"Melanie, if your future wasn't dependent on you being bonded and placed in a job suitable for both you and your Soulmate, there would be no limit to what you could accomplish. If you rely on the Gathering for your future, they can control everything about you." He sighed, frowning. "Your loss is still fresh and it will take time, but eventually you will see what a trap the bond truly is."

Theo's grey eyes were grim and full of pity as he finished speaking. The mall had begun clearing out, the racket of pans and metal discs turned to masses of people leaving the huge space. He rose, something in him darker than before.

I watched the dim attitude fade as Gemma and Skylark returned, Skylark launching her tiny frame at her father.

"Come fly with me, little birdie

Come fly away.

Though the ground is hard and cold for a bird,

The sky is warm and bright.

Come fly with me, little birdie

Come fly away"

Just past them, in the aisle of the stalls, my father had returned, singing the old song as he spun his little chick in the air.

"Birdie, let's go flying everyday so you know how much I love you," he said, settling the smiling girl back on solid ground. She tilted her head as she looked up at him. The feisty smile was on her face; the perfect image of the precocious child who knew something her father didn't

"I know how much you sympathize with me, Daddy. You sympathize with me to the stars and back. You sympathize with me across the Between and to each City in the Gathering." My father stared at the little form, almost blankly.

"I guess I do, Birdie." His voice faltered. "But what if you thought of some other ways to say sympathize? Isn't love better?" The ghostly girl laughed and shook her head, disappointed and amused with the failings of her father.

"No, love is just between Soulmates." Her eyes crinkled, a sudden focus of my mind. Had my father really not believed this?

He laughed, shaking his head, but when he turned away from the little figure his royal blue eyes were filled with tears.

"Just remember I sympathize with you no matter what happens, alright?" His sadness peered through his voice, scaring the girl into nodding to his grim request.

I had been seven at the time, a whole year before he died. Had he been thinking of it for that long?

"Melanie, are you ready to go?" Gemma asked from my right.

I pulled my gaze away from where the two figures still stood, frozen in their separation. Gemma had a wheeled chair before her and a kindly grin on her face. I was still disoriented from the memory, but I kept my composure steady as I nodded and returned her grin.

Theo stepped up behind her, and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder, pushed the chair closer to me. Maybe their love was true.

'Love is the original bond, that which without a Bond is but a falsity'. This strange Recitation appeared unbidden in my thoughts, a perplexing idea that commanded my mind as I sat in the chair, my bag grasped firmly in my lap.

A Bond is a mere contract, but the bond of love is exclusively between Soulmates, otherwise why have Soulmates in the first place?

Theo began pushing me out the market, whistling as Gemma and Skylark walked by my side. Outside, it was dark, and the stars were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen. All those years ago I had loved to stargaze with my father, but the stars above Clearlake were somehow dim in comparison to the overwhelming swirl of millions of milky lights.

The moon shined serenely down on us as we moved past dilapidated buildings. Inspired, I pulled my sketchbook and pencils from my bag and started to draw with the pencils that had been my only colorful solace in a monochromatic world.

We kept moving, my pencils mixing colors to create the night sky, Theo pushing me on, and the two girls talking.

By the time we stopped, I had sketched a portrait of the family as they stargazed beneath the heavens. Looking up from my drawing, I saw the towering building above us, one of the few buildings untouched by destruction and decay.

"Welcome to the Conclave Building," Theo said as he pushed me towards the glowing windows.

"Is it torch-putting out time?"Skylark exclaimed, running past us to peer into the fogged glass doors.

"Almost," Theo said, chuckling.

"And almost time for bed," Gemma said settling a guiding hand on Theo's forearm.

"It really is late, maybe we could take Melanie to the Conclave in the morning."

I held my breath, hoping for a delay before they found my secret and sent me back into the Between.

"What do you think, Melanie? Ready to catch some zz's?" Theo stopped just before the doors and walked in front of me. He seemed like the more kind, yet funny type, so I could match him in that.

"I guess; unless you have any other hills for me to fall down!" I replied with a chipper smile that threatened to crack my face in two and reveal how terrified I was of being sent away again.

