UNDER

MY SKIN
SHAWNTELLE
MADISON

SMMG

This novel is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names,

organizations, places, and events portrayed in this book are
used fictitiously or are products of the authors imagination.
UNDER MY SKIN
Madison, Shawntelle
ISBN-13: 978-0-9887985-9-5
Library of Congress Control Number: 2014918620
Publishers Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Madison, Shawntelle.
Under my skin / Shawntelle Madison.
pages cm. (The immortality strain series)
ISBN: 978-0-9887985-9-5 (pbk.)
ISBN: 978-0-9887985-8-8 (e-book)
1. Social classesFiction. 2. RevolutionariesFiction. 3. LoveFiction. 4. Young adult fiction, American. I. Title.
PZ7.M26515 Un 2014
813`.6dc23
Novel copyright 2014 Shawntelle Madison
Title page illustration copyright 2014 Nthalia Suellen
Typeset in Droid Serif
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

SMMG

DEDICATION
To Ade and Deji, who remind me every single day that
being perfect is so overrated.

Authors Note
Sun Tzus amazing book on military strategy, The Art
of War, plays a pivotal role in this book. Even though
I used a different title and changed the words, I
highly recommend reading the book.

The fear of death

is more to be dreaded
than death itself.
Publilius Syrus, Maxims

CHAPTER 1

Today would end in failure, but at least it didnt start out

that way.
Tate, do you think Paul will pass the test today? my
cousin, Zoe, asked me with a grin.
My mom, dad, and younger brother shifted ahead in
line. Zoe and I trailed behind, occupying ourselves with
conversation. Many families formed a line along the
sidewalk. Others would be mulling about in front of similar
buildings all over the vast island of Myria. Waiting. Hoping. I
didnt recognize anyone else from my small coastal town. Just
face after face of other sixteen-year-olds with their parents. It
was almost like registering for classes.
Almost.
Zoe poked me again. Do you?
I doubt it. He better not pass the test. Paul had asked me
out this morning. I couldnt help smiling, thinking about how
he stumbled over his words. In a week, Id meet him at the
pier to eat lunch. That is, if we both failed the test.
Another girl, with light brown skin like my brother and

me, leaned toward us with a question. Ever been to North

City before? she asked.
This is my first time. Even though I smiled back at her,
my hand went up to my mouth. My fingers brushed against
the scar above my lips. A cleft lip scar. The skin was soft, but
the lines of the ridge always made me self-conscious.
Ive been here before a few years ago. Her gaze took
in my lime-colored long-sleeved shirt and cotton pants. Zoe
wore the same. Our clothes didnt look as fashionable as
her crimson jumpsuit, but I was quite comfortable for early
spring weather like today.
Dad shuffled forward on his cane. Keep moving. He
looked over his shoulder in our direction. The faint sounds
of him wheezing hit my ears. Like wind blowing through
the cracks in the walls of our house, small pockets of breath
entered his middle-aged body to satisfy starved tissue.
My thirteen-year-old brother Danny followed Dad,
momentarily preoccupied by the passing of a gigantic
transport ship. Soon enough, he caught up, but we still had
plenty of time. Far ahead, the door into the ten-story building
waited.
A drizzle swept in, nice and cool. Mom offered us
umbrellas. Even with the light rain, everything in North
City buzzed around usbeckoning us to watch the shining
cars, street-cleaning bots, andmost fascinating of all
skyscrapers covered with a gleaming sheen of solar plates.
Compared to home, this place was amazing. My family
could never afford to vacation here, but I planned to move to
some place like this after I graduated from high school and
got my business certificate. The whole city felt alive. Even

Danny and Zoe could sense it. We all probably looked like
tourists.
The closer we came to the door, the more I expected to
see others coming out. But those who mightve failed the test
didnt emerge. Did that mean everyone passed the test?
Mom mustve sensed my skepticism. Stop worrying,
sweetheart. Not a single Sullivan has passed. She grinned
and ran her fingers through a few strands of my black hair. A
spiral curled around her finger. In a few hours, well be on
our way back home.
Back home. Not the grandest town, but everything was
familiar, from the tallest building, the town hall, to the small
fishing boats lined up bow to stern in a broken-down harbor.
At least back there, everyone knew about the scar on my face
and didnt stare.
My family sometimes tried to shield me from the world
as if my scar were a crack that might further break into
something more. My aunt Patience wasnt that way though.
She always made me stand up for myself, but unfortunately,
she couldnt be here. She was pretty far along in her
pregnancy and wasnt feeling well, so we gave Zoe a ride.
Eventually, we made it the Testing Facility. At the doorway,
five guards scanned us for contraband. No weapons were
allowed inside government buildings. Not that anyone tried
that kind of thing anymore. We had the enforcers around to
protect us.
The guards checked Dads cane, but they didnt mark the
old oak stick as contraband. Either way, Dad wasnt in any
condition to hurt anyone.
Just beyond the door, two women checked in applicants

