Page 65 of Demons In My Head: Exposing the Exiled
"In," Felix commanded, and we filed through the door like scolded children as Felix disappeared into what I assumed was a bathroom when the sounds of running water started almost immediately.
“He’s going to be a minute. We can use the outdoor shower,” Ashland announced. “Rhodes, Misha, and Talon can babysit for five minutes.”
I moved to lean against the cold stone of the forge, but Talon's hand shot out, grabbing my wrist. "Oh no, Bun-bun. You're staying right here where we can see you."
The others showered quickly, and then it was Talon’s turn. I went last, using the bathroom once Felix was done. There was no window, so nowhere for me to escape, even if I wanted to.
I wasn’t sure what to think about everything. I’d delivered the blow that led to Asrael’s death. He was dead. The killer of my parents was finally dead. My mission… it was complete. But the victory didn’t feel quite as sweet as it should have.
“It’s going to be fine, darling. They saw what you did to Asrael. You just have to explain…” Jasper said as I washed my hair, clearly picking up on my anxiety over the situation.
“It’s not that simple. What if they don’t believe me? What if they never trust me again?”
The door creaked as it opened. “Did you say something, Bun-Bun?” Talon asked curiously.
“No, just talking to myself. I’m almost done.” I shot Jasper a pointed look and held my finger up to my lips.
“Here’s some clothes, I’ll leave them on the sink. Felix went and raided one of the wardrobes in the castle.”
I rinsed the final suds from my body. “Thanks, Talon.”
“Now hurry the fuck up, Bun-Bun. I have like, one million questions, and I am not a patient demon.” The door creaked as he left.
I quickly dried off and pulled on the black cargo pants and black t-shirt. No underwear, which was fine with me. I drew the line at wearing used undergarments. At least there were socks and a brush. I opened the door and ran the brush through my hair as I walked right into Felix.
“Good. Come on,” he said, emotionless. He pulled me into the center of the room, the others forming a loose circle around me. Someone had built a fire, causing their shadows to dance along the walls. My skin prickled under their intense stares—Ashland's icy calculation, Rhodes' burning hatred, Misha's predatory focus, Talon's manic glee, and Felix's... something I couldn't quite read.
"Now," Felix said, closing the door behind him. "We're going to talk. All of us. And no one is leaving until we figure out what the fuck is really going on."
I swallowed hard, my fingers fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. "I can explain everything."
"I highly fuckin' doubt that," Rhodes growled.
"Shut up, Rhodes," Felix snapped. "You'll get your turn." His eyes locked onto mine, and for the first time, I saw a flash of the pain I'd caused him. "Start from the beginning, Palmer. And this time, tell us the truth. All of it."
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves under their intense stares. "I was young when my parents were murdered," I began, my voice barely above a whisper. "Asrael found me that night, covered in their blood, trying desperately to heal them with powers I didn't understand."
Talon's manic energy stilled, his usual restlessness replaced by an eerie focus. I forced myself to continue.
"Asrael told me he could help me control my abilities, teach me to be stronger. When you're that broken, that lost..." I swallowed hard. "You'll believe anything someone tells you if they offer you purpose."
"Montague Industries," Felix said softly, understanding dawning in his eyes.
I nodded. "He built it from nothing, supposedly to help other orphaned witches and mages, like me. But really, it was all about control. Training us. Using us."
"Using you against us," Rhodes interjected coldly.
"Yes." My hands clenched into fists. "Asrael told me The Exiled were demons, and demons weren’t meant to be in our realm. That you had been killing, maiming, and breaking laws. You needed to be neutralized. I wanted to prove myself to him, and being successful at this mission was how I was going to achieve that."
"That's why you came to Haunt that night." Ashland's voice was ice. "To infiltrate us."
A bitter laugh escaped me. "Yes, that was the goal. But then I met you all, and nothing made sense anymore. The monsters Asrael described... You weren't them."
"So what changed?" Felix asked quietly.
"Everything." I ran a hand through my hair in frustration. "The way you treated your people, how you protected the city. Even when you were being absolutely terrifying, there wasalways a reason, always justice behind it. It didn't match what I'd been told."
"But you still left," Rhodes reminded everyone harshly.