"I like your sense of humor," Theo said, laughing. "We'll show you to our rooms then!" Turning sharply on one heel, he returned to pushing the wheelchair. The doors beckoned with a warm glow of temporary peace, then spread wide by Gemma to reveal a room full of light and thankfully silent.

Lit by torches that sputtered in glass enclosures, the room was simple but comforting with its lilac walls and long oak desk. Beside the desk was a tall stairwell and a corridor on the right side of the table.

"Melanie, can you walk upstairs?" Theo asked, wheeling me slowly towards the dim stairwell. I gulped, wondering if I would injure my ankle more before I was stranded in the Between. Here I was, a burden of a girl who couldn't even walk upstairs.

"Mama, why don't the elevators work?" Skylark said, skipping over to the glossy metal panels set into the wall. She slapped a button above her head, bouncing and grinning.

"You know we don't have power, remember?" Gemma said, walking over to retrieve her child.

"Why don't you have power?" I asked, watching the her pull Skylark back over to where we remained, waiting by the stairs..

"Well, we have the remains of a power plant and the knowledge to fix it but most of our people are here because of accidents," Gemma said, looking off past me. Behind her calm exterior, I could see the sadness that lingered in her tightly clasped hands and slight frown.

In a snap-judgment, I realized that had happened to her.

"That makes sense," I said softly, erasing the comedic act from before. "I can do the stairs, I'm sure of it."

"Alright, but Theo will be right behind you if you feel like you might fall," Gemma said as Theo pushed me closer to the stairs.

I started slow, pushing out of the chair slowly, testing my foot with gentle weight. It felt warm as I let my full weight settle on it, but it sent barely a twinge of pain up my leg.

I could do this. If I could do stairs on it now, I could survive when this surreal break from my quest ended. Eyes focused on the landing above me, I took on the stairs one step at a time, clutching the railing as I went.

"You're doing great, Melanie," Theo said under his breath. He was a father following his daughter's first steps, and I knew he would try to protect me before the Conclave. At least I hoped he would. The settlement might just be a resting place before I moved on to find my Soulmate, but I didn't want it to end before I had a chance to recover and prepare.

On the second flight of stairs now, my reliance on the railing was dwindling. One flight left, I felt like myself again, a girl who wouldn't have to rely on the kindness of others to move about this new place.

"Go Melanie!" Skylark cheered, her little feet pounding up the stairs as she raced past me. I grinned at the little figure, her hair streaming behind her in a smooth blur.

In an instant, she was gone from sight, another floor above me. The stairs were no trouble now, and I easily planted one foot after the next until I reached the next landing.

We were on the third floor now, and while only slightly out of breath, I was relieved to see Skylark dancing in the hall before me. All was quiet in the little lilac hall with its wide windows and white doors. Involuntarily, my shoulders shuddered. They were the doors of my lost memory, the doors that caused my too perfect memory of my father.

"Are you alright?" Theo asked, pulling my eyes from the doors to see him and Gemma a few paces before me. I had frozen, trapped in thought without even realizing it.

"Yes, sorry," I said, hastily walking towards the couple. Gemma offered a gentle smile to me before continuing down the hall.

To my left were windows, showing me the dark city lit only by the flickering windows of the other buildings around us. From here, I could see straight to the makeshift wall, tiny in comparison to the massive structure the City's walls were.

I kept walking, ignoring my thoughts of the City. The settlement was different with no ulterior motives to harm me and they seemed to accept all.

At the end of the hall, a large white door stood, framed with carved wood in the shape of flowers and leaves. There we stopped, Gemma opening the door with a twist to reveal a dark room with only a dim window to provide light. What was this?

"Here, let me go light the torches," Theo said, walking past me into the room. From his pocket, he produced a small box filled with tiny sticks. He struck one against the box and it transformed into a tiny fire.

While it was nothing compared to the Bonfires of Fall Festivals, when Theo touched it to the lamp set in the wall, it grew into a source of light that illuminated the soft green walls. Deep in the house, I could see a little figure running towards us.

