright scar-light. The skyscrapers of the city were giving way to apartments, and soon the suburban sprawl would take over. He always liked this side of the country better—the trees, the space, the slower pace.
They got off the train, followed by their shadowy guardians, the Nexus agents. As they made their way through the station, Max’s small sports car sat waiting in the parking lot, sleek and low to the ground. John noticed the twins parking behind them, ever vigilant.
Max navigated through familiar streets, passing places they used to play at as kids. He didn’t dislike visiting his aunt and her family; in fact, he loved them deeply. But seeing their closeness made him feel out of place sometimes, like he didn’t quite belong. They had taken him in, loved him unconditionally, yet there was still that nagging discomfort, the lingering sense that he wasn’t really part of the family.
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at a gated community. The houses here were massive, set on large lots with perfectly manicured lawns. John’s eyes roamed over the familiar sight of his aunt’s home—a two-story house with a large balcony encircling the upper floor. A single tree stood proudly in the middle of the expansive front yard, its leaves swaying gently in the afternoon breeze.
Max parked by the garage, and John got out, admiring the other cars in the driveway. His uncle’s truck and Clarissa’s familiar vehicle were there, but a sleek black sports car caught his attention. Must be a guest. He noticed bags in the back of Clarissa’s truck and wondered if she had a trip planned.
Max led the way through the gate into the backyard, where the sound of chatter greeted them. His uncle stood by the grill, and his aunt Liz was deep in conversation with Crystal, her voice rising above the sizzle of cooking meat. The Nexus agents leaned against the brick wall, ever watchful.
The back door of the house flew open, and Clarissa burst out, balancing a large aluminum tray in one hand and a bundle of utensils in the other. She spotted John and Max, smiling as she waved them over, with her head. John made his rounds, hugging everyone hello. Crystal’s hug lingered a little longer, which John didn’t mind. He grabbed a beer and settled into a chair, closing his eyes as the cool breeze washed over him.
“So, enjoying the babysitters?” Crystal asked, nodding toward the twins.
John grunted, taking a long drink. “A cell might actually be less smothering.”
Liz overheard him and playfully pinched his cheek as she passed. “Always getting you out of trouble, Johnny.”
John rolled his eyes. Clarissa patted his hand, grinning. “Glad to have you back.”
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Despite everything, John couldn’t help but appreciate the warmth of his family. They made him feel safe, even though his life was anything but.
“So, what’s new with you?” John asked Clarissa.
Clarissa’s face lit up. “I think we found magic!”
Her excitement caught everyone’s attention. Her father turned, steak in hand, staring at her in disbelief. Clarissa blushed as Max burst out laughing.
“I mean, I think we found what gives people magic,” she clarified, a little sheepish now.
“Really?” Liz asked, taking a seat next to John.
Clarissa fished a small, fist-sized stone out of her bag and held it up for everyone to see. The stone looked ordinary at first glance—just a dark grey rock with faint black veins running through it.
Max snorted. “Anti-climactic much?”
Clarissa scowled, tossing the stone to John. He yelped, juggling it awkwardly with one hand while trying not to spill his drink. Once he had it in hand, he noticed something strange. The black veins on the stone began to glow a vibrant blue, wisps of light trailing from where his fingers touched the surface.
“Whoa,” John whispered, watching as the stone pulsed with energy.
“Give it to Dad,” Clarissa said quickly.
John’s uncle took the stone, and the light vanished as if someone had flipped a switch. The group stared in awe.
“We think it reacts to magic in people,” Clarissa explained. “And even better, people’s magic reacts to it differently based on what type.”
John leaned back in his chair, the glowing lines of the stone still fresh in his mind. “Theres plenty of difference between the types of magic cuz.”
“No this is different. We’re still figuring that out,” Clarissa admitted. “But from the DNA samples I’ve tested, I’ve identified three distinct patterns. Your DNA, John, matches Max’s and Mom’s. Crystal has a different pattern, one that’s a little rarer. And then there’s a third pattern that only shows up in about one percent of magic users.”
“What does it mean?” John asked.
“We don’t know yet. But I think it’s the key to unlocking magic for everyone. What if we could fix the ‘broken’ parts of people’s DNA and give them magic?”
John frowned. “Is that even possible?”
Clarissa beamed, clearly proud of her discovery. “I believe it is. This stone is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. It’s stronger than steel, harder than diamond, and it reacts to magic. I’m going to Sovaria to help with the research.”
“Sovaria?” Liz’s face darkened. “Absolutely not.”
Clarissa’s expression faltered for a moment before she stood her ground. “Mom, it’s the only way. If we don’t go, Sovaria will control the research. I have to be there.”
John exchanged a glance with Crystal, feeling the unease settling in his gut. Sovaria was dangerous, a place shrouded in mystery and known for its dark experimentation. But Clarissa was determined, and he knew there was no stopping her once she set her mind to something.
“I’ll be safe,” Clarissa insisted. “Clayton’s coming with me.”
Liz looked less than pleased, but she didn’t argue. John, on the other hand, felt a knot of dread tightening in his stomach. This was all happening too fast.
As the conversation moved on, John felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. He pulled it out, reading the message from Richard. “New Sig.” His heart sank as he read the details. A job offer, one that would take him to Sorenth—a war-torn country, far from the safety of home.
John sighed, handing the phone to Crystal. “Javier’s paintings are starting to come true.”
Max and Liz leaned over to read the message. John looked up, feeling the weight of his decision pressing down on him. “I was planning on going with Clarissa, but…”
“But?” Max prompted.
John nodded grimly. “I think I need to go to Sorenth.”
Liz’s face hardened, her expression a mix of concern and frustration. “No, John. You don’t need to do this. Sorenth isn’t safe. You’ve just recovered, and this—this is ridiculous. You might as well go with the Nexus.”
John shook his head, a strange sense of resolve settling over him. “I owe Richard. He needs me for this. Besides didn’t aurora mention leaving the city? I bet Tarrick would be over the moons if i wasn’t his problem for a bit. Give the twin’s back there a bit of a vacation.”
“You owe him nothing,” Liz snapped, her voice rising. “This is reckless, John! You need time, not more danger!”
“I can handle it,” John said quietly, the certainty in his voice feeling foreign. “Besides, it’ll get me out of here for a bit. Maybe clear my head.”
Liz’s frustration was palpable, but John’s decision felt fixed. She opened her mouth to argue again, but stopped, her eyes narrowing as she studied his face. “You don’t have to go,” she said, her voice softer now, more urgent. “You’re not that boy anymore—the one always running off to prove himself. You don’t have to keep running.”
John hesitated for a moment, her words striking something deep inside him. But then the familiar pull returned, that nagging certainty. “I’m not running,” he replied, almost mechanically. “I’m just helping a friend.”
Liz stared at him, her jaw clenched, but she didn’t say another word. She just turned away, her shoulders stiff, while Crystal handed the phone back to John.
“Richard’s asking for you, but it sounds like there’s a team forming,” Crystal noted, her voice neutral. “I could probably join you if you want.”
John glanced at her, then back at his phone. The decision had already been made, hadn’t it? He nodded, feeling that strange pull again. “Yeah… that might be good.”
As he pocketed the phone, Liz watched him with a heavy heart, her eyes filled with something John couldn’t quite place—something she hadn’t said, something she had tried to warn him about.