Emerge: The Captive: (Book 3)(9)

“I am Lieutenant Governor Sloane and I am here to tell you that your government has chosen you for a very special training program. Isn’t that an honor?” She beamed at Sasha like she was talking to an eight-year-old.

“Not really,” Sasha muttered.

“It is highly unusual for the Senate to take an interest in a child's training, but we believe you have such incredible potential, we'd like to offer you the full support of the Senate's resources. We have high hopes for your future, dear. We've hired a very special mentor to oversee your summer training. Think of it like an internship—a much-needed boost to your education."

"And what will I be learning?" Sasha crossed her legs and folded her hands in her lap to keep them from shaking.

"Jayesh is head of a special forces team employed by the Senate. Occasionally, the Senate must step into mortal affairs, and teams like Jayesh’s typically handle those … unseemly details. He is the absolute best of the best at what he does. He will be supervising your training in the ancient arts of the Chola assassins.”

Sasha’s pulse pounded in her ears. There was a huge difference between knowing this would happen one day and realizing it was happening right now.

“No,” Imogen said softly. “We cannot allow this. Mother, she is too young. Jayesh … we can't go back. I swore I would never return, and you want me to take my baby sister there?”

“She’s not much younger than we were when we trained with the mother,” Jayesh said. “She will be fine.”

“We have to stop this.” Imogen shook her head stubbornly. "There is no sense in doing this now. Wait until she is Proven. At the very least. She deserves that much.”

“I’m afraid the Senate has spoken, Imogen,” Lieutenant Governor Sloane said. “You know better than anyone what that means.”

“Gen, please tell me what's happening,” Sasha said. “So I can stop imagining the worst. I can't be an assassin. I'm seventeen years old. You know that, right?” Sasha turned to Sloane in desperation.

“They want you trained by the Chola,” Imogen said. “This is serious. It’s about them making an early investment in the future they have all planned out for you.”

“You are nearly correct, Imogen, but do not make it sound like she doesn’t have a choice about her future. While we may direct her training and offer her guidance, she will still be able to finish school with her friends and go to college wherever she likes. We simply feel Sasha's gifts are suited to this line of work and we would like to see her training reflect her strengths. But this is a one-time deal … for now. When she has completed her training with Mother Raghavan, she will return home and continue her life as usual. If this summer goes well, we'd like to see her train one-on-one with Jayesh’s team next summer before she pursues her college education. And over the intervening years until she reaches her Proving, we will offer her the special attention a girl like Sasha needs."

"And what if I don't want it?" Sasha leaned forward. "Does that even matter?"

"We simply want to give you the necessary tools to support the gifts you possess. Whatever lies in your future is your choice, but you will serve the Senate just as we all do. It is a privilege and a responsibility."

"A simple 'no' would have sufficed." Sasha sat back in defeat. This was happening whether she wanted it or not. "Where am I going?"

“You will travel with Jayesh to Tamil Nadu in southern India where you will spend six short weeks training with Mother Raghavan and her people until you become a Chola assassin—a title few are given the opportunity to earn.”

“And what is the point of all of this?” Naeemah asked, her voice like the most corrosive acid.

"The point is to equip Sasha with the necessary skills to serve the Senate to the absolute best of her ability. Sasha is young, with many years ahead of her before she will be called upon to serve.” She turned to Sasha, the syrupy-sweet smile slipping from her face. “But when you are called, you will be prepared."

"Prepared to kill mortals when and how I am told? Or do I get to voice my concerns as a non-violent person?”

“I would never have expected such resistance from a governor’s daughter.” Sloane wiped her brow nervously.

“Can you just answer my questions? Don’t you think I deserve a little honesty?”

“This is no longer open for discussion,” Sloane said in frustration. “When you are as talented as you are, sometimes you don't have the luxury of making your own choices!” She tucked her mousy brown hair behind her ear, biting her lip as if she regretted her outburst.

“Lady, if you intend to turn my child into a weapon, the least you can do is speak plainly and prepare her for what to expect.” Gregg’s voice was low and full of restraint. Sasha knew he was nearing the end of his patience.

“Thanks, Dad. I got this,” Sasha said, leaning toward Sloane. “If you want to commandeer my gifts to serve your purpose, I understand it is our duty to serve the Senate in that capacity. But if you want me to cooperate and make this easy for you, then I suggest you do as my father said and speak plainly. Why now? Why not when I am Proven?”

Sasha wasn’t certain, but she thought she heard Jayesh mutter something about the apple not falling far from the tree.