"Come on, Melanie," she said, grabbing my hand to tug me into the darkness.

"Wait, I have to light the rest of the torches," Theo said, walking down the hall to the next lamp. He soon had ignited that lamp too, revealing we were simply in the entryway to the rest of the place.

"Theo, just light the fireplace, it'll be better for Melanie to see that way," Gemma said, passing Skylark and I as well to stand beside Theo.

In the flickering light stood the pair, Gemma's short frame standing before Theo with a gentle hand on his shoulder. They paled in comparison to true bonded Souls, but something about this place gave me the impression of my parents. They in no way resembled each other, but I felt trapped again like this was the same show my mother had put on for years.

"Alright," Theo said, walking further into the darkness. Skylark pulled me along again, her small hand warm in my nervous palm. Creaks and thuds came from somewhere I couldn't see and then the wall burned bright with a small fire.

Crouched before it, Theo was silhouetted with its red arms reaching out with warmth in the cold room. Now, I could see that Skylark had pulled me into a living room/dining room painted a light brown. To my right was a sunny yellow kitchen complete with beautifully carved cabinets and smooth rock countertops.

It was so beautiful, the decadence of the Concerto without the necessary Level. I had only seen decorations like this in the Interface specials show in Lessons to explain the different Levels.

"This place is amazing," I said, eyes wandering across the fancy space. To my left was a hallway, a place promising more beauty and wonder.

"Thank you, we decorated most of it ourselves," Gemma said, approaching with a proud smile on her face.

"Skylark, why don't you show Melanie to your room, she can sleep on the spare bed tonight," Theo said, straightening up to look back at us.

"Yay!" Skylark said, tugging me excitedly down the dark hall. The first door on the right showed a wide bed and a few chairs illuminated in silvery moonlight. She still tugged me on, hurrying me past another door on the left. Finally, we stopped at the end of the hall where a white door again stood surrounded by beautifully carved woods.

Struggling with the knob, Skylark opened it to reveal a forest, complete with flowers growing in a box beneath the window that let the moonlight in to mingle with a low-burning candlelight. On the ceiling, a stunning night sky was painted, stars placed with care to form constellations like The Angel or The Protector.

Wild shadows danced on the beds, flickering plant silhouettes that soothed me. The forest had been terrifying, but here, they lulled me to sleep. Separating her hand from mine, Skylark threw herself into a bed, curling herself beneath the blankets.

Yawning, I walked over to the right bed and sat down.

"Is there anything you need before bed?" Theo said, appearing at the door.

I shook my head, the calm atmosphere of the room reawakening my need for sleep. Theo smiled, tucking Skylark in as I buried myself beneath the soft blankets. Hazily, I heard him wish Skylark and I good sleep, but true to his words, sleep came readily.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I awoke to a strange heat beside me, soft warmth curled against my body. Opening my eye just a crack, I could see Skylark's small form in the golden streams of light that spilled across the magical forest.

This was the kind of morning I needed; bright and clearly morning. There was no more waking in a timeless void for me

But what if that was where I needed to be to find my Soulmate?

Skylark stirred, forcing the thought out of my mind. I would find him on my own and that, not some terrifying dark spot on my memory, would save me.

"Skylark, good morning," I said softly as I sat up. The little girl remained under the soft covers, her sleep sedated face towards me.

Slowly, she opened her eyes and blinked at me beneath soft black eyelashes. I smiled gently, mornings were never easy.

"I think I smell pancakes," I said, inhaling the delicious-smelling morning air. "Let's get ready so we can go eat!"

Skylark's gray-green eyes met my cobalt twins as she nodded. Her face was so solemn, I could hardly believe that she was the same little girl who had been running around just last night.

Soon, she sat up too and I pulled the blanket off us both. She hopped off the bed and started to pull on a dress left for her on the nightstand beside her bed. On my nightstand was a patterned green shirt with a strange hood and jeans.

Once dressed, I again resembled the strange Souls of the settlement. The only question was whether I would be here for long.

As I pulled on socks and my white shoes, Skylark came bounding over, socks in hand.