from behind a desk. One with dark hair greeted us with a

smile and scanned the bar code tattoos on our wrists. The
other one then offered the parents a plastic-coated packet.
Mom placed the packet into her shoulder bag before I could
take a peek.
Thanks for reporting in today, Miss Sullivan, the darkhaired greeter said to me. We have a heavy schedule of
testing, but we should have your family through here soon.
She eyed my dads cane and pursed her shiny red lips. The
wait wont be long.
Dad nodded and cleared his throat to get her attention,
but she didnt glance in my fathers direction. The greeter
continued to lounge in her leatherback chair, handing out
smiles and packets. Why bother when she had a comfortable
seat and my poor dad needed to rest?
The same thing happened while she checked in Zoe.
On the walls, large posters of young men and women with
their light blue coats smiled down on those waiting in line.
These were images of those who became Water Bearers.
Under the pictures lay words in gold: Leadership comes from
honor and pride.
These advertisements were nothing new to me. Id seen
them all over my school.
My fear wavered with each step down the well-lit hallway.
The oatmeal Id eaten that morning churned in my stomach.
Others around me chatted about the benefits. The daily meals
for the chosen. The opulent life for the lucky ones once the
Guild, the rulers and decision makers of our land, acquired
them as members of their staff. Most of all, the others around
me gushed about the stipend. Enough money for most

families to leave the southern part of the island and live in

the northern cities with consistent electricity and decent
food.
In no time at all, we reached a set of closed double doors.
A girl in front of me entered. Would she return through these
doors with her test results? I leaned toward the gray doors
and listened for sounds. Nothing. No traces of conversation.
No noise from machines probing for information. What
would they test me for?
During the drive, Id prodded my parents for information
on the test, but they merely shrugged. You go in and
someone checks to see if you qualify, my mom had said. I
remember taking the test and returning home less than an
hour later.
My parents didnt go into detail on the lives of the Water
Bearers because they were oblivious to city life. My dad
always grumbled about how the Guild and the more affluent
citizens, who lived in places like North City, didnt concern
themselves with how the people on the coastlines clothed and
fed themselves. Hed often say, They care more about the
next popular holo-video star than they do about the people
begging in the streets.
To distract me, Mom tugged on my shirt. Its painless, she
whispered to me. I think you were born with a frown, Tate.
A laugh tickled the back of my throat. A welcome feeling
to the tension in my shoulders. Im frowning because Im
realistic. If they pick mewhich might happenIll lose all
my precollege credits. I had earned ten credits toward my
business certificate. Without a certificate, my options after
high school were pretty limited. And folks who lived on the

coastline didnt have much, mine especially. Even though I

didnt want to leave home yet, I couldnt deny the obvious.
Dad needed medication, medicines we couldnt afford on
Moms salary.
I hope they let me see the test, Danny said. I bet they
stick you with needles and everything. Mom only says
somethings painless when needles are involved.
Youll do better as a Water Bearer than you would with
a certificate, Mom pointed out. And no, there arent any
needles, Danny.
I had a life waiting for me back home. Still not interested,
needles or not.
The doors opened, revealing a floral scent with an
underlying fog of cleanliness.
That didnt take long, Zoe said dryly. I think I can
convince your parents to take us out to look around, she
added in a whisper.
Now that was something I wanted to do. Work your magic
while I fail my first test.
A slim blonde girl, wearing the blue coat of a Water
Bearer, ushered me in first. Theres a free booth to your
right. When youre done, youll follow the lights along the
floor to the door on the opposite side.
The room rivaled my schools auditorium in size, but that
was all it had in common with the dingy place I came from.
It glowed white; every surface gleamed. In the center of the
room were ten booths covered with ivory-colored curtains,
through which applicants entered and left. I turned to look at
my family, but the girl in the blue coat had already shut the
double doors.

