Renegades (Renegades, #1)

by Marissa Meyer

He started to smile—a real smile that stretched the dark lines on his chin. “She and I used to play together. When she was scared at night sometimes, I would entertain her with puppet shows. She especially liked shadow puppets, which are something of a specialty of mine. Remember that, N—” He hiccupped. Coughed. “Uh, I remember that Nightmare well. Little Nightmare. We were buds…” His brow creased, a sadness overshadowing the sudden burst of joy. “Back then, at least.” Nova felt like her heart was being torn apart. For the past number of years she’d thought of Winston as little more than a nuisance, but he was right. They had been friends when she was young. How had they lost that? How had she become such a … such an Anarchist? She kept her eyes on him, wishing he would look up at her, wishing she could convey that she was sorry, and that she did remember those times, all those sleepless nights when he had made her laugh, and how much that had meant to her. But this time, Winston kept his head down.

It brought up a summary drafted by Hugh Everhart—Captain Chromium himself—dated the night of her family’s murders. The night of. Mere hours after it happened. Nova’s heart thundered. He had been there. He had been there that night. But he had been too late. Four people found dead. David Artino: age 31. Tala Artino: age 30. Evie Artino: age 11 months. One unnamed man: age unknown. Suspected Anarchist or Roach affiliation. Forensics confirm all deaths were a result of direct trauma from bullet wounds, without prodigy interference. Prints found on the gun matched both those of the unnamed man and also those of Alec Artino (alias: Ace Anarchy). There is reason to suspect the deaths of the three family members were done as a killing for hire. The motive for the homicides remains under investigation. See the full report as filed by Hugh Everhart (Captain Chromium) here. Additional notes: The eldest child,a six-year-old girl, was not found at the scene. Neighbors have reported no knowledge of her whereabouts. A report has been made to the Renegades missing persons unit.

Questions like, where did she get her ideas for her inventions? And, what was the most bizarre thing she’d ever done to keep from being bored at three o’clock in the morning? And, did she have a boyfriend? He was pretty sure he knew the answer to that last one. She’d never talked about a boyfriend. But then … she hadn’t talked much about her personal life at all, so he couldn’t be sure. He’d even had this outrageous idea as he was leaving Mama Stacey’s. This fantasy of sneaking into Nova’s cubicle while she was gone and laying out the spread of sandwiches and napkins like a picnic. He could even draw some candles, except that would probably be too much, and he didn’t want her to think this was, like, a romantic thing. Except a part of him sort of did.

His shoulders drooped. It was clear from Nova’s expression that she knew exactly what she’d seen, and he had no reason to doubt her. Besides, he knew exactly where that power had come from. What he couldn’t fathom, though, was why Max would hide it from him. “Adrian?” she said again, more forcefully this time. He swallowed. “Ace Anarchy,” he said. “He stole that power from Ace Anarchy.”

“He was just being friendly. He’s really worked hard to make me feel like I fit in here.” This was true, she thought, though she also knew it didn’t explain the warmth rushing into her face. Or why Danna’s insinuations made her stomach flutter at the same time her jaw clenched. The things was, when Adrian was around, she was finding it more and more difficult to keep her eyes scanning for exits and resources, or her senses attuned to potential threats, when all she really wanted to do was study him. She wanted to know how he managed to strike that balance between self-assured and humble. Relaxed, yet focused. When he was drawing, she wanted only to watch the quick, agile movements of his hands. When he was smiling, she found herself holding her breath to see if the smile would brighten enough to show off those elusive dimples. When he was looking at her, she felt compelled to look back. And also, illogically, to look away. All of it combined made her far too annoyed with his presence. It was attraction, pure and simple. It was hormones. It was … biology. And it was not a part of her plan.

Finally, Max sank back onto his heels. “You know, I’ve seen videos of another prodigy that can jump like that too.” Adrian’s pressed his lips tight together, as if the confession might emerge of its own accord. Already he was debating if it would really be so bad to tell Max the truth. He could be trusted with this secret, couldn’t he? Clearly, he’d already figured it out—at least, guessed—so how much harm would there be in admitting it?

Nova’s mouth ran dry. The artist had captured Ace’s features perfectly—that horrible devastation, even in death. Dark eyes open to the sky, lips parted in disbelief. It was not based on reality, she knew. This moment, caught in time, was nothing more than an artistic interpretation of what might have happened. Perhaps, in their mind, what should have happened. But in truth, there had been nothing left of Ace’s body for them to lord their victory over.

