Jioni’s eyes widened, then became vacant. Her hand glided over her bruised face, which had several scratches and cuts. Her dreads lay uneven and sporadically over her. She tried to think of a way out of the topic, but Brandon’s eyes were locked.
“The Tenebris,” Jioni said.
The vague truth was the option Jioni leaned toward since the full truth was pure absurdity.
“The Tenebris?” He repeated.
“Yeah, outside, I got attacked by one.”
Brandon’s concern didn’t seem to let up. His expression didn’t change at all.
“Jioni, the Tenebris outbreak had been eliminated hours ago. And, well, your wounds are fresh. And I don’t want to intrude on your business. But I really want to know what’s going on.”
Jioni closed her eyes and took one breath. “Okay. Fine. Mayor Tracey.” She paused. “She got upset with me, and put me in the Agent Trials. Level 15. I got attacked by Tenebris there.”
That was all the story she could muster up. She carried the full details of the terrifying event with her, and though she wanted to explain it all, reliving it would release an inner panic. Jioni’s mind immediately went vacant.
And Brandon’s expression still didn’t change, but he blinked once.