Go, on, she said. Booth number ten. We have a long line
as it is.
My shoes scraped against the floor a few times as I
approached the booth. Here goes nothing. With the curtains
drawn, the only thing I could make out were the numbers
above each individual booth. Booth number ten had its
curtain closed.
My heart beat so fast, the thrum echoed into my ears. I
wiped my damp palms against my pants. Might as well get
this over with. Time to take the test.
Opening the curtain revealed a beautiful woman with
midnight-black hair who waited for me behind a white desk.
Her eyebrows arched over blue eyes. Her fingers flicked to
beckon me forward. A compu-tablet on the desk showed my
picture. With my personal information and bar code. Youre
Tate, right?
My head bobbed. My mouth was too full of sandpaper to
speak.
Sit on the stool so I can end your torture. She grinned,
revealing two rows of perfect teeth. Everything about her
appeared perfect. No hair out of place. Not a single flaw
marred her skin or the silk gown she wore.
I tentatively plopped down on the stool and angled myself
away from her. The scent of strawberries filled the booth;
her expensive perfume complemented the luxurious jewelry
around her neck.
So quiet compared to the last boy. The woman leaned
forward and took my hand. He had no mysteries. A canvas
already filled to the edges with paint. She traced her darkpurple fingernails along the sensitive skin of my wrist.

Goosebumps formed where she touched me.

You wear the clothes of a field hand, yet your hands are
soft.
A field hand? That was harsh. A reply lingered on my
tongue, but something about her, from her perfectly straight
back to her tightening grip on my wrist made me pause. Only
a predator gazed at prey in such a manner.
It says here you work with your mother. Her profession
is a bookkeeper. She blinked while her index finger rubbed
her thumb. Do you have a formal education?
Why? What I actually wanted to say was, What
difference would it make, since I wont pass the test?
Fewer and fewer are born to be a Water Bearer, she said.
I dont think Im one. I tried to pull my hand away. Id
make a poor servant.
Her lips, which had formed a straight line, now offered a
chilling smile. My dear, you are a prize. I hope youre not
snatched away before I have a chance to bid on you.
Bid on me? My swallow got stuck in my throat. I fought
to take in a breath as my chest constricted. What are you
saying?
Congratulations are in order, Tate. Youve passed the
test.

CHAPTER 2

Id passed. Words that had always conveyed a positive

outcome now meant something far darker.
The same blonde girl who directed me to my booth led me
out of the gymnasium, and I followed her, my head floating
above my body. What just happened seemed unreal.
Do I get to go back home before I start working? I asked
the Water Bearer in front of me. I dont have any clothes or
anything.
She didnt answer when I asked again.
Hey! I grabbed her arm, and the blank expression she
wore turned into a snarl.
You need to control yourself, or Ill call an enforcer.
I quickly let go of her. The tall blonde looked me up and
down, her frown sliding into a smile. You might just be one
of the smart ones.
She closed in on me. You need to make this easy for both
of us. Do as youre told.
A flicker of pity shadowed her face for a moment, but
the expression quickly vanished. She turned sharply and

kept going. Reluctantly, I did what she wanted me to do. We

weaved through a few hallways and I just walked. Almost
every part of me was numb, except for my stomach. The
rising feeling of panic in my gut tightened to painful levels
until we reached a waiting room.
Four others sat on what had to be the most uncomfortablelooking wooden benches.
One of them was Zoe.
I rushed to her, and she hugged me as hard as I hugged
her.
I cant believe I passed, she whispered to me. Or that
you did, too.
Everyone had a suitcase next to their feet, except us.
We sat down next to each other. Feeling her shoulder
touch mine offered a bit of reassurance. It was almost as if
her presence anchored me somehow. Our gaze remained
fixed on the door. Any minute now my parents would show
up to say goodbye, perhaps even tell me the whole thing
was a mistake. The creepy woman had been wrong. I was a
normal girl. A Sullivan whod head home like my parents did.
But what about Zoe? Shed passed, too.
Did some guy touch your hand, then say you passed? she
asked me.
Some weird lady was in my booth.
She released a long sigh. A rare sound from her. When
Zoes dad was murdered last year, leaving my aunt with
three kids, it was Zoe whod run my aunts household while
my aunt mourned. When my cousin heard bad news, she
processed the information with silence and took action
shortly afterward. Whatever pain she had, she buried it

10

deeply inside.
Her silence prickled the panic Id quelled.
We need to talk to someone with authority before they
take us away, I finally said.
Both of our parents had failed so I assumed She
chuckled.
I guess theres a first time for everything.
We shared a laugh and the tension inside me unwound
a bit. The compromised Sullivan failure rate was about the
only amusing thing in our situation. The drab white walls in
the waiting room made the space appear too small, like it was
squeezing us in. I closed my eyes and opened them again.
Still here.
Well be fine, the girl I knew well said with strength in
her voice. The Guild provides everything.
I didnt want what the Guild had to offer.
Around us, the others in the room chatted among
themselves.
Zoe continued to stare down the door as if shed tackle
anyone who came through it. She had the most beautiful skin
that was a rich almond color like my dad, blemish free and
only a few shades darker than mine. The tight braids flowing
down her back were still as neat as the day my aunt had done
her hair. The plaits were as put together as she was right
now. Shed been plucked from her family, yet, like everyone
else, she hid any apprehension she had.
Why couldnt I feel the same?
Another girl from across the room spoke to Zoe. I cant
wait for them to show up either. The olive-skinned, brownhaired girl grinned. My dad couldnt wait for me to qualify

