Contents
Chapter 34
Overview
Wren experiences a new, uncontrolled ability that lets her overhear Cross’s conversations, catching him speaking with Lyddie and stoking her jealousy. Unsure who to trust, Wren confides only in Xavier and decides to research the phenomenon in secret, choosing secrecy over disclosure to the Authority.
Summary
Wren is unsettled by a new mental phenomenon that differs from her trained telepathy. Without opening a path or lowering shields, she overhears Cross speaking with Lyddie, who frames Wren as manipulative and cites Travis’s hardline stance. Cross’s calm replies and Lyddie’s familiarity provoke Wren’s anger and jealousy.
The connection cuts suddenly, leaving Wren frustrated and grasping for control. She withdraws from the common room, checks that Saint won’t escalate with Xavier, and replays the conversation, churning over why Cross and Lyddie are talking and what this new ability is.
Alone, Wren attempts to link with Cross but fails again, which deepens her hurt. After stewing through nightly routines, she returns to find Xavier waiting and, pressed by him, admits she twice overheard Cross—first with Travis, now with Lyddie.
Wren and Xavier analyze the ability: it’s not a standard telepathic link or projection but seems like passively hearing what Cross hears. Wren refuses to report it to the Authority until she understands it and decides to search the digital library for precedents.
As they talk, Xavier needles Wren about jealousy and dismisses Lyddie’s suitability for fieldwork, offering reassurance that Cross wouldn’t be drawn to someone like Lyddie. Wren resolves to treat Lyddie as an enemy, suppressing compassion in favor of caution and control.
Who Appears
- Wren DarlingtonNarrator; manifests a new, uncontrollable eavesdropping ability tied to Cross; jealous of Lyddie; confides in Xavier; plans secret research.
- XavierFriend and confidant; confronts Wren about her distraction, analyzes the ability, reassures her about Lyddie, and urges caution.
- CrossHeard via Wren’s ability speaking with Lyddie; his distance hurts Wren; earlier argued with Travis; does not link back.
- Lyddie De VeldeSpeaks with Cross, echoing Travis’s purge rhetoric and offering support; becomes the focus of Wren’s jealousy and resolve.
- SaintMission lead; briefly interacts with Wren and Xavier, signaling calm and a lighter tone.
- TravisReferenced by Lyddie as endorsing a purge; part of Cross’s earlier overheard argument, underscoring rising crackdown.