Page 31 of Shadows of Nightshade
That was, technically, true.
“After that…” I wrapped my arms around my stomach. “We became friends. I told Finn about my abilities. He seemed happy at first, and I thought maybe I found someone who understood. But the next day, I was called to the principal’s office. Finn and my parents were there… along with some strangers. Finn wasn’t so happy anymore.”
Damen’s white-knuckled hold on my knees turned painful, and I squirmed. He released my legs with an apology and moved to his feet.
“Why did they hide it?” Damen asked.
“Why did they care?” Miles added.
Because I was weird—or at least that’s what I always thought. I shrugged.
“They a-asked me lots of questions,” I told them. Why was my courage betraying me now? I’d been doing so well. “I-I didn’t know what I’d done wrong. They forced me to go to the h-hospital and talk to doctors. They said I was sick. But…” I looked at my hands. “I don’t feel sick?” Why did that sound like a question?
But if that was the case, why did everyone walk on eggshells around me?
I didn’t understand.
“You’re not sick.” Miles moved to the coffee table and took myhand in his. His deep eyes only reflected genuine sincerity. “There’s nothing going on that we can’t handle.”
“But…” I bit my tongue. “Did I imagine that he believed me back then? I rarely brought up the paranormal again. I only did this time because…” I touched my lips. “Well, I needed h-help. I-I didn’t think it would go this far. What if they have me committed again?”
The silence in the room was deafening, and I glanced up, unable to miss the obvious fury in Miles’s expression and the blazing anger in Damen’s.
I was suddenly unsure of my confession. Why were theythisangry?
Finn was concerned. They had to see that. After all, he didn’t believe in the paranormal.
Right?
I laughed nervously, attempting to alleviate the tension in the air. “Don’t look like that,” I said. “It’s not like you can force someone to believe in this sort of thing.”
Damen grunted, the first sound that he had made in a while, as he asked, “Do you think he doesn’t know?”
The developing conclusion was undeniable, but that didn’t make acceptance any easier.
Miles shot Damen a look. “Not now.”
Damen glowered at him, but it was too late. That was all the confirmation I needed.
“I’m not the only one, am I? Finnknowsit’s all real, doesn’t he?” I lifted my eyes from my clenched fists. “Are you all like me?”
I was surprised, however, when Damen’s anger deflated. “You really do come up with some wild, outlandish theories.”
I blushed, embarrassed. I’d thought I was onto something.
“But you’re on the right track,” he continued.
It took a moment for his words to process, my mind tired and muddled from the events of the day. Still, I didn’t miss the proud gleam in his eyes as he watched me.
“Wait,” I said. “Really? You’re like me?”
“But you’re still not one hundred percent correct,” Damen responded. “You’re only two out of three.”
I pursed my lips. What was I wrong about?
“Yes, the four of us have abilities, but we are not mediums,” he said. “And yes, Finn is aware of this world and even has his own abilities. There are a lot of people like you out there.”
I was in shock as it registered.