11

for testing. Ever since they reduced rations in my village, hes

been trying to see which of my brothers and sisters might
pass the test.
I cringed at the thought. Parents couldnt wait to give their
kids away?
In a town as small as where I lived, most folks became
fishermen, dock workers, or toiled away at the areas growing
number of fish farms. They valued their children, since
theyd be the ones to take over the family business.
Even if we were leaving our families behind, at least theyd
get the money we earned.
The brown-haired girl introduced herself as Eva. Based on
the conversation from the two guys, I gathered their names
were Albert and Casper. They discussed the current season
of Gladiator Ball. Dad watched it on the communications
console, but I didnt care for it. Just a bunch of men with guns
and other weapons, trying to get a single ball across a vast
field into the opposing teams goal. My dad spent more time
grumbling at the screen than watching it.
Eva left her seat to move to the free chair to my left. Do
you know anything about the training? Eva asked Zoe.
Not much. Just rumors about how much they have to
work, Zoe said. We have an Administrator living outside of
town. Hes supposed to be in control and everything, but we
never see him or his Water Bearers.
Eva nodded. We dont see ours either. My dads been
trying for years to get their attention, since hes a merchant,
but theyre exclusive about who they work with. Eva
smoothed over her dark blue dress. A pretty one. I guess Ive
succeeded where he failed, since I get a chance to work with

12

the Guild now. I cant wait to get hired.

The children of merchants, like Eva, fared far better than
most. A part of their wealth showed in the faint scent that
wafted from her. Nutmeg. With all their connections, the
merchants purchased such spices and the expensive candies
made from them. Danny and I enjoyed the candy once or
twice a year.
Before Eva spoke again, the door opened. The dark-haired
girl who had greeted us at the door and handed out packets
strolled in with her assistant. From the way she carried
herself, she had to be a few years older than us. She wore the
light blue coat of the Water Bearers. Up close, the fine details
in her coat were much clearer: the silver stitches along the
sleeves and the golden buttons down the front. The severity
of her pinned-back hair, the straight line of her lips, and
lowered eyebrows added a knife-like edge to her demeanor.
Far less than last year, she said. Not good.
Her assistant nodded and jotted some notes on her computablet. The girl had the same creamy complexion and light
blue coat as the dark-haired girl, but she didnt assess us with
the same cold stare. Perhaps therell be more Aspirants in
Yardley?
The greeter rolled her eyes then addressed us. Im Astrid.
Ill be escorting you to the Training Facility in Easton.
Evas entire face blossomed into a smile. The Training
Facilitys there? Ive always wanted clearance.
Albert and Casper, whod ignored us until that point, were
also excited.
I also want to know when the stipend begins. Eva
smirked at Astrid.

13

Not long after Astrid and her assistant entered the room,
the discussion had turned to money. I was also interested in
the answer, but I hoped I didnt look as desperate as Eva.
Astrid crossed her arms. Your stipends will begin when
you complete your initiation as a Water Bearer.
How long until that happens? Eva asked.
I opened my mouth to speak, but Eva wasnt done yet.
Cause my family expects me to start pulling my weight as
soon as possible.
Pick up your belongings, Astrid said, ignoring her
question. Its time to take the transport to Easton.
Everyone, other than Zoe and I, picked up their suitcases.
Will we get a chance to say goodbye to our families? I
finally asked.
Didnt you read the packet? Astrid continued to usher
us out of the room. I was the last to leave, so I followed Zoe.
Youre now Aspirants of the Water Bearers. You wont ever
see your family again. No one is allowed to pollute you.

14

CHAPTER 3

Cloud cover partially hid the view of the lands below,

but it was still nothing like Id ever seen. It was my first flight,
and the transport ship was nothing like the occasional drives
in the solar-car to Grandmas house.
Isnt it breathtaking? Zoe asked from the seat beside
mine.
It is, but its not home.
Zoe wrapped her arm around my shoulder and squeezed.
Weve lived in our hometown forever. A change like
this might be good for us. She appeared thoughtful for a
moment. With four family members crammed into a twobedroom house, I rarely got a chance to be by myself.
Thats true. Danny and I had to share a room. Ive
always wanted to live someplace elsebut becoming a Water
Bearer wasnt exactly a part of the plan.
But sometimes, its the most unexpected plans that lead to
the most fascinating places.
Her wide grin was infectious, spreading across her face to
reveal perfect dimples. What I wouldnt give to have a smile

