Page 67 of Unseen Eye
I roll my eyes, grabbing the wine bottle from Izzy and topping off my glass. “I’m really getting tired of that question. Let’s just say it’s been one hell of a day.”
“You,” Izzy says, pointing directly at Callon, “start talking.”
With a deep breath, Callon begins recounting the day’s events. I relax a bit, grateful that he leaves out the more sensitive details like my breakdown or making out… Izzy’s expression shifts from guarded to contemplative as she listens.
“Anything useful in the journal?” she finally asks.
Callon hesitates, then shakes his head. “Nothing concrete yet—mostly just stories and personal notes.”
I chime in, “But there was something strange. Kendry had ingredients from Skorda, Coire, and even Catalpa. Rare stuff.”
Theo’s frown deepens. “What does that mean?”
Callon’s gaze darkens. “It means Kendry was using those ingredients to suppress Eva’s affinity, making her seem ordinary.”
He glances at me for confirmation, and I give him a slight nod, allowing him to continue.
“There’s also evidence Kendry was connected to the Survivors. We’re still working out how deep it goes.”
Theo’s eyes widen. “That’s... huge.”
“There’s more to dig into,” Callon says, shifting the mood. “But for now, what matters is that Eva’s here with us, and between the four of us, we’ll figure this out.” Standing, he raises his glass. “For tonight, we drink. I’ll be right back.”
I can’t help but watch him as he leaves, feeling the undeniable pull of his presence.
Izzy gives me a knowing look. “So… what actually happened?”
“Nothing,” I say quickly, glancing away.
“Right.” She smirks. “Subtlety’s not your strong suit.”
“Fine, Miss Observant.” I smirk back. “But it really is nothing.”
Theo glances between us, thoroughly lost. “I’m so confused.”
“General Obvious strikes again,” Izzy teases him. “It’s a wonder you made it through the ranks.”
Callon returns with more wine and another bottle ofsomething stronger.
“Oh man,” Theo exclaims, grinning, “Cal’s breaking out the good stuff. Whatever we’re celebrating, I’m in.”
Izzy gives Callon a sidelong look. “What exactly are we celebrating, Cal?”
He shrugs, a glint in his eyes as he glances at me. He pours the drink, handing each of us a glass. “To new beginnings,” he says, locking eyes with me.
“To new beginnings,” I echo softly, clinking my glass with his.
Izzy takes a sip, not convinced. “It’s not every day we get to drink the good stuff. What’s the real occasion?”
Callon grins. “We’re alive, we’re together, and we’ve got a shot at changing this mess.”
“Good enough for me,” Theo says, taking a generous gulp.
“I think it’s more than that,” Izzy teases, shooting Callon a knowing look. “I think someone’s feeling particularly inspired.”
Callon rolls his eyes but smiles. “Maybe. But sometimes you take the small wins.”
Theo laughs. “Here’s to surviving the day and figuring out this mess.”
