The older woman introduced herself as Mina, a “phoenix” within the group, meaning she had gone through all the training and had been reborn into the person she was meant to be. Lyria was introduced only as a “starling,” whatever that meant. It was Mina who was going to talk to them for the next two hours before they got a break.
Killian sat up a little straighter in her seat. She took out her notebook and made like she was the most keen of students. She made a point-form list of what Mina said—all pretty canned self-help slop—but her attention was focused almost exclusively on Lyria. She might look like she was broken, but there was a defiance in her eyes. Killian saw it in the split second when their gazes met. Killian smiled. Lyria blinked and looked away. Then back again. A small smile curved her lips.
That was the moment Killian knew she was going to do the job, regardless of parole or Raven or anything else. Someone was trying to break this kid, but they hadn’t succeeded. She was going to make sure they never did.
After the presentation, there was a getting-to-know-each-other reception in the conference hall. Killian waited for a few minutes, then approached Lyria Woodward.
“Hi,” she said with a smile. “I enjoyed listening to you talk.”
The girl looked surprised. “You did? I thought I messed it up.”
“Not at all. You came across as very sincere.”
Lyria glanced away. “Great.”
Yeah, so the kid knew this whole thing was full of shit. “I was surprised to learn we have a mutual friend.”
The young woman lifted her curious gaze. “Who’s that?”
“Raven Madera.” She let that just hang there for a second between them.
Blue eyes widened. “You’re…” The girl swallowed and glanced over her shoulder. “… friends with her and my mom?”
Still smiling, Killian nodded. “I am. Don’t look so surprised or someone’s going to ask you what we’re talking about. Look like you’ve got me on a hook and are reeling me in.”
Instantly, her expression changed. Obviously, the acting gene ran in the family. “Why are you here?”
“Raven asked me to help get you out of here. You and Dylan.”
“She did?” The girl actually seemed surprised. “Okay.”
“Do you know where they keep the information they have on your family?”
“I can find out.”
“Good. Where’s your sister?”
“She’s not here. Look, you need to know—shit. Here comes Mina.”
Killian didn’t even look. She brightened her smile. “I found it really interesting when you talked about how you began to see yourself as you wanted to be after just three Incarnyx classes.”
“Lyria is one of our most prized disciples,” Mina interjected, joining them. “She’s gone from defiant resistance to embracing the program wholeheartedly.” She smiled proudly.
A good jab in the throat would fix that smile. “And it was all because of the principles of Magnus’s teachings?” Enthusiasm left a bitter taste on Killian’s tongue.
“Not just Magnus,” Mina corrected. “Shasis as well, along with writings of other great thinkers and spiritual leaders. That’s the beauty of Incarnyx—it draws its teachings from not just one source, but many. Our program is number one in the US and Canada for actualizing one’s true self.”
Well, if the Canadians were falling for it, it had to be real. “How fascinating. This is the first I’ve heard of it, to be honest.”
“And what are your impressions thus far?”
That you’re con artists and probably pimps. “Well, you certainly seem committed to changing the way people see themselves.”
“We are.” The woman touched her arm. “Forgive me. I’m Mina Lee, and you are?”
“Killian Delaney.”
Something shifted in Mina’s gaze. Recognition. Slowly, she barely turned her head in Lyria’s direction. “Lyria, honey, would you mind making certain we have enough refreshment for our guests while I talk to Killian, please?”
It was a dismissal, of course. Lyria cast a nervous glance in Killian’s direction before hurrying off to do what she was told.
“She’s become so much more obedient,” Mina commented, her gaze never leaving Killian’s face. “I don’t mean to be rude, but I hoped our paths would cross after reading your registration form.”
“Oh? Why?”
“Because of your rather interesting past.” She paused, touching Killian’s arm once again. “Or is it too painful for you to discuss?”
Jesus, she needed a drink. “Not at all. I wouldn’t have mentioned it if it were.”
“Oh, good. I find it interesting that you said on your form that you feel prison formed you into a darker version of yourself and that you were sometimes afraid that version might be who you are meant to be.”
The only things prison had changed about her were that she was better at sensing when a shiv was coming her way and that she didn’t mind getting fingered by a chick when the itch was there. “Prison’s not a place for vulnerability,” she allowed. “I sometimes feel like I don’t have that anymore—that it’s affected my ability to empathize with others.”
“What are you truly hoping to achieve this weekend, Killian?” Mina asked softly, taking a step closer, as though they were discussing something intimate and not a load of crap.
Killian shifted toward her, lowering her head as though about to whisper a secret. “I would like to catch a glimpse of who I am meant to be and start to figure out how to embrace being her.” She laughed softly. “I want to feel like I belong in the world. Obviously, I know it won’t all happen in just a couple of days.” Always make them think you’re willing to give them more money.
Mina’s dark eyes brightened. “No, it won’t, but making these first few crucial steps will be so rewarding for you, trust me.”
Not any further than I can throw you, bitch. No, not even that far.
“You know,” Mina was saying, “there’s another seminar after this one. I think you might benefit from it. There’s a beginner’s track and one that’s a bit more advanced that might suit you quite well. We’ll see how the weekend progresses, but if you flourish as I think you might, I’ll put in a word with my teammates.”
“Oh, that’s so nice of you. Thank you.” Flourish? Did she honestly look like the type of person who might grow in this sort of environment?
Mina patted her arm. “Don’t thank me yet. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I should mingle. We wouldn’t want you to look like teacher’s pet this early in the experience.” She laughed and Killian forced herself to laugh with her. She hoped she looked delighted, because the expression on her face felt like it might just as easily be demented.
Alone once again, Killian rolled her shoulders to ease the tension there. She had a bit of a headache and was hungry, but there was nothing to eat except snack food. Hopefully this thing would soon be over. It was kind of like being in the prison yard, waiting for someone to jump her.
“Excuse me.”
Killian turned to find a black-haired woman a little younger and a little smaller than herself standing there with a hesitant smile on her face.