He directed his question to Martha, though his watchful eyes occasionally shifted back to Desmond, as if silently weighing him.
"That's correct," Martha affirmed without hesitation. "Desmond came to me just after two this afternoon, saying he had awakened a gift. So I brought him here to ensure he's registered in the Nation's Database."
Desmond observed his mother's calm demeanor, noticing the ease with which she handled the questioning.
It was clear she was used to procedures like these, aware that every claim needed to be thoroughly scrutinized.
The process, he knew, was essential for identifying spies or anyone with affiliations to foreign nations—a measure he hadn't given much thought to until now.
The official nodded, satisfied with her response, but his gaze remained sharp.
"Such an occurrence hasn't been documented before," he noted, his tone professional, "but it shouldn't cause any panic. As long as the Gift Inspection Machine confirms his awakened gift, there's no need for concern."
He turned to Desmond. "Come with me," he instructed, motioning him toward a hallway leading deeper into the building. Then, glancing over his shoulder, he added, "And you too."
Desmond looked to see Salvatore rise from the couch, a grin plastered across his face as he fell into step beside Desmond.
"Okay," Salvatore replied, his tone light.
Desmond's heartbeat quickened.
Salvatore's expression was calm, but the hint of something sharp in his gaze was enough to make the hairs on Desmond's neck prickle.
His mind raced with possibilities.
If Salvatore's an extra like me—and if he's read Crown of Glory—he might have already pieced together my identity. Or, at the very least, he could suspect that I'm not who I seem.
The realization shook him. He couldn't afford to let anyone, especially a potential fellow extra, figure out his true identity without first gaining protection from the authorities.
Keeping his expression neutral, he forced himself to take a slow, steady breath, regaining his composure as they walked.
Side by side, they followed the official down a narrow corridor, its stark white walls lined with security cameras and subtle insignias that marked the Council's authority.
The atmosphere grew heavier with each step, the walls closing in as if daring them to reveal their secrets.
As they reached a set of metal doors, the official stopped and gestured to a console beside the entrance. "This is the Gift Inspection Room. The machine inside will verify and catalog your abilities."
He looked between the two boys. "Stand still, and don't make any sudden movements. The machine is highly sensitive."
Desmond nodded, his expression one of calm focus, though his mind remained alert to any signs of suspicion from Salvatore.
…
As Desmond and Salvatore followed the official back to the waiting area, the tension that had built up during the test began to ease. The official approached Martha, giving a slight nod.
"It seems there was never a need to panic—everything went smoothly," he announced, his professional demeanor unbroken. "Desmond has been successfully registered, and his identification card has been issued."
Martha rose from her seat, her shoulders relaxing as she extended a hand. "Thank you for your assistance."
The official inclined his head respectfully, and Martha turned toward the door. "Let's go, Des," she called, a warm smile lighting up her face.
Desmond moved to follow her but felt Salvatore's presence close behind. Just as he took his first step, Salvatore leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.
"See you soon, Desmond Woods."
Desmond froze for an instant, a ripple of suspicion crawling up his spine. Does he even know my name in reality?
"You too, Salvatore," he muttered back, keeping his voice steady before he walked off, catching up with his mom.
As Desmond and Martha exited the Council building, Salvatore remained behind, a calculating smile stretching across his face.
The official watched the boy thoughtfully. "Your job is to help Parker advance as quickly as possible," he reminded him in a low, controlled tone. "Ours is to hinder the kids working with the Secret Service. Understood?"
Salvatore's smile didn't falter as he shrugged. "I was just riling him up, nothing more."
His gaze flickered with something cold and resolute. "Don't worry. I understand my role perfectly—ten million dollars is on the line for me. That's plenty of motivation not to mess this up."
The official gave a nod of satisfaction, but his eyes held a trace of warning. "Good. Then stay in line. We can't afford any mistakes."
"Also get your two friends updated on what they need to do and who to look out for. We've managed to identify one of the Service's Extras—he'll lead us to the other three soon enough."
With that, he turned and strode down the hallway, leaving Salvatore alone.
Watching the official's retreating figure, Salvatore's grin widened.
You didn't tell us the whole truth, but that doesn't mean I won't find out, Juror Carl, he thought, his eyes narrowing as they followed the man's back.
—
Meanwhile, as Desmond and Martha made their way out of the Council building, Desmond's mind raced with questions.
Something about his test result didn't sit right with him. Kenny, I thought Envisioning was a level seven gift. Why did the Gift Inspection Machine grade it as only a level four?
He waited, nervous, hoping for clarity.
The reply came quickly, Kenny's voice calm but laced with something that felt like irritation. [The Gift Inspection Machine was tampered with, and your result was falsified.]
Desmond's mind whirled as he processed Kenny's revelation.
That can't be possible, he argued internally.
The only one who can tamper with the Gift Inspection Machine is the man who built it—Levi Jeremy. And according to the novel, he should be in India, enjoying his vacation.
Kenny's voice held a calm finality as it responded, [I thought you would understand by now. Stop seeing Crown of Glory as it was written. You extras have already changed, and will continue to change, countless things.
New gifts will emerge, new people in power will take the stage, battles that never existed before will unfold. To the Will of the Novel, Crown of Glory just became more thrilling.]
Desmond felt his breath catch as he absorbed Kenny's words. The boundaries of the story he once knew seemed to blur and fade.
This wasn't just a familiar plot playing out. It was a living world, evolving with each new step he and the other extras took.
He sat in silence, his gaze locked on the windshield, his thoughts a storm of doubts and fears. It wasn't until his mother's voice pulled him back to the present that he realized they were halfway home.