Elemental Hunger by Elana Johnson Page A

never seen skin so dark or hair so long—at least not on a man.
    “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
    “I asked if you’re going to need an Unmanifested on your Council. Or do you already have someone in mind?”
    I forced myself to look at the Chief’s eyes, swallowing my fear. “Um, no, I don’t have anyone in mind. See, Adam and me…. Well, I mean, we’re not really a Council, we’re just—”
    “Yes, we are,” Adam interrupted. “We just got separated from the others in Gregorio.”
    I stared at him in disbelief. His words sounded so natural, so easy. He didn’t give away the lie on his face either. My doubts about him resurfaced. If he could look and sound so convincing while lying, how would I know when he was telling me the truth?
    Chief Tavar looked at Adam and then to me. I forced a laugh that sounded, well, forced. “Yeah, separated. We do need an Unmanifested, though.”
    The Chief smiled. “I might have someone for you. A boy—almost a man—fifteen years of age. He has not Manifested any gifts.”
    “Gifts?” I asked.
    “Of the spirit,” the Chief replied. “He’s been talking of leaving the settlement. This might be a perfect arrangement.”
    I glanced at Adam again, but he didn’t look at me. See, I doubted a “perfect arrangement” existed.
    I knew I was right when we entered the village amidst a chorus of silence.
    Men, women, and children with skin just as dark as the Chief’s cowered in tent flaps. They watched me pass with wide, golden eyes. Whispers reached my ears, but I couldn’t understand the language.
    “Here he is. Mr. Kilpatrick—my son, Hanai ‘Silent Soul’ Tavar. He is Unmanifested, and seeking a place on your Council.”
    A guy stood in the doorway of the only permanent structure—a well-built log cabin. More the color of molasses than honey, his eyes searched me from head to toe.
    I likewise sized him up. Already taller than me, he was also twice as wide. He wore a cream-colored shirt with leather breeches. His long, dark hair had been pulled into a ponytail at the nape of his neck. He didn’t have shoes, but he stood with his feet shoulder-width apart, like guys do. I shifted my feet, which had been touching.
    Hanai dropped to one knee and bowed his head. “Father. My Firemaker.”
    I deliberately didn’t look at Adam so I wouldn’t appear like I knew nothing.
    “Nice to see you, Hanai,” Adam said, saving me from what would’ve been an embarrassing exchange.
    “Adam,” Hanai said, rising with a grin. He clapped Adam on the back in a one-armed embrace. “You weren’t lying. I guess I was wrong.” He kept his gaze on me.
    I smiled and stepped forward too. “Hey, man.” It sounded so, so fake. “I’m Gabe.”
    Hanai’s smile remained in place, extending into his eyes. “You took our smoke. That was so Manifested . My dad nearly choked.”
    I found myself at a loss for words, so I kept the smile cemented in place and shrugged with only my right shoulder. I’d seen Jarvis do that—very masculine.
    “So…now what? Baths? You two stink,” Hanai said.
    My heart thumped in an uneven pattern as I caught Adam’s eye. He shook his head just as Hanai looked at him. Then his face broke into an instant grin. “Yeah, sure, baths. But let’s have Gabe go first. Maybe he can heat that iceberg you call a pool.” He slapped Hanai on the shoulder.
    “Good idea. I haven’t had a warm bath in six months.” Hanai ducked back into the cabin, leaving me alone with Adam.
    “Heat the pool? Can I do that?” I asked without moving my lips.
    “’Course, man. Didn’t you see what you did with that smoke? You could probably turn their pool into a hot spring.”
    “What? What did I—?”
    “Here’s some soap. A towel.” Hanai shoved some stuff into my hands. “Follow me, I’ll show you where the pool is.”
    I held Adam’s gaze for a moment before following him into the trees. Thankfully, Hanai led me away from the main village, away from the fire,