15

like that.
What about Paul? I added.
Hes just one boy. Many more will ask you out in the
future. I know you dont believe me, but its true. Youll get
asked again.
Three endless hours later, we reached Easton. The citys
lights beyond our windows shined into the cabin. Compared
to the skyline in North City, Easton was far more beautiful.
Surrounded by snow-capped mountains on all sides, the citys
towers extended into the sky like shards of grey ice crystals.
From the vids Id seen on a compu-tablet, one skyscraper
appeared the same as any other, except here.
Other transport ships crossed the sky, blinking out of sight
as they passed in front of massive advertisement screens. A
beautiful model selling facial cream presented her tube next
to another video swirling with vibrant colors. The others
around me buzzed with excitement. Everything looks so
amazing, Zoe said.
It makes me want to see the capital and the Prime
Ministers palace even more, Eva replied.
Zoe laughed softly. One step at a time. Were lucky to be in
Easton right now.
Across from the girls, Casper and Albert checked out Eva.
Albert gestured twice, cupping his chest while Casper hooted
with laughter.
You ever seen them that big before? Albert asked Casper
with a chuckle.
Not where Im from. Caspers eyebrows danced.
Before I turned away, Albert caught me staring. Caspers
head whipped in my direction to see where Albert was

16

looking. Ugh, here it comes. Heat filled my cheeks as I tried

to remember what my mom told me. There are countless
reasons why people stare, Tate. Choose one of three responses I
taught you, and youll be fine.
So I settled for response number one: When you stare back
at others with kindness, instead of malicious intent, you might
find out they were just curious. So I smiled at them.
They didnt smile back.
Instead, Casper touched his lip, and then whispered to
Albert, who laughed in response. From past experience, I
didnt need to hear what they had to say. Plenty of strangers
passing through my village had said the words out loud:
Scarface, Scar Lip, Lip Dip
Hey, Eva, Casper called. You ever hear about what
happens to the Aspirants who dont pass the training? He
flashed a grin to Albert. The ones who pass but are too
defective to become a Water Bearer?
Eva twisted in her seat and rolled her eyes. Of course.
She pursed her glossy lips at them. Whats your damage?
Are both of you scared your lack of intel will mark you as
defective before we get there?
I was just wondering if anyones seen any defectives leave
the building. You know, the cripples. He leaned forward and
stole a glance in my direction. The scarred.
Eva didnt seem as amused. I dont think people like
that would qualify to test in the first place. From what my
dad told me, the Guild picked us based on how well well
be able to work for them. Thats why they check out our
profile on the network before the test. Based on our medical
background, our family gets a network message for us to go

17

in for testing.
Yeah. My older sister Kirsten didnt get an invitation to
test two years ago, Albert said. Shed lost her arm in an
accident when we were little.
Casper laughed. I guess someone with one arm isnt as
good as someone whos scarred.
Albert gave Casper a dirty look and a shoulder punch. In
my opinion, he deserved it.
Zoe simmered beside me. You have no room to talk,
Casper. The way I see it, you barely passed the test in the first
place. Why dont you tell us about your little talk with the guy
in your booth?
Casper squirmed in his seat. Er what talk?
I believe I heard somebody who sounded like you in
booth five make monetary promises to pass.
What does that have to do with anything? Albert said.
A voice from outside our circle chimed in. Because youll
never receive a true bid from the Guild. Our heads turned
to see Astrid staring at us. The blank expression on her face
darkened. In the end, it doesnt matter how much money
you offer them.
Silence folded over us like a heavy cowl. From the way
Astrids empty eyes peered at us from across the cabin, I
wondered if we should be excited. Fear clenched my belly
and Astrids words echoed through my skull. We were
Aspirants now. And, as such, all Evas talk of glamorous living
may mean nothing.
It was Casper who ended the silence. Then what makes us
so valuable? Why pay us?
Astrid gestured to everything around us. Someone has to

