Divided - Book Five in the Fated Saga | Page 6

the same time.
“I only agree because you know my secret, and I now know yours. Just the same,
it’s going to take some getting used to. I've always worked alone, taking on an actual
partner is going to be very strange. You're right, though, it’s only logical based on
what we both know, to work together. That said and agreed to, bringing Meghan into
all of this is going to have to be done delicately. I can't believe you talked me into
working with her!” Ivan whispered incredulously. “I only stayed close to her because
she's clearly Juliska's favorite and that got me closer to Juliska too. Meghan is like the

8
irritating little sister I never wanted! She squirms her way in and you just can’t get rid
of her.”
Ivan glanced around to be sure he could not be overheard by anyone. Less harshly,
he added, “I understand why you've been protecting the Jacoby's. Although, it is hard
to believe. Frankly, it is frightening to believe. I do agree though, we have to tell her.
Everything. I think she's ready, but regardless, we're running out of time. She's getting
very comfortable around Juliska. I need to end that relationship before it’s too late.”
Bird nodded again, this time as if to say yes, he agreed, but even in bird form, he
looked worried about how Meghan would react as well.
“Things are moving very fast right now,” Ivan continued. “Once I explain everything
to Meghan and she accepts it as truth, it’s just a matter of time. We'll need to be
ready to flee at any given moment. Of course, I have no idea how we'll safely get past
the island’s defenses... yet.”
An unexpected relief spread through Ivan, even with his task still looming
frighteningly ahead, and having no idea if he would actually succeed. At least if I fail,
someone else knows and believes the truth... the truth will not die with me.
“Be careful,” Ivan warned Bird again, realizing he could not afford to be
complacent. He walked away, their conversation finished for now.
Bird remained perched in the tree, satisfied with the outcome of his meeting with
Ivan Crane. Things could finally move forward, and although he was currently stuck on
the island, and unable to locate, protect or help Colin Jacoby, at least he was still
able to watch over Meghan. He stayed in the tree, keeping a watchful eye as he
waited for school to end.

##
##

Inside the school, Jae led them down a dimly lit corridor and into a classroom. It
was similar to the one they had lessons in while in Grimble. There was a circle of
pillows, with one pillow for the teacher in the middle, floating and rotating a couple
of feet in the air.
Jae motioned for Meghan to follow and he sat down on a pillow, motioning for her
to sit next to him. On the opposite side of the pillow circle was Daveena Troast.
Apparently, somehow, she had been moved forward from beginner’s class to
intermediate.
Although still looking as though she had the potential to do great harm, she had lost
that demeanor which caused fright just at her mere approach. Meghan wondered
where her counterparts were. Was it possible they were in another class?
The classroom door rushed open, two girls entering.
“Oh, of course not,” moaned Meghan, her hopes dashed.
Darcy Scraggs and Dulcy Hadrian were sure to make enough noise to be noticed as
they stalked for open pillows to sit on.
What surprised Meghan most, however, was that they did not take seats next to
Daveena. And just as odd was that Daveena didn't seem to expect it either. They
walked right past her and she did not give them a second look. Had she left Darcy's
little trio? Were the Three D's now just two?

9
Meghan's gaze followed Darcy and Dulcy as they rounded the room, scoffing at each
student they passed by... until they came to Jae. Darcy stopped, making an extra
noisy scene as she took the pillow next to his, and Dulcy the one next to her’s.
“Hi, Jae,” spoke Darcy, in a voice that insinuated they had seen each other
recently. Her eyes cried out wasn't that a great time we had, and her mouth turned
up into a sly smile.
Meghan had