"Will you help me?" she asked, thrusting the socks at me. I smiled kindly and reached for the flowered socks.

I froze, staring at the strange image of her wrist. There, a forestscape was shown, carpeted in jeweled flowers. Above the trees, stars shimmered and twinkled. Rolling and playing in the new growth was a winged horse. Feathered white wings were folded against its back and would unfurl suddenly to launch the horse into the air. She truly was unsevered, the child of two Severed Souls mating out of bonds.

The strange mix of creatures was striking. Skylark was a new kind of mistake, a Soul-mixed child. At least, that's what Dr. Thornbury would call her. I shuddered as her sharp face flooded my mind.

"Melanie?" I looked up at Skylark, realizing with a start that she still held the socks at me. I reached out to take them and noticed a similar confusion as she looked at the raven peeking out from my sleeve.

"Oh, Skylark, I'm sorry!" I said, pulling my sleeve down hastily. She hopped onto the bed beside me, confusion still clear on her face. Even she knew there was something wrong with my Soul.

I started pulling her socks on, puzzled still by her Soul. Did she have a Soulmate somewhere, or was she some bondless exception to the otherwise bond based Soul?

Socks on, Skylark ran off toward the kitchen. I moved to stand and walk as well, only slower than the exuberant child.

Down the hall, the smell of pancakes wafted toward me on warm air. In the sunny kitchen, the little family sat around a table. Skylark was already digging into pancakes sliced nicely into strips. Pancakes were left for me as well, set on a cream plate. The wood chair was already pulled out for me, a relief as I sank into it.

I sat down quickly, scarfing down the pancakes as if I had no idea when I would see food again. In all honesty, I didn't know when I would see food again.

"Good morning, Melanie!" Theo said, rising from his place at the table. He smiled as he carried his clean plate to the sink. He turned on the faucet, water rushing as he scrubbed plates.

"Melanie, Skylark told me about last night. I hope she didn't scare you," Gemma said, standing as well to clean up. Her face was a peaceful sea, but waves gathered on the horizon.

"No, she was just fine!" I exclaimed, readily adapting to the best image of myself for Gemma. She might be harsh towards her child, but I knew it wasn't out of hatred. Peace and calm were hard to come by as an Untrue Soul and clinging to it was something I was well used to.

"Good," Theo said, walking back from the sink. "Are you ready to meet the Conclave?"

No. I was not ready to be left to die in the Between again. Here, Theo might help me as Guardian Shaw had but I didn't want to place all my hopes in him.

"Sure, where do I need to limp to?" I said, plastering on a silly grin. Maybe it was false, but everyone loves a liar.

Theo chuckled and gestured for me to follow him. Still favoring my injured ankle, I walked through the brightly lit entryway and out into the hall. Gemma and Skylark walked behind me, bearing an eerie resemblance to the Guards of the Facility.

Up a flight of stairs, and there we were, the fourth floor that would be my downfall. The hallway was much the same as the third floor, except with a large oak door dominating the end of the hall. I walked down the hall, my trepidation growing as I neared the door. What would be beyond the door? Was hope worth having?

Ahead of me, Theo pushed the doors open and ushered me into a large room. Much like the Meeting Halls of the Gathering, the room had rows of chairs facing a pulpit, behind which stood a tall man clothed in a dark suit. His stance was firm as he spoke to the audience, arms held up in welcome like a Protector.

"...no need to fear for our safety--," the tall man said, stopping suddenly as we entered. His head turned towards us slowly, a wide smile stuck on his face.

"What timing!" He exclaimed, gesturing towards us. Heads turned toward us, kind smiles on the faces of some but wary glares from others.

"Good day, Conclave," Theo said as he stepped forward, beckoning for me to follow. Shaking, I followed, holding my wrist close to my side.

"Guardian Grace, would you update us about the current situation at the gates?" The man said, stepping away from the podium. He held his hands behind his back precisely, sharp eyes watching Theo's approach.

"Sit here," Gemma whispered, guiding me to a chair beside the podium. Ducking my head, I sat down, nervously watching as she and Skylark sat near the doors.