18

pay for the testing centers. The transport ships for the Water
Bearers. The Guild are very particular about who they invite
into their inner circle to work for them.
Ten minutes later, our transport ship landed at one of the
many buildings on the edge of the city. Our chipper guide
reappeared. Welcome to the Training Facility.
No one looked our way or attempted to talk to us.
Keep moving, Aspirants. We have a schedule to
maintain. The ushers, who took our bags, kept their eyes
downcast. There was nothing special about them, simply men
and women in the same lime green uniform I wore.
I tapped Astrid on the arm. Can I send a network message
to my parents? I want to know if they made it back home.
Dont worry. Once you become a Water Bearer, your
family will receive your stipend and any problems they have
will be a memory. From the way she plastered a smile on
her face, I suspected shed said this thing to everyone with
the same glassy eyes. Maybe she meant to shut me up, but I
couldnt ignore my growing suspicions.
After a few twists and turns, the boys followed Astrids
assistant while we followed her. The hallways had fine
carpets and sleek walls of metal. But, as we ventured deeper
into the bowels of the building, everything darkened. Walls
were in need of fresh paint, there were stains on worn
carpets, and, worst of all, an underlying musty odor of mold
permeated everything.
Eventually, we reached a wide room with a seemingly
endless ceiling. But we werent the only ones inside. Other
girls peered at us from behind rows of bunk beds. The bunks
ran from the center of the room to the barren gray walls.

19

This place has welcome written all over it, I whispered.

Astrid pointed to the bunks as the usher handed Eva her
bag. Find a bunk. Beside each beds a locker. Good luck
finding one that locks, though.
Then Astrid left without a backward glance. Eva went to
search for a bed.
Might as well get comfortable. You see anything free? I
asked Zoe.
We wont know unless we look. Zoe and I wove through
the crowd of girls, who stared down the newcomer Aspirants.
The girls came in every shape and shade, most likely, from all
over Myria. Getting through the crowd who blocked a narrow
path between bunks got harder.
Excuse me, I announced. When no one moved, Zoe
shouldered her way through with me trailing behind.
One girl behind us snorted while another one giggled. If
the competitions got a face like that, Ill be sure to get a job
with the Guild.
Ha! Which one are you talking about? another replied.
You got a problem? Before I could say more, Zoe pulled
me away, hissing, Dont bother with those scamps.
There went using response number two: When nice fails,
you stand up for yourself. Just dont hit them over the head
with a rock.
As we searched for a bunk, I checked for windowsany
means to get out of here. There werent any.
By the time we reached the back of the room, we spotted
two empty bunks. Neither one was in good shape. The bunk
used the wall for support due to a missing leg. A strange
stench came from the tattered mattresses. It was most likely

20

the government-issued antibiotic spray to kill germs.

We werent the only unlucky souls to get the poorest
accommodations. The lockers around us appeared
dilapidated with missing locks and doors hanging on hinges.
I have nothing worth locking anyway, I muttered. With a
sigh, I settled on the bottom bunk while Zoe fumbled around
with her locker.
Dont bother, I told her. The front panel isnt lit. In our
village, we had lockers like these for the kids who lived at
school.
Zoe slammed the door shut for good measure. Whatever.
Its practically growing more prehistoric by the second.
She found a spot to sit next to me. This place is depressing
but livable.
Something mustve caught Zoes eye. She leaned
forward with a frown. Looks like Evas pitching a tent in
Scampsville.
I shrugged. She had the same clothing like the girls wed
passed. Thicker clothes with ribbons and lace. Handmade
boots made from real leather instead of the faux-leather
shoes we had. A few girls had bracelets with built-in
vidphones. Any of them could contact friends or family as
often as they pleased.
On nights when the power was on, Zoe and I watched girls
who looked like Eva on the communications console. They
had their holo-video shows and interactive vid-games. A
world completely different from ours.
A loud voice filled the air through an intercom system.
Aspirants have ten minutes to report to the assembly hall
for the initiation. Following the announcement, a swarm

21

of older girls in light blue uniforms burst down the aisles

holding bundles. One girl tossed us two bundles with a terse,
Put them on!
Zoe tore through her plastic-wrapped bundle much faster
than I did. Others around us flipped open light blue robes
and squealed with delight. Not a uniform, but one step closer
to acceptance.
I tossed the soft garment over my head. As the material fell
to the floor, I stared at the other girls who put on theirs. Did
they appreciate it as much as I did?
Zoe had already dressed. From her pocket, she pulled out a
few things: hair bands and a palm-sized book. Uncle Nathans
prayer book was the only thing the muggers had left on him
after theyd killed him. After hed died, she always carried
his book around with her. My fingers itched to touch the tiny
leatherback, but I paused. She shouldnt have brought that
kind of thing in here. If one of the enforcers found it, our
family could get into big trouble.
The book was quickly stowed away back into her pocket.
None of the Water Bearers at the entrance moved our way
so I relaxed a bit. I wonder what will happen to us.
Zoe did a half-shrug. For all we know, they give us some
dumb certificate and then put us to work, scrubbing floors
for the Guild.
Shed said that far too loud. One of the other girls in a
nearby bunk cast a wary eye in our direction. In Myria,
everyone paid attention to their words. No one wanted an
enforcer suddenly knocking on their door.
I dont think itll be that simple, I mumbled.
With rich people, its always that simple. She touched the

22

delicate material of her robe. Who needs all this primping to

be a handmaid to some Guild lady?