The third time, though, she could see the message not just as glowing blue text, but she could also hear it in Adrian’s voice, and by the time she got to the end she found that her irritation was gone, replaced with something almost like warm-hearted amusement. Because even if she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself and didn’t need Adrian or the healers to watch out for her, there was something in his halfhearted attempts to disguise his concern that she couldn’t help but find charming.

He hummed, and she could tell he didn’t believe her. “The real helmet is kept under high security in the artifacts warehouse. We’ve never taken it out into public. It’s not exactly the sort of thing you’d want falling into the wrong hands.” “Why not?” she said. “It’s useless, isn’t it? Captain Chromium destroyed it.” “Eh…” Simon rocked his head to the side, squinting one eye as if to say this one minor detail might have been a bit of an oversight. “That part of the legend might have been a bit embellished. We did claim the helmet during the Battle for Gatlon. And Hugh did try to destroy it, but…” He shrugged. “But … what?” said Nova, suddenly breathless. “It’s not destroyed?” Simon gave her a sympathetic look. “Don’t worry. No one is ever going to use that helmet to torment the people of this city again. We’ll see to that.”

uh oh... that's going to come into play later

Realizing this was our best chance, he went and got Max, who we’d hidden in a nearby cellar with a nurse to take care of him. Hugh strapped him to his back and returned to the battle. He’s told me it was the most difficult thing he’s ever done, knowing the danger he was putting Max into, but he didn’t think there would be any other way.” Nova’s jaw fell open as she listened, trying to picture the scene. The righteous, invincible Captain Chromium … charging into battle with a baby strapped to his back? She didn’t know if she should find the image horrifying or hysterical.

this is what we call child endangerment.

He wasn’t looking at her or the painting, but smiling softly into space. “I was never able to hold Max. Not when he was a baby, not now when he’s hurt or sad. But I still love him. He’s as much a son to me as Adrian is. So … thank you.” He met Nova’s gaze. “For trying to save him.” “Even if I had no idea what I was doing and really just ended up making things worse?” His smile broadened. “Even if.”

Simon is literally a super sweet cinnamon roll and I love it

It was true that the monochromatic shades of gray lifted from the table lent a muted aspect to the blooms, but they still brightened the little table, the little kitchen, the little home. And it was clear, to her, at least, how much they did not belong there. “Will they die?” she said, reaching forward to feel the soft outer petals of one of the roses. “Just like real flowers,” he said, though his mouth quirked as he glanced at her again. “But I can always make more.” That look made warmth spread across Nova’s cheeks and she turned away, picking up the communicator band off the counter and busying herself by putting it back on. Ingrid’s words came back to her. I trust you’ve noticed how he looks at you …

“Can I tell you a secret?” The girl inched closer, nodding giddily. “You don’t need to be a Renegade to be a superhero.” The girl’s head listed to one side. “That sounds like something my mom would say.”

Despite the fake annoyance in his voice, he was grinning. No—he was beaming, lit up from the inside. He caught her eye, and Nova’s insides clenched. She had been aware that he was handsome from the start, but something about him in that exact moment went far beyond handsome. She told herself it was the lighting in the tent. It was half delirium because she hadn’t eaten any lunch yet. It was … it was just Adrian. With that ease that Nova couldn’t comprehend. A brightness that seemed at odds with everything she’d ever known.

“First,” said Nova, “you might want to check with the parents before giving any of these kids an actual pony. Second, we should probably move on?” “First,” said Adrian, “you missed a sprinkle.” He reached out and brushed a thumb across the corner of Nova’s mouth. She froze, the touch sending a quiver through her insides. When he pulled back, a small orange sprinkle was resting on the pad of his thumb, which he popped into his mouth, eyes teasing. “Second, you’re absolutely right.”

It occurred to Nova that if this day had really been about finding Nightmare from the start, he already would have had these with him. She stared at his profile as he set the point of the marker against the ticket booth again. “Adrian?” Hand stilling, he turned his head to look at her. She swallowed. “Was this a date?” His lips parted, at first in surprise, but then in hesitation as he searched for a response. Pulling the marker away from the booth, he used the capped end to scratch behind his ear. “Well. This was the first time a girl’s ever won me an enormous stuffed Dread Warden doll, so … you tell me.” Her cheek twitched. “That wasn’t a real answer.” “I know.” They stared at each other, and Nova’s heart started doing acrobatics inside her chest. “Would you have said yes,” said Adrian, “if it was?” No, her brain said. Emphatic and aggressive. No. While something else whispered back … Maybe.