Skylark squirmed in her chair, staring at her kicking feet. Gemma placed a hand on her knee, shooting her a stern look. She caught me looking at the stern, almost disapproving set of her lips and quickly smiled. It was too bad that she was so harsh on Skylark SHe was only a little girl.

I was alone, seated directly before the ruling body of this place. And when had ruling bodies been kind to me? But they were different from the Gathering, right?

"Thank you, Leader Ottosen," Theo said as he placed himself behind the pulpit. He gripped the smooth wood surface tight enough to bleach his knuckles. "Conclave members, I bring good news and bad. The situation with the gates is currently under control as we have doubled the guards. Despite the relative protection of the wall, we have little protection should the Traitors make it past the gates."

The Conclave began murmuring, their fears growing with every word. A shrill scream echoed in the wide hall. In the first row, a woman clamped her hand over her mouth, terrified and embarrassed of her terror.

Theo grimaced and his voice became strained. "I highly caution against allowing this to run its course. Sure, this may happen every so often, but this time the intent appears to be different-"

"But Guardian Grace, the last time we spoke in private, you warned against causing panic," the Leader stepped towards the podium, trying to edge Theo away. Out of all the people here, he scared me the most.

Clad in a dark suit, everything about him was precise and straightened. From his perfectly unlined shirt to his gelled brown hair, he was the exact image of the old world business leaders. Ruthless and aimed towards profit, they were the cause of the downfall of the old world.

Even if that were untrue, I was frightened by the anger and power he wielded against the Conclave. I needed every ounce of kindness possible in this place to and he seemed capable of nothing less than hatred. I dreaded when he would find out my truth.

"I did, but I also told you what I am telling the Conclave members now. They are not the masses, these are leaders who are capable of keeping a secret unless they believe action must be taken," Theo said, pounding his fist on the podium. He kept his face blank, but his frustration was obvious.

"We don't have enough evidence to take offensive measures," Ottosen said, reclaiming the bewildered audience. "You said it yourself, this kind of thing happens every so often. Why spread a panic when we are safe?" He spread his arms wide, threatening to crush the already weak people beneath his arms. They had been through tragedy already, and they didn't want more trouble.

In the crowd, people began to nod, turning their attention to their leader. At the podium, Theo's head bent, bowing to the authoritative pressure exerted by Ottosen.

Stepping back, he allowed Ottosen to take the podium and fully take control of the Conclave. My fears were brought to life; he was in control and cooler heads couldn't help me now.

"Now, why don't we move to the true purpose of today's Conclave meeting, welcoming another Severed Soul into our city," the leader said, gesturing blandly in my direction. "Melanie Baird, please take the stand in testification of Severance."

I had to prove I was Severed. I'm not Severed. Anxiously, I rose. As I stepped onto the platform, the leader moved out of my way with a mocking sweep of his arm. Did he know?

Behind the podium, I stood stock-still; my arms clutched across my chest to provide cover for my Soul. My disguise would be what they wanted to see, a Severed. My nervous smile could stay and if I was on the verge of tears, that would only strengthen my unstable appearance.

But they all looked normal and calm. Would my nervousness confuse them? I hated lying blindly.

"Miss. Baird, please begin by stating your name for the record," Gemma said, rising from her spot near the door. She was dressed like a Conclave member, I realized with a start. From her cream dress to the prim black shoes on her feet, she was one of them.

"Melanie Baird, Gathering Number 129185," I said quickly, rattling them off as I had for the Counseling. This was the Counseling all over again.

"That is no longer necessary, miss," a man spoke up from the back of the room.

See? I was terrible at lying at a moment's notice. Chalk it up to a nervous mistake or lack of control but I had messed up. I was supposed to hate the Gathering, despise the numerical label, and forget they ever existed.

"Please strike that from the record, Madam Sakuri," Ottosen said from behind me.

Gemma nodded, scribbling intently on a clipboard. Biting her lip, she lifted her head to look at me. The next question was one she didn't want to ask.

"Please present your Soul to the Conclave," she said, her words falling heavily to the ground. Her eyes met mine and beneath furrowed brows, I could see that she knew.