Whether we were destined to be floor scrubbers or

attendants, the current class of Water Bearer Aspirants made
their way from the dormitory into a part of the building that
dazzled. The scratched wooden floor turned into marble.
Instead of plastic plants, the planters along the wall boasted
vibrant greenery. Ahead of us, one Water Bearer attempted to
corral the wayward rattails from a frail and gangly Aspirant
while yet another wiped the girls face.
On what street corner do they find them? one of the
Water Bearers asked the other.
Oh, be quiet. Her cohort nervously glanced over her
shoulder.
We should leave this poor girl alone. If she knew what
they planned to do to her, she wouldnt want our help.
Not today. If theyre not looking their best, we lose a full
days ration.
What were they saying? I opened my mouth to speak, but
another girl behind us elbowed her way past Zoe and me. She
shoved Zoe in the shoulder and pushed me aside. Like Eva,
she was olive-skinned and her jewelry exuded wealth.
Hey! I blurted.
Zoe snapped, The words are Excuse me.
The girl brushed off our remarks with a smirk and
addressed the Water Bearer. Why doesnt my vid-phone
work anymore?
The two Water Bearers exchanged a quick glance. They
slowed and the other girls kept going. Before they went out of

23

earshot, one of them replied, Aspirants arent allowed

So even the rich girls followed the same rules.
Once we entered the assembly room, I could barely make
out the people standing in front of me. But above us was a
different story. The vast space above us formed a wide circle
with multiple tiered floors. Floating lights cast a starry glow
to illuminate them.
As I ambled forward, the patter of the Aspirants footsteps
on the stone floor echoed along the walls. Shadows filled the
room, but I could make out the robed figures of the Aspirants.
We resembled droplets of water surrounding the single well.
An older man, clad in the same robe, stood next to the well
with his hands raised. Around his neck, he wore many silver
and gold necklaces.
Quiet everyone. The ceremony will begin soon. His voice
carried and rose into the far reaches of the room. I peered
around me. How many of us were there? Why had Astrid
been worried? There had to be more than enough Aspirants
here to fill the needs of the Guild.
The man spoke again, ending our chatter. Welcome
Aspirants! I am Valentin, the headmaster of the Water
Bearers.
He left the well to stroll through the throng of Aspirants.
They parted to give him passage.
By the end of the day today, youll be initiated as a Water
Bearer. Youll also meet your future patrons. He paused
to make sure we listened. Then he held up a red card for
everyone to see. Make sure you are on your best behavior.
Their sponsorship is important.
Valentin stopped between another row of Aspirants. His

24

robes swished against the floor. No sponsor card means less

desirable clothing and quarters. We dont run an orphanage
here. The Water Bearers are trained to serve the Guild. With
luck and perseverance, one day in the future, you might
become one of them.
Whispers stirred through the crowd. The thought of
becoming like that woman Id met in the booth at the Testing
Center made my head ache. I wanted nothing she had.
A Water Bearer rushed into the room and spoke quietly
with Valentin.
The guests of honor are arriving. Valentin hurried to the
well. By the time he reached it, two Water Bearers in dark
blue robes waited with large clay urns.
The guests Valentin had told us about began to fill the
balconies above us. Every size and shape of man and woman
took us in. From girls my age wearing elaborate gowns to
middle-aged men with stern faces. An overweight older
man munched on a piece of cake. A Water Bearer at his side
offered him more from a silver plate. So many faces, all of
them powdered and reeking of wealth and privilege.
With the Guild settled, Valentin began our initiation. I
craned my neck over the others to watch him take a bucket
of water from the well and fill the urn. He murmured, With
this water, I shall bless the Water Bearers. The fruit of the
future. He whispered additional words, which I couldnt
hear.
He gestured to the nearest Aspirant who happened to be
Eva. His Water Bearer assistants positioned her to kneel.
With a solemn smile, she tilted her head back. Everyone else
followed suit.