Adrian spun around, simultaneously reaching his arm out to tuck her behind him, which was so obnoxiously gallant Nova found herself wanting to both shove the arm away and also take his hand into hers. In fact, as she stared down at the fingers that were just barely brushing against her own, she had the most absurd notion to lace her fingers through them and lift his hand to her mouth, to place one single kiss against those knuckles.

She focused on her breath, trying to drown out the surge of sensations flooding her body. She needed to stop thinking about handsome smiles and small touches and kisses and dates. If Adrian liked her—really liked her—it was only because he didn’t really know her. He would never like the girl beneath the lie. He would never like Nova Artino. And it didn’t matter to her anyway, because she could never fall for a Renegade. That word shattered the cloud of doubt that had gathered around her, and she opened her eyes, solid again in her resolve. He was a Renegade. He was her enemy. He might have come here today with ulterior motives, but then, so had she.

How was she still alive? And … laughing? With a delirious grin, the Detonator climbed to her feet. She seemed to wobble for a moment, but then she shook out her matted hair and her stance solidified. “I don’t know who’s more gullible,” she said, rolling her shoulders. “Nightmare … or you.”

“Oh, Nova,” said the Detonator, dragging his attention back to her. “I already dealt with her.” He tensed, unwilling to believe her. She was only taunting him, only trying to get a reaction. But that haughty look … that careless smirk … Adrian roared and threw himself at her, seeing nothing but livid flashes as those words repeated in his head. I already dealt with her.

A gunshot rang across the grass. The Detonator’s head snapped back, hitting the boards of the theater. The world seemed to still, hovering in a space without time. Then the Detonator slumped down. Adrian released his breath and watched her topple onto her side, leaving a smear of blood on the wood. Real blood. Adrian flexed his fingers, dissipating the building energy, and peered into the shadows of the fun house. Nova pushed aside a blockade of wood scraps and crawled out of the rotating cylinder that had crashed down from the second floor and landed not far from the exit doors—or where the exit doors had once stood. She was holding a handgun. Her hair and skin and the iconic gray bodysuit were caked with dust.

NOVA IS A BADASS

She stood amid the debris and tried to shake some of the filth from her hair. Then she looked at him and stumbled down the steps—tripping on a fallen beam. Adrian leaped forward, catching her before she collapsed into the wreckage. It was, he thought, a reasonable jump, even if he had used the springs on his feet a tiny bit. But if anyone noticed, he wouldn’t care. “You were in there the whole time? Great skies, Nova, do you know how worried I was?”

“I’m going to be chivalrous right now and carry you to safety.” Her expression softened. “Okay,” she breathed. “Really? You’re not going to fight me on that?” Her only response was to slump into his arms. Adrian set his cheek against the top of her head, briefly enjoying the closeness of her, the knowledge that she was okay. That they were both okay. Then he bent down and lifted her into his arms.

“You know,” said Evander, casting orbs of white light in Adrian’s path so he could see clearly as night settled over the park, “this is proof that not every prodigy deserves their powers. It’s because of villains like her that we need Agent N.” Nova pressed a hand against Adrian’s chest, swiveling her body to peer at Blacklight. “Agent N? Is that what you call the Sentinel?”

“Fine,” said Evander. “Just suffice to say that we will never have to worry about these villains ever again. Pretty soon, all prodigies will be Renegades … or their powers won’t be tolerated at all.”

“I thought you were dead,” he said, saying the words that he’d refused to admit in his own mind. But he realized now that it was true. Beneath the denial and the refusal, he’d thought she was dead. Nova licked her lips, drawing his gaze toward them. “You never answered my question,” he said. “What question?” “If I asked you on a real date, would you say yes?” She seemed to tense. Her fingers tightened around his. “Are you asking?” Adrian hesitated. She was watching him closely, her blue eyes curious, but also nervous. Nervous. Somehow, seeing his own uncertainty mirrored back at him helped to ease the anxiety knotted inside his chest. He tugged her closer, until their toes were nearly touching. She didn’t resist. She didn’t look away. “I’m asking,” he said. Rather than wait for an answer, he craned his head and closed his eyes. Nova stepped back, jerking her hands away. Adrian’s eyes snapped open.

There was the potential for evil everywhere, and the only way to combat it was if more people chose goodness. If more people chose heroism. Not laziness. Not apathy. Not indifference.

“These doubts … these insecurities … they will come to serve you well, Nightmare.” He listed his head toward her. “After all, one cannot be brave who has no fear.”

“I knew you would do well,” he said, his lips curling into a smile, “my little nightmare.”