25

Valentin poured water from the urn back into the well.
With this first offering, we bring you into the fold as a Water
Bearer.
He poured again, the clear water sloshing into the wells
depths with an ominous echo.
With this second offering, you will come willing into the
folds of your destiny, ready and eager to serve.
The others around me trembled. One or two sniffed. The
laughter had ended and now came the real ceremony. Eva,
who knelt near the front, practically glowed.
Valentin gestured to Eva. Come, child. Accept your
blessing as a Water Bearer.
The Guild continued to stand in the rafters above us, silent
and stony. Eyesboth young and olddidnt waver.
Valentin dipped his ladle into the water. With steady
hands, he gave Eva a drink. After that, we all received our
blessing. As I approached the well, I hoped a drink would
take all my apprehension away. Once I became a Water
Bearer, Id be more than just Tate Sullivan. Maybe my new
job would lead to new thingslike adventures in the cities
Id always wanted to visit. In the end, Id accept my fate and
leave this room prepared to face whatever obstacles theyd
throw at me. But my blessing tasted awful: warm and laden
with chemicals with a hint of salty sea water. My stomach
lurched. Ugh. The urge to spit hit hard. Of course, with my
luck, the Guild would see me. When I looked up, though, they
had left.
I reluctantly swallowed the water and followed the line.
Eventually, I ended up back against the wall. Zoe and I had
been separated during the ceremony. Before I could leave

26

the line to join her, a set of double doors behind me opened.

Dozens of Water Bearers ran into the room carrying brown
boxes. One of them shoved a box into my hands before
moving on to the next person. I poked my fingers into the
boxs narrow opening.
Suddenly, enforcers with guns marched through the doors.
Everyone around me spilled backward. My breath caught
in my throat. It wasnt as if I hadnt seen armed men before.
Everyone had. We respected them like our parents. But it
was the people who strolled behind them that set my heart
pounding.
A Water Bearer girl, pushing a wheelchair entered first. A
man, or perhaps the shell of what had been a man, perched
in the seat. He wore a gown of woven gold. More entered
with Water Bearers, dressed in their light blue uniforms,
along with other servants who obediently followed them.
Those who could not walk rode in mechanical chairs or
someone pushed them. They all appeared different, except in
one way. They all looked at us with eager anticipation.
So these were the Guild, the men and women the Water
Bearers served.
With the armed guards watching us for any strange
movements, the Guild swept through the crowd. They
touched our hands, grabbed at our wrists. One girl cried
when the fat man Id seen earlier tried to touch her. An
awkward moment passed as the Water Bearers sprang into
action to haul her away.
The clicks of red cards dropping into boxes rose over the
sounds of conversation. The woman who tested me came my
way. We meet again, Tate. She dropped something into my

27

box before brushing her fingers against my forearm. Like

before, she left me breathless. I tried to smile, but my face
froze in place. She was the first of many who visited me. They
touched me, as shed done, then they dropped a card into my
box. By the time five people had floated by, I was bewildered,
while the girl next to me didnt show such confusion. In
contrast, her almond-shaped eyes appeared eager to accept
their patronage. She was far prettier and taller than I was.
I love your clothes. How beautiful, she said to one.
Friendliness didnt seem to matter much to the Guild. I
watched when others received red cards. Apparently, no
words were needed, only the touch. But why did they need to
touch us to determine if they wanted to be our sponsors? A
chill went down my spine. None of this made sense. Did they
treat their servants inappropriately after they acquired
them? From the way the Water Bearers and attendants
smiled, I pushed that idea aside. There had to be something
else at work.
Another elderly man in a wheelchair stopped in front of
me. He gestured to catch the attention of his pale attendant.
He whispered something to her and she nodded in reply.
With a few tufts of white hair and a distinct wheeze, the man
looked like a frail child swallowed by his midnight-colored
robe. He lingered in front of me, his black eyes empty. Cold.
His withered face broke out into a grin, revealing yellowed
teeth. When he reached for me, his attendant pushed him
toward me. I watched his hand, covered in liver spots, quiver
in my direction.
I wanted to take a step back. To flee from the room or have
myself carried away like that other girl. Before I could give

28

into the idea, his hand snatched my wrist. I recoiled from

the hard leathery feel of his skin. He didnt seem to mind
my reaction. Matter of fact, he chuckled. So the rumors are
true.
What rumors?
He reached into his robe and dropped several cards into
my box.
By the time the Guild left the room with the guards, the
murmurings turned into excited conversation as the newest
Water Bearers checked their containers. I, for one, didnt
want to look inside mine. My eyes went to the door as the
weight of the box pushed down on my hands. One girl
beside me shook her empty box, perhaps hoping one would
materialize.
Once Zoe reached my side, I had to open the container.
I have five credit cards! Can you believe it? Did you get
some? I saw some old guy stop in front of you. So creepy.
I opened my box and whispered a curse. When I peered
inside, I didnt know what emotion to feel. Tucked inside my
sponsor box, lay seventeen red credit cards.

29

WANT TO KEEP
READING?

COMING DECEMBER 9TH, 2014

ORDER UNDER MY SKIN

FROM THESE RETAILERS.
Amazon B&N Kobo iBooks